Uganda Mandates Monthly National Cleaning Days for All

The Ugandan government has launched the National Cleaning Days (NACDs) Initiative, a nationwide program requiring mandatory participation from all government bodies, local authorities, and citizens. This initiative, detailed in a Cabinet Circular signed by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, seeks to significantly improve public sanitation and environmental health.

The decision, stemming from a Cabinet meeting in August 2025, officially began on July 1, 2026. The first nationwide cleaning exercise took place on July 25, 2026, and will continue on the last Saturday of every month from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Government officials emphasize that Uganda’s social and economic progress is intrinsically linked to maintaining a clean and healthy environment. The circular highlights that poor sanitation contributes to preventable diseases, environmental degradation, clogged drainage systems leading to floods, and increased healthcare costs.

Participation is compulsory for all citizens and institutions. The program is envisioned as a collective effort involving various sectors, including Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), local governments, the private sector, civil society, cultural and religious institutions, development partners, and the general public.

Key objectives of NACDs include elevating environmental sanitation and hygiene standards, fostering a positive attitude towards cleanliness, strengthening inter-institutional collaboration, increasing community involvement in sanitation projects, reducing disease burdens, protecting water sources, and ultimately contributing to national development.

MDAs and local governments are tasked with appointing focal persons, integrating the initiative into their plans, conducting public awareness campaigns, and reporting on progress. Educational institutions, health facilities, markets, and other public bodies are also required to participate.

The Office of the Prime Minister will provide policy oversight, while the Ministry of Health will lead implementation and monitoring. Ministers are expected to champion the initiative within their respective sectors, and local governments will coordinate efforts within their jurisdictions.

Funding for the program will come from existing government budgets, private sector contributions, development partners, and other approved sources. Government officials have been directed to ensure full compliance, warning that failure to implement the directives will be considered a failure to execute a Cabinet decision.

Uganda’s NACDs initiative draws parallels with similar successful programs in other African nations, such as Rwanda’s “Umuganda” and Kenya’s “Kazi Mtaani,” while also building upon Uganda’s long-standing tradition of “Bulungi Bwansi” community service.

Prime Minister Nabbanja called for national support, stating, “A clean Uganda is a shared responsibility. The success of the National Cleaning Days Initiative depends on the active participation and commitment of all citizens, institutions and stakeholders. I therefore call upon all Ugandans to embrace this Initiative and work together towards building a cleaner, healthier and more prosperous nation.”

Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/358492/here-comes-the-mandatory-monthly-national-cleaning-days