The Ministry of Health Spokesperson, Emmanuel Ainebyona, has warned that law enforcement agencies are on high alert to apprehend anyone who defies or attempts to evade the National Cleaning Day activities.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Mr. Ainebyona made the remarks today while addressing the press in Kabale District, regarding the National Monthly program that was launched on July 23, 2026, by Prime Minister Robinah Nabanja.
The National Cleaning Days are scheduled to commence on July 25, 2026, and will be observed every last Saturday of the month from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m., according to government directives.
During this period, all businesses are expected to close, and motor vehicles have been ordered to cease moving, except for those handling emergencies or transporting essential commodities.
Mr. Ainebyona emphasized that security agencies will ensure full participation in the cleaning activities. They will collaborate with local authorities, including LC.1 and LC.2 chairpersons, to guarantee compliance. He also issued a stern warning that laws such as the Public Health Act 2023 and the National Environment Act 2019 will be enforced to penalize those who refuse to comply.
“There are laws that will be used to apprehend you if you disguise yourself as too busy to participate in cleaning activities,” he stated.
CUE IN… AINEBYONA ON ENFORCEMENT
Mr. Ainebyona explained that the rationale behind introducing the National Cleaning Days is based on the fact that approximately 75 percent of preventable diseases in Uganda—such as typhoid, bilharzia, malaria, and cholera—are linked to poor sanitation, personal hygiene, and waste management.
CUE IN… AINEBYONA ON DISEASES
He also addressed concerns that scheduling the cleaning days on Saturdays might conflict with the Sabbath observances of members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. He clarified that the government had adjusted the timing to accommodate their religious practices, hence the activities are set from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m.
“Even our brothers and sisters from the SDA fall sick. That’s why they are not exempted,” he said. “They can participate in cleaning and attend prayers afterward, after 10 a.m.
CUE IN … AINEBYONA ON SDA
Meanwhile, the Uganda Police Force has expressed its readiness to enforce compliance with the national cleaning schedule.
In a press release dated July 24, 2026, the police emphasized that, during the designated hours of 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. every last Saturday of the month, all vehicles, vessels, motorcycles, and bicycles will not be permitted on roads or water bodies, except in emergency situations.
The police also instructed individuals scheduled for medical treatment to carry their identification documents, and similarly advised medical personnel to do the same to avoid movement restrictions.
Exemptions to these restrictions include security vehicles on official duty and cross-border vehicular traffic along major transport routes.”Members of the public are encouraged to remain in their areas and participate in the cleaning exercises, resuming normal activities after 10:00 a.m.,” part of the the statement reads.
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