Government declares monthly mandatory national clean-up

23 July 2026, 6:25 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Government has announced that every last Saturday of the month will be observed as a mandatory national clean-up day as part of efforts to improve environmental cleanliness and public health across Uganda.

Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja made the announcement while addressing the media at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kampala. She said Cabinet, chaired by President Yoweri Museveni, resolved that all Ugandans will be required to participate in the exercise.

“During one of the Cabinet meetings, the President and Cabinet members agreed that every last Saturday of the month, the country will participate in a general cleaning exercise. This is not optional; it is mandatory. All Ugandans are therefore informed that this Saturday, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., they are expected to take part in cleaning their surroundings,” she said.

Nabbanja noted that many preventable diseases are linked to poor sanitation and hygiene, emphasizing that the exercise is intended to improve the health and well-being of all Ugandans.

“Our people have been dying from preventable diseases, many of which are related to poor hygiene. During the three-hour exercise, shops and other workplaces must remain closed. We are doing this for our own good. Vehicles and motorcycles will also not be allowed on the roads during this period. We appeal to the public to comply with the directive because the Uganda Police Force will ensure that it is enforced,” she added.

The meeting was attended by several ministers and senior government officials, who pledged to ensure the initiative is successfully implemented. The monthly exercise will officially be launched on Saturday in Kampala by the Vice President, Rt. Hon. Jessica Alupo.

Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), local council leaders, and communities across the country have been urged to take an active role in the exercise, which is aimed at promoting a cleaner and healthier Uganda.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Sebugwawo, said her ministry will support the initiative by ensuring the public is adequately informed through nationwide awareness campaigns.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, also pledged the ministry’s full support, saying health officials across the country will participate in the implementation of the monthly clean-up exercise.