The Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, has called on Ugandans to participate in the fourth National Cleaning Day scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026, as the government intensifies efforts to improve sanitation, protect the environment and promote public health.
The nationwide exercise will run from 7am to 10am, with Lira City designated as the national cleanup site in recognition of its importance as one of the host cities for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister in October, Nabbanja said all districts, cities, municipalities, town councils, sub-counties, parishes and villages are expected to participate in the exercise.
“I call upon all Ugandans, institutions, schools, businesses, communities and other stakeholders to prepare adequately and take an active role in cleaning and maintaining their surroundings,” she said.
The exercise will target roadsides, public walkways, markets, trading centres, drainage channels, schools, health facilities, residential neighbourhoods and other public spaces requiring cleaning and proper maintenance.
Nabbanja urged local government leaders, including Resident District Commissioners, Resident City Commissioners, district chairpersons, mayors, chief administrative officers and local council leaders, to coordinate the exercise and mobilise communities.
She also directed local government authorities and relevant institutions to strengthen sanitation supervision, ensure timely removal of accumulated waste and enforce existing sanitation measures.
The Prime Minister said local authorities should provide the necessary operational resources, including cleaning tools, protective equipment, waste collection trucks, wheelbarrows, fuel and other logistical support.
She further cautioned against collecting garbage only to transfer it to other public spaces, insisting that all waste must be transported to approved disposal or treatment facilities.
“Since the beginning of this exercise, there has been remarkable improvement in cleanliness across the country. However, the continued presence of garbage in some areas remains a concern,” Nabbanja said.
She called on individuals, businesses, non-governmental organisations and civil society organisations to support the initiative by providing cleaning equipment and other materials.
Nabbanja also urged Ugandans to adopt responsible waste management practices, including sorting waste at source where possible, using designated collection points and avoiding dumping rubbish along roadsides, in drainage channels and other unauthorised places.
She emphasised that the National Cleaning Day programme should promote lasting behavioural change rather than temporary cleanliness during the designated three-hour exercise.
“Our objective is not simply to clean the country for three hours on one day. It is to establish cleanliness, proper sanitation and environmental responsibility as permanent national values and everyday practices,” she said.
The Prime Minister further reminded the public that movement restrictions would apply to vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians during the cleaning period from 7am to 10am on the last Saturday of every month.
Exemptions will apply to garbage collection trucks, medical and ambulance services, security personnel, foreign tourists, diplomats, health workers and people undertaking scheduled international travel who have the required supporting documentation.
She urged members of the public to plan their movements accordingly and cooperate with authorities implementing the restrictions.
Nabbanja commended Ugandans who participated in the first three cleaning exercises held on July 25, August 29 and September 26, 2026, with national events conducted in Kampala City, Wakiso and Hoima City, respectively.
She also thanked security agencies, waste collection truck drivers, contractors and other service providers for supporting the programme.
The Prime Minister called on political, cultural, religious, business and community leaders to lead by example by participating in the exercise and mobilising citizens.
She said maintaining clean homes, workplaces and neighbourhoods should remain a daily responsibility for every Ugandan, adding that the monthly cleaning exercises were intended to complement, rather than replace, routine sanitation practices.
“Cleanliness is our shared responsibility. Every citizen should refrain from littering, illegal dumping and practices that undermine public sanitation,” she said.
Nabbanja said the success of the programme would depend on effective planning, strong leadership, community participation and responsible waste management, urging Ugandans to sustain the spirit of cleanliness beyond October 31.
