KAMPALA, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) – Uganda will hold its fourth National Cleaning Day on Saturday, October 31, with the government calling on communities across the country to clear rubbish, improve sanitation and adopt better waste disposal practices amid continuing concerns over garbage in public spaces.
The exercise will run from 7am to 10am, with Lira City designated as the national cleaning site ahead of Uganda’s co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said the nationwide campaign was part of the government’s broader effort to promote public health, environmental protection and cleaner communities, following three previous exercises held in Kampala, Wakiso and Hoima.
“The continued presence of garbage in some areas remains a concern,” Ms Nabbanja said, directing local government authorities and relevant institutions to strengthen sanitation supervision, ensure the timely removal of accumulated waste and enforce existing sanitation measures.
She said the fourth exercise would cover every district, city, municipality, town council, sub-county, parish and village, stressing that the selection of Lira as the national venue did not mean the campaign was limited to the northern city.
The government expects local leaders, businesses, schools, health facilities, community organisations and households to take part, with officials responsible for coordinating the exercise and identifying areas requiring urgent attention.
Priority areas include roadsides, public walkways, markets, trading centres, drainage channels, institutional premises and residential neighbourhoods.Authorities have also been urged to ensure that sufficient cleaning equipment, protective gear, transport and other logistical support are available.
Nabbanja said the campaign had already contributed to improvements in cleanliness across the country, but warned that the gains would be undermined if waste collected during the exercises was not properly handled.
She directed local authorities to ensure that rubbish collected during the clean-up was transported to approved treatment or disposal facilities instead of being dumped in other public spaces.
The Prime Minister also called on households and businesses to take greater responsibility for waste management by using designated collection points, separating waste where practicable and avoiding the dumping of rubbish along roadsides and in drainage channels.
“The objective is not simply to clean the country for three hours on one day,” she said, adding that cleanliness, proper sanitation and environmental responsibility should become permanent national values and everyday practices.
The government has also announced movement restrictions during the designated cleaning period, from 7am to 10am on the last Saturday of each month.
The restrictions will affect vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians, although exemptions will apply to essential services and specified categories of travellers.
Garbage collection trucks, ambulances and other medical services, security personnel, foreign tourists, diplomats, health workers and people undertaking scheduled international travel with the required supporting documents are among those exempted.
Members of the public have been urged to plan their movements in advance and follow guidance from the relevant authorities.
Nabbanja called on political, religious, cultural, business and community leaders to participate in the exercise and mobilise residents, saying the success of the programme depended on collective responsibility.
Uganda’s National Cleaning Days programme was initiated by President Yoweri Museveni to encourage improved sanitation and environmental protection.
The first three exercises took place on July 25, August 29 and September 26, 2026.
The latest campaign comes as Uganda prepares for AFCON 2027, which it will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.
The government has identified cleanliness and proper waste management as part of the broader effort to improve public spaces and prepare communities for increased activity ahead of the continental football tournament.
Nabbanja urged Ugandans to participate fully on October 31 and maintain clean homes, workplaces and neighbourhoods beyond the scheduled exercise, saying lasting improvements would require consistent action rather than occasional clean-up campaigns.
