Streets across Uganda fell silent to vehicular traffic early Saturday morning as millions of citizens took to public roads, drainage channels, and market squares armed with brooms, slashers, and spades.
The massive civic mobilization marked the official kick-off of the government’s mandatory monthly National Cleaning Day, held under strict security supervision across all districts.
From 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, security agencies deployed heavily along major highways, urban centers, and feeder roads to enforce the three-hour traffic lockdown ordered by Cabinet.
In Kampala, police checkpoints were mounted on major routes, including the Northern Bypass, Jinja Road, Entebbe Expressway, and Masaka Road. Motorists, boda boda riders, and public transport operators who attempted to travel during the restricted hours were directed to park by traffic officers until the exercise concluded at 10:00 AM.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) James Ocaya confirmed during the operation that security teams were instructed to ensure full compliance across the country to give space for sanitation work. He emphasized that every citizen was expected to comply with the Government’s directive.
Only ambulances, essential medical personnel, fire trucks, security patrols, and pre-authorized cross-border heavy transit trucks were granted clearance to travel.
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The epicenter of the national launch was in Kampala’s densely populated Kisenyi suburb in Mengo, where government officials, municipal leaders, and local residents cleared longstanding silt buildup from clogged drainage channels.
Kampala Markets & Suburbs: At Owino (St. Balikuddembe) Market, Nakasero, Kalerwe, and Kasangati, shop gates remained locked as vendors collectively swept corridors, unblocked trenches, and packed plastic waste into collection bags.
Mbarara & Western Region: In Mbarara City, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and local council officials led community teams in clearing brush around health facilities, bus parks, and residential streets.
Jinja & Eastern Region: Business activities along Main Street came to a total halt as traders sanitized shop verandas and drainage outlets before reopening at 10:00 AM.
Gulu & Northern Region: Local leaders mobilized youth groups and community members to clear overgrown vegetation along primary access roads and public market zones.
While launching the initiative at the Office of the Prime Minister, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja emphasized that the exercise is designed to combat preventable environmental diseases that strain the national healthcare system. She noted that about 75 percent of the diseases affecting Ugandans are preventable, stressing that for three hours, the nation must stop and clean as a mandatory directive.
Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi highlighted that clearing stagnant water and unblocking drains directly eliminates mosquito breeding sites and reduces recurring outbreaks of cholera, dysentery, and typhoid across high-density urban areas.
Normal business operations, public transit, and private traffic resumed across the country promptly at 10:00 AM following the official conclusion of the exercise.
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