Health Ministry Urges Dedicated Funding and Stronger Systems for National Cleaning Days

The Ministry of Health in Uganda has underscored that the country’s monthly National Cleaning Days require dedicated government funding, robust waste management systems, and active public participation to achieve sustainable sanitation improvements.

Speaking at a recent reflection workshop, Cate Namyalo, a senior environment officer at the ministry, highlighted that while the initiative has successfully raised awareness about sanitation-related diseases and fostered multi-sector collaboration, severe implementation bottlenecks persist across local governments.

Local authorities reportedly face acute shortages of cleaning equipment, protective gear, and adequate waste transportation and disposal facilities. Namyalo pointed out that these deficits severely hamper the sustainability of monthly cleaning exercises, noting further challenges such as delayed reporting or complete failure to submit progress reports by some regional authorities.

To overcome these hurdles, the ministry is advocating for the integration of monthly cleaning activities directly into the work plans and budgets of all ministries, departments, agencies, and local councils. Relying purely on voluntary contributions is no longer viable if the nation aims for permanent behavioral change and cleaner public spaces.

Namyalo also cautioned that the cleanups risk offering only temporary relief if gathered refuse is left uncollected. Without prompt transportation to designated disposal sites, streets quickly revert to messy conditions shortly after an exercise concludes.

Moving forward, the ministry has called for enhanced partnerships with private sector waste collectors, civil society organizations, and development partners. Strengthening public awareness through sustained broadcast media campaigns is also seen as crucial to transforming cleanliness from a monthly event into a daily routine.

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