By Kenneth Tanaba
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has directed local government leaders across the country to step up community mobilisation ahead of the monthly National Cleaning Day, scheduled for Saturday, 31 October 2026.
In a letter dated 28 October 2026, the Ministry’s Acting Permanent Secretary, Alex Asiimwe, asked local authorities to encourage more residents, particularly women, youth and vulnerable groups, to take part in the exercise.
The letter was addressed to the Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority, all Chief Administrative Officers and Town Clerks.
Asiimwe said reports submitted by Community Development Officers indicate improvements in sanitation and cleanliness in several towns and trading centres since the exercise was introduced.
He commended local authorities for supporting the programme and urged them to maintain the progress recorded so far.
“This progress is both commendable and encouraging, demonstrating the positive impact of collective action and civic responsibility,” Asiimwe wrote.
He asked local government leaders to take an active role in organising the exercises, supervise Community Development Officers and ensure that monthly reports on the activities are submitted on time.
The reports are expected to highlight achievements, challenges and recommendations from the respective local governments.
The National Cleaning Days Initiative was approved by Cabinet on 11 August 2025 and subsequently operationalised through a circular issued by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja on 30 June 2026.
The Office of the Prime Minister later issued guidelines outlining the responsibilities of government institutions and local authorities in implementing the programme.
Under the guidelines, the Ministry of Gender is responsible for mobilising communities, encouraging public participation and promoting better sanitation practices.
The Ministry is also required to incorporate cleaning activities into community development programmes and ensure that participants observe occupational safety and health measures during the exercises.
Asiimwe said the programme should encourage Ugandans to take responsibility for the cleanliness of their surroundings rather than leaving sanitation entirely to local authorities.
The initiative is supported by Article 39 of the Constitution, which guarantees every Ugandan the right to a clean and healthy environment. It also draws on provisions of the National Environment Act, 2019, and the Public Health Act.
Uganda’s programme is similar to Rwanda’s Umuganda, a monthly community service exercise held on the last Saturday of every month. During the exercise, residents participate in activities such as cleaning public spaces, maintaining roads and protecting the environment.
The next National Cleaning Day will take place on Saturday, 31 October 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., with local authorities expected to coordinate cleaning activities in their respective areas.
