Thousands Join Uganda’s First-Ever National Cleaning Day to Fight Disease and Restore Sanitation

Kampala turns out in force as government launches 3-hour nationwide exercise to clean streets, drains, and public spaces.

KAMPALA— Thousands of Ugandans rolled up their sleeves on Saturday morning for the country’s first *National Cleaning Day*, a nationwide campaign aimed at improving sanitation and stopping the spread of preventable diseases.

From 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., communities across the country swept streets, unclogged drainage channels, collected garbage, and scrubbed public spaces in one coordinated effort.

*National Leaders Lead by Example in Kisenyi*

The campaign was officially launched in *Kiti Zone, Kisenyi III Parish, Kampala by *Vice President Jessica Alupo*, who represented *President Yoweri Museveni.

She was joined by top government leaders including:

-Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja

-Second Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama 

- Cabinet Ministers  

- Members of Parliament  

-KCCA officials

- Leaders from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)

The high-profile turnout signaled government commitment to making cleanliness a national priority, not just a once-off event.

Why the Cleaning Day Matters

Uganda continues to battle outbreaks linked to poor sanitation, including cholera, typhoid, and malaria. Officials say regular community cleaning can cut disease rates, reduce flooding, and make cities healthier.

Speaking at the launch, leaders urged citizens to embrace cleanliness as a culture — “not just on National Cleaning Day, but every day.”

What Happened Across the Country

In Kampala and other towns, the 3-hour exercise saw:

1. Street sweeping in markets and trading centers  

2. Desilting of drainage channels* to prevent flooding  

3. Garbage collection and proper disposal 

4. Cleaning of schools, taxi parks, and health centers

KCCA and NEMA teams were on ground to mobilize residents and provide tools for the exercise.

What’s Next?

Government officials hinted that *National Cleaning Day could become a monthly or quarterly activity*, with local leaders tasked to sustain the momentum in their communities.