National Cleaning Day Draws Praise And Criticism:MPs Call For Better Planning Of National Cleaning Exercise.
Uganda's mandatory National Cleaning Day has drawn mixed reactions from the public and Members of Parliament. While supporters praise the initiative for promoting environmental conservation and sanitation, critics argue that its abrupt roll-out disrupted daily business activities, prompting lawmakers to demand better planning and stronger legal frameworks.
Following an August 2025 cabinet resolution and a July 23, 2026, government directive, Ugandans were required to participate in a mandatory National Cleaning Day exercise from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, which operated under strict regulations to ensure community and national cleanliness.
Despite the short notice, many Ugandans complied with the government directive by taking to the streets for the nationwide clean-up. Local leaders, government officials, community members, and schoolchildren joined forces to clear and sanitize public spaces.
Many participants welcomed the initiative, saying it would promote cleanliness, improve sanitation, and encourage greater environmental conservation.
However, despite the positive response, the directive also drew criticism due to its abrupt implementation. The restrictions disrupted business operations, transport, and other activities during the exercise.
Several legislators questioned the timing and execution of the directive, arguing that the limited notice inconvenienced many people in different ways noting that this could be implemented in a better way without even police enforcement.
While commending the initiative, legislators observed that the exercise could have been better organized. They noted that proper planning and sufficient preparation, especially on waste disposal, would make the initiative much better. But also noted that there must be voluntary participation without fear and reduced inconvenience to businesses and other economic activities.
On the other hand, Hon. Batuwa of Jinja South Division proposed a more sustainable approach, urging the government to enact a law that enforces proper sanitation nationwide instead of relying on mandatory street-cleaning exercises by citizens.
Uganda's National Cleaning Day has been made a mandatory monthly sanitation initiative requiring residents to participate in a three-hour community clean-up held on the last Saturday of every month under the theme "A Clean Uganda is Everybody's Responsibility."
