Uganda’s National Cleaning Day is leading to cleaner towns, better sanitation and improved public health, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has said.
In a letter dated 28 October, the ministry said reports from Community Development Officers across the country showed visible improvements in towns and trading centres since the monthly exercise began in July.
“This progress is both commendable and encouraging, demonstrating the positive impact of collective action and civic responsibility,” Acting Permanent Secretary Alex Asiimwe wrote.
The ministry praised local authorities for starting and sustaining the clean-ups, and asked the head of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), chief administrative officers and town clerks to build on the gains by mobilising more residents to take part.
The letter comes a day before the fourth National Cleaning Day on Saturday. The exercise, launched by Vice-President Jessica Alupo in Kampala’s Kisenyi suburb on 25 July, sees residents spend three hours, from 07:00 to 10:00, cleaning homes, streets, markets and public spaces on the last Saturday of every month.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has described taking part as a civic responsibility, and the government has said the monthly effort is meant to encourage cleanliness every day of the year.
Under national guidelines drawn up by the Office of the Prime Minister, the gender ministry leads community mobilisation, with a focus on bringing women, young people and other vulnerable groups on board. It is also responsible for encouraging lasting changes in hygiene habits and for promoting safety measures to protect participants during clean-ups.
Mr Asiimwe asked local leaders to support Community Development Officers in their areas and make sure they submit monthly reports on achievements, challenges and recommendations.
The ministry said it wanted to strengthen community ownership of the campaign so that caring for the environment becomes a lasting national value.
It said a culture of cleanliness and active citizen participation would support Uganda’s development goals.
