In afresh move to keep entire Uganda clean,government has announced mandatory general cleaning session every saturday of the month a national Cleaning Days Initiative aimed at improving hygiene and sanitation through monthly community clean-up exercises.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja says the clean-up exercise will be conducted on the last Saturday of every month across the country from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine said maintaining proper hygiene remains one of the most effective ways of preventing disease.
“We are here as the Ministry of Health to remind Ugandans that 70–75% of diseases can be prevented through proper hygiene and sanitation,” Dr. Atwine said.
She explained that the initiative is a whole-of-government effort aimed at mobilising communities to take responsibility for keeping their homes, workplaces, markets and public spaces clean, ultimately creating healthier and safer environments.
“Government has introduced the National Cleaning Days, which will be observed every last Saturday of the month,” she said.
The Ministry of Health has called on all Ugandans to actively participate in the monthly exercise, describing it as a key intervention in preventing disease outbreaks, improving sanitation and promoting a cleaner, healthier environment across the country.
Approved by Cabinet under a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach, the initiative is designed to improve sanitation, prevent disease, protect the environment and promote a lasting culture of civic responsibility.
Beginning this month, the last Saturday of every month from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. will be observed as National Cleaning Day. During these three hours, Ugandans are expected to clean homes, neighbourhoods, markets, schools, health facilities, places of worship, roads, drainage channels and other public spaces.
Addressing the media, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja said the initiative reinforces the shared responsibility of keeping Uganda clean. “Keeping our environment clean is a civic responsibility. This initiative provides a regular opportunity for collective action to address sanitation challenges and promote lasting behaviour change.”
The campaign comes at a time when preventable diseases continue to place a significant burden on Uganda’s health system. According to the Ministry of Health, nearly 75% of the country’s disease burden is preventable, with poor sanitation and environmental hygiene contributing to illnesses such as malaria, diarrhoeal diseases and typhoid.
Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of Health, said the monthly exercise will strengthen the government’s efforts to promote disease prevention. “By keeping our environment clean, eliminating stagnant water and managing waste properly, we can prevent many diseases before they occur. Prevention remains one of the most effective public health interventions.”
The initiative will also contribute to environmental conservation by promoting proper waste management, cleaner drainage systems, improved water quality and the protection of wetlands, while supporting the continued recovery of Uganda’s forests.
Speaking at the briefing, Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance (Information), said the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance will lead nationwide public awareness and mobilisation to ensure every Ugandan understands the importance of the initiative and participates actively. “Keeping our environment clean is a civic duty for every Ugandan. Through our National Guidance mandate, we want to build a culture where keeping our surroundings clean becomes part of our daily lives, not just a one-time event.”
The Ministry will use television, radio, digital platforms and mobile communication channels to reach communities across the country while encouraging citizens to share their monthly cleaning activities to inspire others.
The Uganda Police Force pledged to support implementation, emphasising that the success of the initiative should be driven by public participation, with enforcement serving only to support compliance where necessary.
Development partners also welcomed the initiative, with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) describing it as an important step towards building lasting behaviour change and making environmental responsibility part of everyday life.
The National Cleaning Days Initiative will be coordinated by the Office of the Prime Minister in collaboration with the Office of the President, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Uganda Police Force and Local Governments.
As Uganda prepares for the first National Cleaning Day this Saturday, Government is calling on every citizen to dedicate three hours each month to creating cleaner communities, protecting public health and safeguarding the environment.
