Uganda Mandates Monthly National Cleaning Day to Boost Sanitation

Uganda is introducing a new nationwide initiative aimed at significantly improving sanitation and public health. The government has declared the last Saturday of each month as a mandatory National Cleaning Day.

This three-hour exercise, scheduled from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, will see all Ugandans participating in community clean-up activities. During this period, non-essential movement will be restricted, and businesses will be closed to facilitate the environmental drive. Only emergency and security vehicles will be permitted on the roads.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja announced the initiative, citing a Cabinet resolution from August 2025. She highlighted that poor sanitation is a major contributor to approximately 75% of diseases in Uganda, including malaria, diarrhoea, and typhoid. The initiative aims to address these issues, noting that Kampala alone struggles with significant amounts of uncollected solid waste, which blocks drainage and pollutes the environment.

Statistics indicate that about 33 children die daily from diseases linked to poor sanitation. The National Cleaning Day is also grounded in Article 39 of the Constitution, which guarantees every citizen’s right to a clean environment.

Local governments are tasked with spearheading community mobilization for the clean-up, which will cover public spaces such as roads, health facilities, markets, and schools. The program will officially launch on July 25th, officiated by Vice President Jessica Alupo.

Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi addressed concerns from the Seventh-day Adventist Church regarding the Saturday timing, assuring that the early morning hours are intended to minimize disruption. He emphasized the importance of collective action for public health, drawing parallels to rescuing a pet, stating, “Let us all participate as much as possible.”

The Uganda Police Force, under strict directives from President Museveni, is prepared to enforce compliance, drawing on experiences from COVID-19 measures. The program will operate under the theme, “A Clean Uganda is Everybody’s Business.”

Source: The Observer (Uganda)