Uganda introduces mandatory National Cleaning Days to improve sanitation

Kampala, Uganda: The Government of Uganda has introduced the National Cleaning Days (NCDs) Initiative, making the last Saturday of every month a dedicated nationwide community cleaning day as part of efforts to improve sanitation, protect public health and conserve the environment.

The initiative, approved by Cabinet and launched under the theme “A Clean Uganda Is Everybody’s Responsibility,” will see citizens across the country participate in community cleaning activities every month from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

According to government, the programme is aimed at addressing poor sanitation and environmental degradation, which continue to contribute significantly to preventable diseases and poor public health outcomes.

The initiative comes amid growing concerns over waste management, particularly in urban centres. In Kampala, an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 tonnes of solid waste are generated every day, yet only about 50 to 60 percent is collected and safely disposed of.

The National Cleaning Days will bring together government institutions, local governments, cultural and religious institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations, development partners and all persons residing in Uganda to clean public spaces.

Activities will focus on cleaning communities, markets, schools, health facilities, places of worship, roads, drainage channels and other public areas.

Government says the initiative is intended to foster a culture of shared responsibility for environmental cleanliness while reducing sanitation-related diseases and improving the country’s overall productivity.

The initiative will be officially launched by Vice President Jessica Alupo, representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Kiti Zone, Kisenyi III Parish, Kampala Central Division.

During the three-hour cleaning exercise, unnecessary movement of people and vehicles will be restricted, while businesses will remain closed, except for providers of essential services and those responding to genuine emergencies.

Government has called on all Ugandans to actively participate in the monthly exercise, describing environmental cleanliness as a collective responsibility essential for building healthier and more resilient communities.