By Skika Reporter.

The Government of Uganda has officially launched mandatory monthly National Cleaning Days, requiring government institutions, local governments and citizens to participate in nationwide clean-up exercises aimed at improving sanitation, protecting public health and promoting environmental conservation.

The directive is contained in Cabinet Circular No. 1 of 2026, signed by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja on June 30, 2026, following a Cabinet decision taken on August 11, 2025, to institutionalise a national sanitation programme.

The initiative took effect on July 1, 2026, with the inaugural nationwide clean-up scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2026. Thereafter, National Cleaning Days will be observed on the last Saturday of every month from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

“The last Saturday of every month, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., shall be observed as National Cleaning Day throughout Uganda,” the circular states.

Government says the programme is intended to address persistent sanitation challenges, environmental degradation and the spread of hygiene-related diseases, while fostering a culture of cleanliness and shared civic responsibility.

According to the circular, poor sanitation continues to contribute to preventable illnesses, blocked drainage systems that cause flooding, environmental pollution and increased healthcare costs.

Participation in the monthly exercise has been made compulsory for all citizens and institutions.

“During this period, all citizens, institutions and stakeholders shall participate in organised cleaning activities within their respective areas,” the directive adds.

The initiative adopts a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, bringing together Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), local governments, the private sector, civil society organisations, cultural and religious institutions, development partners and communities.

Government says the programme seeks to improve environmental sanitation and hygiene, promote positive behavioural change, strengthen institutional collaboration, increase community ownership of sanitation initiatives, reduce sanitation-related diseases, protect water sources and public infrastructure, and contribute to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

All MDAs and local governments were required to appoint National Cleaning Days focal persons and submit their details to the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Health by July 15, 2026.

Institutions have also been directed to mobilise staff and communities, integrate the programme into annual work plans and budgets, conduct public awareness campaigns and submit regular implementation reports.

The directive extends to government-supervised institutions, including schools, health facilities, markets, prisons and places of worship, all of which are expected to participate in the monthly clean-up exercises.

Under the implementation framework, the Office of the Prime Minister will provide overall policy oversight and coordination, while the Ministry of Health will lead implementation, monitoring and reporting.

Cabinet ministers and ministers of state have been tasked with mobilising institutions under their sectors, participating in community clean-up activities and promoting public awareness on sanitation and hygiene.

Local governments will coordinate implementation within their jurisdictions by mobilising residents, identifying priority areas requiring intervention, enforcing sanitation and public health laws, and encouraging community ownership of environmental cleanliness initiatives.

The programme will be financed through existing government budgets, alongside support from the private sector, development partners, civil society organisations, voluntary community contributions and other lawful sources approved by government.

Prime Minister Nabbanja warned that compliance with the directive is mandatory.

“All Accounting Officers, Chief Administrative Officers, Town Clerks and Heads of Government Institutions are directed to ensure full compliance with this Circular and the National Cleaning Days Implementation Guidelines. Failure to implement the directives contained in this Circular shall be treated as failure to implement a Cabinet decision,” she directed.

The Office of the Prime Minister will monitor implementation and submit periodic progress reports to Cabinet.

Uganda joins several African countries that have institutionalised community sanitation programmes. Rwanda’s monthly Umuganda initiative has long mobilised citizens for communal work, while Kenya and Tanzania have also implemented organised clean-up campaigns through local authorities and community programmes.

The new initiative also builds on Uganda’s long-standing Bulungi Bwansi tradition, which has encouraged voluntary community service for decades. However, unlike the largely voluntary practice, the National Cleaning Days Initiative establishes a structured, government-led national programme with mandatory participation.

Calling for nationwide support, Nabbanja urged Ugandans to embrace the initiative.

“A clean Uganda is a shared responsibility. The success of the National Cleaning Days Initiative depends on the active participation and commitment of all citizens, institutions and stakeholders. I therefore call upon all Ugandans to embrace this Initiative and work together towards building a cleaner, healthier and more prosperous nation.”