The government has officially gazetted the National Cleaning Day, making it a recognised national exercise aimed at improving sanitation, promoting proper waste management and encouraging citizens to take responsibility for their surroundings.

The next National Cleaning Day exercise will take place on August 29, 2026, following the successful launch of the initiative on July 29, 2026.

The main national event will be held in Kyaliwajjala, Kira Municipality, where senior government officials led by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja are expected to participate in the cleaning activities.

Nabbanja announced the date during a meeting at her office in Kampala, saying the government decided to formalise the exercise after receiving positive responses from the public during the first nationwide cleaning campaign.

She said the initiative is intended to create a culture where cleanliness becomes a shared responsibility among communities, institutions and individuals across Uganda.

According to the Prime Minister, the cleaning exercise should not take more than three hours, allowing citizens to participate while continuing with their normal activities.

Nabbanja called upon leaders at all levels, including Members of Parliament, judicial officers, religious leaders, security agencies, business owners, civil society organisations and learning institutions to support the programme.

“I call upon leaders at all levels, including Members of Parliament, the Judiciary, religious leaders, security agencies, the business community, civil society organisations and learning institutions, to observe the day and support the initiative,” Nabbanja said.

She stressed that maintaining clean communities should not be viewed as a duty belonging only to the government, but rather as a national responsibility requiring participation from every Ugandan.

The Prime Minister explained that poor waste disposal contributes to health risks, environmental challenges and poor living conditions, making proper sanitation a priority for communities.

She urged households to begin sorting their waste before disposal to make collection easier and improve the efficiency of garbage management systems.

Nabbanja also warned against dumping rubbish in undesignated areas, encouraging residents to place collected waste at approved collection points where garbage trucks can easily access it.

“Garbage should be collected in one place and allow the vehicles to collect it well,” she said.

The government said the National Cleaning Day is being implemented within the existing legal framework on public health and environmental protection.

Officials explained that the programme is designed not only to clean communities on specific dates but also to encourage long-term behavioural change among Ugandans.

Nabbanja also addressed concerns from religious groups, saying Adventists would be allowed to conduct their cleaning activities on Sunday instead in order to respect their Sabbath observance.

The arrangement, she said, would ensure that all citizens are able to participate in the national sanitation campaign without conflicting with their religious commitments.

Dr Sarah Zalwango, the Director of Public Health at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), pledged support for the initiative and encouraged residents to actively participate.

Zalwango urged communities to work closely with local authorities and waste management teams to ensure that collected garbage is properly handled after the cleaning exercises.

The government hopes that the National Cleaning Day will eventually become part of Uganda’s culture, with citizens continuing sanitation efforts even outside the official cleaning dates.

Officials say the wider goal is to build cleaner towns and villages, improve public health and promote a sense of ownership among Ugandans toward their environment.

With the next exercise scheduled for August 29, authorities have encouraged citizens to prepare their brooms, cleaning tools and community groups as Uganda continues its campaign for a cleaner and healthier nation.