Industrialists, government officials and manufacturers on Saturday joined the rest of the country in observing Uganda’s first National Cleaning Day, with activities launched at Uganda Baati in the Kampala Industrial Area.
The exercise, initiated by the Government of Uganda, saw participants clean the Uganda Baati premises and surrounding streets as part of a nationwide campaign aimed at promoting environmental cleanliness and civic responsibility.
Across the country, similar activities were led by Vice President Jessica Alupo in different communities.
The government has designated the last Saturday of every month as National Cleaning Day, during which Ugandans are expected to dedicate three hours to cleaning their homes, workplaces and surrounding communities.
The Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, David Bahati, who officiated at the launch, commended Uganda Baati for quickly organizing the event and praised the company for its long-standing commitment to quality manufacturing and environmental stewardship.
Bahati said the National Cleaning Day was approved by Cabinet under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to promote environmental protection, patriotism and collective responsibility among Ugandans.
He noted that Uganda’s industrial sector now contributes 27.4 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and about 35 percent of domestic revenue collections, making it important for industries to grow while protecting the environment.
“As our industrial base expands, we must ensure that we are not destroying the environment. A clean environment benefits everyone regardless of tribe, political affiliation or background,” Bahati said.
He added that the monthly exercise is intended to unite Ugandans while encouraging everyone to take responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean.
Uganda Baati Chief Executive Officer George Arodi welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that places responsibility for cleanliness on every citizen rather than local authorities alone.
Arodi said poor waste disposal remains one of the major causes of blocked drainage channels and urban flooding, recalling that Uganda Baati’s premises were severely affected by floods in recent years because drainage systems had been clogged with litter.
He revealed that Uganda Baati has been conducting monthly clean-up exercises under its Bulungi Bwansi initiative since 2018 and pledged continued support for the national campaign.
Arodi also urged the government to strengthen enforcement against littering, arguing that those who deliberately dump waste should be held accountable under the law.
The Executive Director of the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), Dr. Ezra Rubanda, said manufacturers fully support the initiative because a clean environment is essential for producing quality goods.
Rubanda encouraged industrial workers to participate not only in cleaning their workplaces but also in similar activities within their own communities, saying environmental conservation should become a shared national responsibility.
He thanked the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives for selecting Uganda Baati to host the launch, describing the company as one of Uganda’s oldest and most respected manufacturers with a strong record of quality production and responsible business practices.
The event attracted representatives from Uganda Baati, Fine Spinners, the Uganda Manufacturers Association and several other industries operating in the Kampala Industrial Area, who joined hands in cleaning roads, drainage channels and public spaces as the country marked the inaugural National Cleaning Day.
