Local leaders and residents of Kasese District turned up in large numbers to participate in the National Cleaning Day, following a recent directive from the Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabanja. The policy mandates that every village across the country conducts general cleaning exercises on the last Saturday of every month.
Despite the massive turnout, the morning hours saw a lapse in compliance with the directive’s stay-at-home order for the duration of the exercise that begins at 7:00am to 10:00am.
In Kasese town and surrounding areas, pupils were observed walking to their respective schools, and boda-bodas continued to ferry passengers, contrary to the guidelines intended to halt normal business during the cleaning hours.
The situation prompted a response from security forces in the later hours. Personnel from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Uganda Police Force were seen patrolling the streets to ensure order. Notably, some police officers joined residents in the physical labour of cleaning up the streets.
Addressing the public during the exercise, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kasese, Lt. Joe Walusimbi, urged residents to embrace the new policy. He warned that compliance is essential to avoid unnecessary clashes with security personnel and other law enforcement agencies tasked with monitoring the exercise.
Administrative consequences were also highlighted by the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Mr. Eliab Begumya. He issued a stern warning to heads of departments who failed to show up for the program, noting that participation is a requirement under the national guidelines.
On the political front, Hon. Sarah Ithungu, the Woman Member of Parliament for Kasese District, called upon her fellow legislators to lead by example. She urged leaders at all levels to “wake up” to the call, stressing that the initiative is ultimately aimed at improving the health and well-being of the people they represent.
From a public health perspective, the Assistant District Health Officer (DHO), Dr. Stephen Bagonza, elaborated on the scope of the directive. He emphasized that the primary focus is the sanitation of public spaces, including: Local markets, educational institutions, public road networks and community drainage systems.
His Lordship Chance Kahindo, the Mayor of Kasese Municipality, welcomed the Prime Minister’s move, noting that it aligns with local initiatives. According to the Mayor, this national directive complements the “Polluter Pay” policy, which the municipality has been implementing for the past three years to manage waste.
Residents of town cwntre in kasese town welcomed this directive that is going to boost cleaning of the town ahead of Rwenzori Marathon scheduled to happen on 22 August 2026.7.25
As the exercise concluded, the general consensus among local leadership was that while the turnout was impressive, more work is needed to ensure total compliance from the transport and education sectors in future installments of the National Cleaning Day.
