The Ministry of Health has announced that Uganda’s National Cleaning Days will become a continuous monthly programme, with local leaders required to provide evidence of their participation as part of efforts to improve public health and sanitation.
Speaking during a media orientation on Public Health Emergencies for journalists from the Kigezi Sub-region at Cephas Inn in Kabale Municipality on Friday, the Ministry of Health Senior Communication Officer, Emmanuel Ainebyoona, said local leaders will be required to submit video evidence showing their participation in the cleaning exercises held every last Saturday of the month.
The orientation was organised by the Ministry of Health with support from UNICEF.
Ainebyoona said the reports should also indicate the specific areas cleaned and the number of people who participated in the exercise.
He revealed that participation in the monthly cleaning campaign will form part of the key performance indicators used to assess the performance of local leaders, including LC I chairpersons seeking re-election.
“This is part of the key performance indicators. So, as we campaign to be re-elected, these are some of the things they should be tackling,” Ainebyoona said.
He noted that nearly 75 percent of Uganda’s disease burden is preventable, attributing many illnesses, including cholera, typhoid, bilharzia and malaria, to poor sanitation, inadequate hygiene and improper waste management.
Ainebyoona explained that during the three-hour cleaning exercise, scheduled from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., businesses and other non-essential activities will temporarily halt to allow residents to clean their homes, workplaces and surrounding environments. Essential and emergency services will, however, continue operating.
He said local leaders, including LC I and LC II chairpersons, parish chiefs and security agencies, will oversee implementation of the programme and ensure compliance.
Responding to concerns about penalties for individuals who fail to participate, Ainebyoona said enforcement would rely on existing legislation, including the Public Health Act and the Environmental Health Act, which provide for sanctions against actions that endanger public health.
He nevertheless appealed to Ugandans to embrace the initiative voluntarily rather than wait for enforcement.
CUE IN AINEBYOONA…ON CLEANING… RR/ENG//
Meanwhile, Kigezi Region Police spokesperson SP Nelson Tumushime assured the public that the Uganda Police Force, working with other security agencies, will provide adequate security during the monthly exercise to ensure public safety and compliance with the guidelines.
CUE IN SP TUMUSHIME…ON SECURITY… RR/ENG//
The National Cleaning Day will be observed every last Saturday of the month from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. as part of the government’s campaign to reduce diseases associated with poor sanitation, personal hygiene and improper waste disposal.
The programme will officially be launched on Saturday in Kiti Zone, Kisenyi, Kampala Central, by Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Rose Epel Alupo, who will represent President Yoweri Museveni.
