Uganda will tomorrow on Saturday launch a mandatory nationwide monthly cleaning exercise, with Vice President Jessica Alupo expected to lead the inaugural event in Kiti Zone, Kisenyi Parish in Kampala as the government intensifies efforts to improve sanitation and prevent disease outbreaks.
The National Cleaning Days Initiative will run from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., with Alupo joining Cabinet ministers, senior government officials, Kampala leaders and residents in the first community clean-up.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja on Friday formally announced the launch alongside ministers, Deputy Head of Public Service Jane Mwesiga, permanent secretaries and heads of government agencies.
Following the launch, Ugandans will be expected to participate in organised cleaning activities in their communities on the last Saturday of every month from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
The initiative follows a Cabinet decision made in August 2025 and implementation guidelines issued by the Office of the Prime Minister on June 30.
The Office of the Prime Minister will provide overall policy oversight, while the Ministry of Health will serve as the technical lead, coordinating implementation, monitoring and reporting.
Under the guidelines, all ministries, departments, agencies and local governments are required to appoint National Cleaning Days focal persons, mobilise communities, integrate the programme into annual work plans and budgets, conduct public awareness campaigns and submit periodic implementation reports.
Implementation of the initiative will also be incorporated into the performance assessment of accounting officers, chief administrative officers and town clerks.
The government said no additional funding would be released for the programme during the 2026/27 financial year, with institutions expected to finance the exercise using existing budget allocations and reprioritised resources.
The campaign comes as Uganda continues to grapple with sanitation-related public health challenges. Health officials say poor waste management contributes to outbreaks of cholera, typhoid and other diarrhoeal diseases, while blocked drainage channels have fuelled recurrent flooding in Kampala and other urban centres.
Officials say the monthly exercise is intended to improve environmental sanitation, strengthen waste management, protect water sources and foster community participation in keeping neighbourhoods clean.
