Uganda to Launch National Cleaning Days

For three hours every month, Uganda will pause, not for a holiday or celebration, but to come together in a shared national responsibility of cleaning the country. The Government of Uganda has officially announced the National Cleaning Days Initiative. This nationwide campaign calls on every Ugandan to play an active role in keeping their communities clean, healthy and safe. The initiative was announced by the Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of Uganda, during a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister ahead of its official launch on Saturday, 25 July 2026. The initiative will be officially launched by H.E. Jessica Alupo, the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, on behalf of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at Kitintale Zone, Kisasi Parish, Kampala Central Division, starting at 7:00 a.m. 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 Office of the Prime Minister will coordinate the National Cleaning Days Initiative 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. A cleaner Uganda starts with each one of us.