The government has officially rolled out the National Cleaning Days (NACDs) Initiative, making it mandatory for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), local governments and citizens to participate in monthly nationwide cleaning exercises aimed at improving sanitation, protecting public health and promoting environmental stewardship. The directive is contained in Cabinet Circular No. 1 of 2026, dated June 30, 2026, signed by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja. The directive is contained in Cabinet Circular No. 1 of 2026, dated June 30, 2026, signed by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja. The circular implements a Cabinet decision reached on August 11, 2025, establishing National Cleaning Days as a national programme to address poor sanitation, environmental degradation and hygiene-related diseases. The initiative took effect on July 1, 2026, with the first nationwide cleaning exercise scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2026.Thereafter, the exercise will be held on the last Saturday of every month between 8am and 11am. "The last Saturday of every month, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., shall be observed as National Cleaning Day throughout Uganda," the circular states. Government says the programme is founded on the principle that Uganda's social and economic transformation depends not only on economic growth but also on maintaining a clean, safe and healthy environment.The circular notes that poor sanitation continues to contribute to preventable diseases, environmental degradation, blocked drainage systems that trigger flooding and rising healthcare costs for both households and government. Participation in the monthly exercise will be compulsory for all citizens and institutions. "During this period, all citizens, institutions and stakeholders shall participate in organised cleaning activities within their respective areas," the circular adds.Cabinet directed that the initiative be implemented as a whole-of-government and whole-of-society programme involving MDAs, local governments, the private sector, civil society organisations, cultural and religious institutions, development partners and citizens. According to government, the programme seeks to improve environmental sanitation and hygiene, promote positive behaviour towards cleanliness, strengthen collaboration among public institutions, increase community ownership of sanitation programmes, reduce sanitation-related diseases, protect water sources and public infrastructure from pollution and contribute to improved public health and socio-economictransformation. All MDAs and local governments were required to appoint National Cleaning Days focal persons and submit their details to the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Health by July 15, 2026. They are also required to mobilise staff and communities, integrate the programme into annual work plans and budgets, undertake public awareness campaigns and submit periodic implementation reports.The directive further requires institutions under government supervision, including schools, health facilities, markets, prisons, places of worship and other public institutions, to participate in the monthly exercises. Under the implementation framework, the Office of the Prime Minister will provide overall policy oversight, strategic leadership and coordination of the initiative, while the Ministry of Health will serve as the technical lead responsible for implementation, monitoring and reporting. #nationalcleaningday - @otfdoll2