Uganda holds successful first National Cleaning Day

By Leticia Kahubire

KAMPALA

People across Uganda came together on Saturday to participate in the inaugural National Cleaning Day, demonstrating a shared commitment to creating cleaner, healthier, and safer public spaces.

The nationwide exercise, officially launched by H.E. Vice President Jessica Alupo at Kiti Zone in Kisenyi Parish, Kampala, marked the beginning of a monthly campaign that will see Ugandans dedicate the last Saturday of every month, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., to cleaning their homes and public spaces, including roads, schools, health facilities, and markets.

The initiative, championed by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, aims to promote environmental sanitation by encouraging every citizen to take responsibility for the cleanliness of their surroundings.

Speaking during the launch, the Vice President urged Ugandans to make cleanliness a daily habit rather than a one-day activity.

“Cleaning should start at the household and extend to our communities. Uganda belongs to all of us,” she said. “I hereby launch the national cleaning activities to be conducted on the last Saturday of every month by all people in Uganda.”

The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said the initiative was approved and adopted as a national programme by the Cabinet in August 2025.

“The lead champion of this National Cleaning Day is H.E. President Yoweri Museveni,” she said. “We have been planning this for quite some time.”

The Vice President, Prime Minister, Ministers and several government officials participated in the cleaning exercise before and after the launch along with members of the general public.

From urban centres to rural communities, thousands of Ugandans turned out in large numbers and worked together to clear drainage channels, sweep streets, collect waste, and restore public spaces, leaving many communities visibly cleaner by the end of the exercise.

The Government received an overwhelming response on its social media platforms from across the country, with hundreds of Ugandans sharing photographs and videos of themselves participating in the exercise. This reflected public ownership of the campaign and emphasised the message that environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility.

As the programme continues every last Saturday of the month, the Government is calling upon all Ugandans to sustain the momentum and work together to keep the country clean and healthy.

See recap of the launch

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