Uganda Enforces Nationwide Cleaning Day: A New Era for Public Hygiene

The Ugandan government has officially declared the last Saturday of every month as National Cleaning Day, a mandatory three-hour exercise requiring all citizens to participate. During this designated period, from 7:00 am to 10:00 am, all vehicular movement will be prohibited on the roads, except for emergency and security vehicles, and all businesses will remain closed. This significant national initiative was formally announced by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kampala.

The announcement saw the presence of key officials from various governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Local Government, Kampala Capital City Authority, Uganda Police Force, and the National Environment Management Authority. Prime Minister Nabbanja underscored the critical importance of this initiative, revealing that approximately 75% of diseases prevalent in Uganda are directly linked to poor sanitation and hygiene. She cited specific health concerns such as malaria, diarrhoea, and typhoid, attributing their spread to environmental hazards.

The decision to implement a nationwide public cleaning day was approved by the cabinet during its sitting on August 11, 2025, chaired by President Yoweri Museveni. This approval came in direct response to alarming health statistics, which indicate that an estimated 33 children die daily from diseases caused by inadequate sanitation and hygiene. Nabbanja also highlighted the severe waste management issues in Kampala, where only 50-60 percent of the 2,000 to 25,000 tonnes of solid waste produced daily is collected and disposed of, leading to blocked drainage systems, environmental pollution, and heightened risks of disease outbreaks. The initiative is also rooted in Article 39 of the Constitution, which upholds the right and duty to a clean environment.

During the National Cleaning Day, Ugandans are expected to engage in organized cleaning activities across their communities, targeting critical areas such as roads, health facilities, drainage systems, markets, places of worship, and schools. Prime Minister Nabbanja has directed all local governments to take the lead in mobilizing communities and identifying specific areas that require cleaning. The enforcement of these regulations will be strict, with the President instructing the Uganda Police Force and other security agencies to be deployed on roads to ensure compliance. Deputy Inspector General of Police James Ochaya affirmed the police's readiness and capacity to enforce the initiative, drawing parallels to their enforcement of past Covid-19 restrictions. The initiative will be conducted under the unifying theme: "A Clean Uganda is Everybody's Business."

The official launch of National Cleaning Day is scheduled for the 25th at Kisenyi, Mengo, and will be presided over by Vice President Dr. Chris Baryomunsi. Dr. Baryomunsi, who also serves as the Minister of Health, urged Ugandans to embrace the initiative without resistance, emphasizing that good health is essential for everyone. Addressing concerns raised by Seventh-day Adventists regarding their Saturday day of worship, he clarified that the early hours were chosen to allow people to pursue other activities later. He also appealed for broad participation, quoting a biblical passage to illustrate the importance of immediate action in times of need. New guidelines are expected to be issued following the official launch.