On November 1, 2026, Minister for the Presidency Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda led residents of Jinja City in a National Cleaning Exercise, promoting a culture of cleanliness and proper hygiene and sanitation. The exercise, conducted in collaboration with the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) fraternity, aimed to encourage communities to take responsibility for maintaining clean and healthy environments. Minister Babalanda conveyed greetings from President Gen. (Rtd.) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and other government officials, commending the President and Cabinet for gazetting the National Cleaning Day.
The National Cleaning Exercise was part of an agreement between the SDA fraternity and Minister Babalanda to dedicate the last Sunday of every month to cleaning activities. The exercise involved cleaning streets, including Alidina Road, Kutch Road East, and Sikindia Road, as well as Jinja Central Market. Minister Babalanda emphasized that maintaining cleanliness should not be treated as an occasional activity but as a collective responsibility, encouraging residents to prioritize preventive measures to protect public health and improve quality of life.
Minister Babalanda observed that poor sanitation exposes communities to preventable diseases, increases household medical expenses, and undermines quality of life. She urged residents to cultivate a lasting culture of cleanliness, ensuring homes, workplaces, business premises, and public spaces remain clean and hygienic. The Minister emphasized that every individual has a responsibility to ensure their immediate surroundings and the wider community remain clean and safe.
During the exercise, Minister Babalanda tasked the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Jinja City with submitting a comprehensive report on the absence of a designated dumping site. She noted that the matter required attention and follow-up through relevant government channels to ensure sustainable solutions for proper waste disposal and management in the city.
Minister Babalanda visited Nalufenya Children’s Hospital to assess hygiene standards and healthcare services. She expressed satisfaction with positive feedback from patients and the public, commending healthcare workers for their dedication and commitment to providing free medical services. The Minister pledged to present concerns raised by the hospital’s management and medical personnel to the Ministry of Health for consideration and possible intervention.
Minister Babalanda appreciated the SDA fraternity for participating in the National Cleaning Exercise, describing their involvement as an important contribution to promoting public hygiene and community responsibility. She also recognized the support of Jinja City’s security team, city leaders, National Resistance Movement (NRM) mobilisers, and well-wishers who participated in the exercise.
The National Cleaning Exercise is part of broader efforts to promote environmental cleanliness, improve sanitation standards, and encourage citizens to take collective responsibility for maintaining healthy communities. Minister Babalanda called upon all Ugandans to make cleanliness a daily practice, noting that a clean environment contributes to disease prevention, public health protection, and the creation of safer, healthier, and more dignified communities.
Key points
- Minister Babalanda emphasizes importance of cleanliness and hygiene in preventing diseases and improving quality of life.
- The National Cleaning Exercise aims to promote environmental cleanliness and encourage community responsibility.
- Minister Babalanda pledges to address concerns raised by Nalufenya Children’s Hospital with the Ministry of Health.
