The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in Uganda has issued a directive to local government leaders to intensify community mobilisation ahead of the monthly National Cleaning Day, scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026. In a letter dated October 28, 2026, the Ministry's Acting Permanent Secretary, Alex Asiimwe, requested local authorities to encourage more residents, particularly women, youth, and vulnerable groups, to participate in the exercise. This initiative aims to promote better sanitation practices and encourage civic responsibility.
According to Asiimwe, reports from Community Development Officers indicate improvements in sanitation and cleanliness in several towns and trading centres since the exercise was introduced. The Ministry commended local authorities for supporting the programme and urged them to maintain the progress recorded so far. Asiimwe emphasised that the progress demonstrates the positive impact of collective action and civic responsibility. He also requested local government leaders to take an active role in organising the exercises and supervise Community Development Officers.
The National Cleaning Days Initiative was approved by Cabinet on August 11, 2025, and operationalised through a circular issued by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja on June 30, 2026. The Office of the Prime Minister later issued guidelines outlining the responsibilities of government institutions and local authorities in implementing the programme. Under the guidelines, the Ministry of Gender is responsible for mobilising communities, encouraging public participation, and promoting better sanitation practices.
The Ministry of Gender is also required to incorporate cleaning activities into community development programmes and ensure that participants observe occupational safety and health measures during the exercises. Asiimwe stressed that the programme should encourage Ugandans to take responsibility for the cleanliness of their surroundings rather than leaving sanitation entirely to local authorities. This initiative is supported by Article 39 of the Constitution, which guarantees every Ugandan the right to a clean and healthy environment.
The National Cleaning Day initiative draws on provisions of the National Environment Act, 2019, and the Public Health Act. Uganda's programme is similar to Rwanda's Umuganda, a monthly community service exercise held on the last Saturday of every month. During the exercise, residents participate in activities such as cleaning public spaces, maintaining roads, and protecting the environment.
The next National Cleaning Day will take place on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., with local authorities expected to coordinate cleaning activities in their respective areas. Local government leaders are expected to submit monthly reports on the activities, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations from the respective local governments.
The initiative has received support from various stakeholders, with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development working closely with local authorities to ensure its success. The programme aims to promote a culture of cleanliness and civic responsibility among Ugandans, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more sustainable environment.
Key points
- The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has directed local government leaders to mobilise communities for the National Cleaning Day on October 31, 2026.
- The initiative aims to promote better sanitation practices and encourage civic responsibility among Ugandans.
- The programme is supported by Article 39 of the Constitution and draws on provisions of the National Environment Act, 2019, and the Public Health Act.
