”We Target Cleaner, Healthier Communities”-Says Gov’t As Uganda Kicks Off National Cleaning Days

By Swift Reporter

The Government has pledged to provide local governments with more garbage trucks and waste management equipment as Uganda officially rolled out the National Cleaning Days initiative aimed at improving sanitation, reducing disease outbreaks, and promoting a cleaner environment across the country.

The nationwide campaign was launched in Kisenyi, Kampala, by Vice President Jessica Alupo on behalf of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, marking the beginning of a coordinated national effort to tackle poor sanitation and instill a culture of cleanliness among citizens.

Speaking at the launch, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said the initiative was conceived by President Museveni and had been under preparation for the past year before receiving Cabinet approval on August 11, 2025.

Nabbanja said the programme seeks to improve public health by reducing hygiene-related illnesses, enabling Ugandans to remain healthy and productive.

“If well implemented, the initiative will strengthen our ability to boost household incomes because fewer people will fall sick from hygiene-related illnesses and will be able to concentrate on their work,” Nabbanja said.

She noted that government had already developed implementation guidelines clearly outlining the responsibilities of ministries, departments, agencies, and local governments to ensure the programme succeeds nationwide.

Vice President Alupo described the initiative as a significant step toward building a cleaner and healthier Uganda while promoting civic responsibility among citizens.

“This initiative will go a long way in enhancing the sanitation and hygiene of the nation. Let us therefore take it very seriously,” Alupo said.

She urged Ugandans to begin maintaining cleanliness in their homes before extending the effort to neighborhoods, markets, schools, workplaces, and public spaces.

“Poor hygiene is a danger to our lives. Therefore, cleaning is not an option; it is essential and reflects a sense of responsibility and patriotism from each and every one of us,” she added.

Alupo revealed that the Office of the Prime Minister will coordinate the programme in collaboration with relevant ministries, departments, and agencies. She also appealed to religious leaders, cultural institutions, political leaders, development partners, and the private sector to actively support and champion the campaign within their respective communities.

Addressing concerns over the country’s waste management capacity, the Vice President assured local governments that the government would continue providing the equipment necessary to effectively implement the initiative.

“The government will continue providing local governments, cities and municipalities with equipment including trucks for removing garbage, gloves and other waste management equipment in their areas of responsibility,” Alupo said.

She further urged local authorities to ensure proper maintenance and effective utilization of the equipment once allocated.

The government’s commitment follows concerns raised by Kampala Lord Mayor Eng. Ronald Balimwezo, who questioned whether local authorities possess sufficient capacity to manage the increased volumes of waste expected during the nationwide cleanup exercise.

Balimwezo noted that Kampala generates approximately 3,200 tonnes of garbage every day but currently collects only about 770 tonnes, leaving a significant amount either uncollected or disposed of through informal means.

He warned that without adequate garbage trucks and disposal facilities, the nationwide exercise could create additional waste management challenges instead of resolving existing sanitation problems.

Despite these concerns, government officials expressed confidence that continued investment in waste collection equipment, combined with active citizen participation, will make the National Cleaning Days initiative a major milestone in improving sanitation, protecting public health, and creating cleaner communities across Uganda.