Police warn against non-essential movement during National Cleaning Day

The Uganda Police Force has warned motorists, cyclists and water transport operators to stay off roads and waterways during the enforcement of the mandatory National Cleaning Day, which begins this Saturday.

In a statement issued on Friday, police said all users of motor vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and water vessels must comply with movement restrictions that will be in force nationwide from 7:00 am to 10:00 am.

Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke said the three-hour restriction is intended to facilitate the nationwide cleaning exercise and ensure maximum public participation.

“Members of the public are encouraged to remain in their areas, take part in the cleaning exercise, and resume normal activities at 10:00 a.m. We urge all citizens, motorists, traders, institutions and community leaders to fully comply with the directives and actively participate in the cleaning exercise,” Kituuma said.

Police said only essential and emergency services would be exempt from the restrictions. These include patients seeking emergency medical care, who will be required to present relevant medical documents, and health workers on duty carrying valid identification.

Security personnel on duty, official security vehicles and authorised cross-border travellers will also be permitted to move during the restricted period.

The directive follows Thursday’s announcement by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who launched the National Cleaning Day initiative to be observed on the last Saturday of every month, beginning July 25, 2026.

Under the programme, all Ugandans are expected to participate in a three-hour community clean-up exercise, during which non-essential movement will be prohibited and businesses required to remain closed.

Nabbanja directed all local governments to mobilise communities and identify priority areas for clean-up, adding that implementation guidelines would be issued following the official launch of the initiative at Kisenyi in Mengo, where Vice President Jessica Alupo is expected to preside.

The Prime Minister also said President Yoweri Museveni had directed the Uganda Police Force and other security agencies to strictly enforce compliance with the monthly exercise, drawing on the experience gained during the enforcement of Covid-19 public health measures.

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