Uganda has introduced the National Cleaning Days Initiative, a nationwide sanitation programme aimed at promoting cleanliness, protecting the environment, and encouraging citizens to take collective responsibility for maintaining a clean and healthy environment.

Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja announced the initiative, conveying greetings from H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who initiated the National Cleaning Days concept and advocated for its adoption as a national programme.

Speaking during the launch preparations, Nabbanja highlighted the link between sanitation, environmental management, and public health, noting that a significant proportion of Uganda’s disease burden is preventable.

She said that diseases such as malaria, diarrhoea, typhoid, and others are closely linked to poor sanitation practices and environmental challenges.

The Prime Minister pointed to the challenge of solid waste management in Kampala, stating that the city generates between 2,000 and 2,500 tonnes of solid waste daily, while only 50–60% is collected.

According to Nabbanja, uncollected waste contributes to blocked drainage channels, environmental pollution, and increased health risks.

She also stressed that poor sanitation continues to affect communities, with sanitation-related illnesses linked to unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene.

The National Cleaning Days Initiative will take place on the last Saturday of every month from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

The programme will run under the slogan:

“A Clean Uganda Is Everybody’s Responsibility.”

The initiative will follow a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach, bringing together government ministries, departments and agencies, local governments, cultural and religious institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations, and citizens.

The Prime Minister announced that the Vice President of Uganda will launch the National Cleaning Days Initiative on behalf of the President on Saturday, 25 July 2026, at Kiti Zone, Kisenyi III Parish, Kampala Central Division.

During the three-hour cleaning exercise, unnecessary movement of people and vehicles will not be allowed, except for emergency and essential services.

Nabbanja urged motorists, businesses, and members of the public to plan accordingly and dedicate the three hours to cleaning activities.

The Prime Minister reminded Ugandans that environmental protection is a responsibility shared by all citizens, citing constitutional provisions that place a duty on citizens to protect the environment while recognising the right to a clean and healthy environment.

She called on Ugandans across the country to participate in the initiative and work together to keep Uganda clean.