LIRA, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) – Lira City will host the national event for Uganda’s fourth National Cleaning Day on Saturday, October 31, 2026, as the government steps up efforts to improve sanitation and prepare the country for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said the three-hour exercise will run from 7:00am to 10:00am, with all districts, cities, municipalities, town councils, sub-counties, parishes and villages expected to participate.
In a statement issued, Nabbanja has called on Ugandans, businesses, schools, institutions and community organisations to join the exercise, targeting roadsides, markets, drainage channels, public walkways, health facilities and residential neighbourhoods.
Lira City was selected to host the national event in recognition of its importance in Uganda’s preparations for AFCON 2027. However, Nabbanja emphasised that the exercise would take place across the country, not only in Lira.
The programme, initiated by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, aims to promote cleanliness, protect the environment and improve public health.
Nabbanja commended Ugandans who participated in the first three exercises held on July 25, August 29 and September 26, 2026, with national events in Kampala, Wakiso and Hoima City, respectively.
She, however, expressed concern over the continued accumulation of garbage in some areas and directed local governments to strengthen sanitation supervision, improve waste collection and ensure that rubbish is taken to approved disposal or treatment facilities.
Local authorities have been urged to provide cleaning equipment, protective gear, waste collection trucks, fuel and other logistical support. Businesses, non-governmental organisations and community groups also have been encouraged to contribute materials and participate in the exercise.
The Prime Minister called on local government leaders, security personnel and Local Council I chairpersons to mobilise residents, identify priority areas and coordinate the cleanup.
She further urged Ugandans to adopt responsible waste disposal practices, including using designated collection points and avoiding dumping rubbish in drainage channels, along roadsides and in other unauthorised places.
Movement restrictions
Nabbanja said the movement of vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians would be restricted between 7:00am and 10:00am on the last Saturday of every month during the designated cleaning period.
The statement lists exemptions for garbage collection trucks, medical and ambulance services, security personnel, foreign tourists, diplomats, health workers and people undertaking scheduled international travel who have the required supporting documents.
Nabbanja urged the public to plan their movements accordingly and cooperate with officials implementing the programme.
She stressed that the monthly exercise should complement daily efforts to keep homes, workplaces and public spaces clean, rather than become a one-day activity.
“Cleanliness is our shared responsibility,” she said, urging leaders and citizens to lead by example in building a cleaner, healthier and safer Uganda.
