opinion 29 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Lessons Learned from Uganda's National Cleaning Exercise
Uganda's monthly national cleaning exercise, aimed at improving sanitation and hygiene, has shown promise but also highlighted areas needing better preparation and implementation, particularly regarding waste management and clear exemption guidelines. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/editorial/let-us-pick-lessons-from-last-national-cleaning-exercise--5575442
Uganda recently held its second national cleaning exercise, a mandatory three-hour event on the last Saturday of each month designed to combat the 75 percent of diseases linked to poor sanitation. While the initiative saw enthusiastic participation from citizens, its execution revealed several challenges that warrant attention.
Despite the widespread engagement, significant piles of garbage remained uncollected in urban areas days after the exercise, suggesting that local authorities were unprepared for the volume of waste generated. The implementation also faced confusion, with questions arising about exemptions for groups like Seventh Day Adventists and instances of police stopping essential travelers, including those en route to medical appointments.
Recognizing these issues, authorities have begun to refine the process. The police have issued clearer guidelines for the upcoming exercises, specifying exemptions for patients, medical personnel, emergency services, cross-border transport, tourists, and journalists. This step is crucial to ensure the exercise does not hinder essential services or unduly burden citizens.
A key area for improvement is waste management. While Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has taken steps by engaging private waste collection companies, other urban centers need to follow suit. Establishing clear collection points and ensuring prompt removal of collected refuse is vital for the exercise’s success. The call for corporate entities to donate trucks for waste collection during these events is also a practical suggestion to bolster resources.
Furthermore, public safety during the cleaning must be prioritized. Participants are urged to use proper protective gear, such as gloves and masks, to avoid contracting diseases. Thorough personal hygiene after the exercise, including washing with soap and clean water, is equally important. Learning from these initial exercises will be key to making future national cleaning days more effective and impactful in improving Uganda’s health and environment.