The Ugandan government has launched a nationwide monthly clean-up campaign, calling on citizens to dedicate three hours on the last Saturday of every month to improving sanitation in a bid to curb disease outbreaks, reduce flooding and promote healthier communities.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja unveiled the National Cleaning Days initiative, which begins on Saturday, July 25, with residents expected to participate from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. by cleaning homes, schools, markets, workplaces, trading centers and other public spaces.
The campaign comes as authorities raise concerns over worsening waste management, particularly in urban areas where uncollected garbage continues to clog drainage channels and create breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects.
Nabbanja said poor sanitation has become a growing public health challenge that cannot be left to local governments alone. She urged every Ugandan to take responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean, describing environmental hygiene as a shared national duty.
Government statistics show Kampala produces between 2,000 and 2,500 tonnes of waste each day, but less than half is collected. The remainder often ends up in drainage channels, wetlands and open spaces, contributing to floods during heavy rains and increasing the risk of preventable diseases.
Health officials say poor waste disposal and stagnant water have fueled outbreaks of illnesses such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, malaria and bilharzia. Officials believe regular community clean-up efforts can help reduce those risks while easing pressure on the country’s health system.
The exercise is expected to involve households, businesses, schools, universities, hospitals, factories, places of worship and community organizations. Residents have been encouraged to clear blocked drains, remove stagnant water, collect litter and adopt better waste disposal practices.
To ensure the campaign reaches every part of the country, the government has assigned Resident District Commissioners, Chief Administrative Officers, district chairpersons, mayors, town clerks, Local Council leaders, religious institutions and cultural leaders to mobilize communities ahead of each monthly exercise.
Several government ministries will jointly oversee the initiative. The Ministry of Local Government will coordinate implementation through local authorities, while the Ministry of Health will provide public health guidance. The Ministry of Water and Environment will support environmental conservation efforts, and the Ministry of Education and Sports will mobilize schools. Kampala Capital City Authority will lead activities within the capital, with the Office of the Prime Minister providing overall supervision.
Officials say the campaign is backed by Uganda’s Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to a clean and healthy environment, as well as existing environmental and public health laws.
The launch has also prompted discussion among members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, whose primary day of worship falls on Saturday. Some expressed concern about the timing of the exercise.
Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi said the government intentionally scheduled the clean-up during the early morning hours so participants could continue with the rest of their day’s activities afterward. He emphasized that the decision was not intended to conflict with religious observance and appealed to all Ugandans to support the initiative in the interest of protecting public health.
Deputy Inspector General of Police James Ochaya said the Uganda Police Force is ready to support implementation of the monthly program, noting that security agencies will help coordinate activities across the country.
By turning the exercise into a recurring national event rather than a one-time campaign, the government hopes to foster a culture where clean neighborhoods become a routine responsibility, helping communities prevent disease, protect the environment and build greater resilience against flooding.
