Minister for the Presidency Hon. Milly Babirye Babalanda has directed Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and other local government leaders to take charge of mobilising citizens for the National Cleaning Days programme to ensure successful implementation across the country.
Babalanda said RDCs, as representatives of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in their respective districts, have a key responsibility to prepare communities, identify areas that require cleaning and ensure all logistical arrangements are completed before the monthly exercise.
The Minister issued the directive during an inter-ministerial meeting on the National Cleaning Day programme held at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kampala. She emphasised that early planning and effective coordination by local leaders would determine the success of the initiative.
“As supervisor of the RDCs, RCCs, Deputies and Assistants, I call upon all the RDCs to mobilise the communities, map out areas to be cleaned, make arrangements for cleaning materials to be available at the sites and communicate clearly, at least one week in advance,” Babalanda said.
She urged RDCs to work closely with local authorities, community leaders and residents to ensure the exercise is well organised and widely embraced, noting that the programme is intended to improve sanitation, protect the environment and promote discipline among Ugandans.
Babalanda’s remarks came after Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja announced that President Museveni had approved a special arrangement allowing Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) believers to participate in the cleaning exercise on Sundays instead of Saturdays, which is their holy Sabbath.
Nabbanja explained that the adjustment was made in recognition of the SDA community’s religious obligations while ensuring that they remain part of the national programme. She said SDA leaders would oversee the Sunday cleaning activities, with prayers expected to begin after 10:00am.
The National Cleaning Days initiative was introduced following a Cabinet resolution aimed at improving public hygiene and environmental awareness. The monthly exercise, which is mandatory for citizens, will be conducted on the last Saturday of every month from 7:00am to 10:00am, with enforcement support from local leaders, police and other security agencies.
The programme initially faced concerns from the SDA community because Saturday coincides with their Sabbath observance from Friday evening to Saturday evening. Following engagements between Church leaders and government officials, the President’s guidance allowed SDA members to undertake the exercise on Sunday while maintaining their worship commitments.
Babalanda, who is also a member of the SDA faith, thanked President Museveni for considering the Church’s concerns, describing the decision as a demonstration of respect for freedom of worship and religious inclusion.
The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Government Chief Whip Ruth Aceng, Third Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama, State Minister for Local Government Justine Nameere, and representatives from the Ministry of Health and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).
