THREE-HOUR ‘LOCKDOWN’ TOMORROW: Government Confirms Temporary Movement Restrictions During National Cleaning Day

KAMPALA — Ugandans will face a three-hour restriction on non-essential movement and business activities on Saturday, July 25, 2026, as the government launches the first National Cleaning Day aimed at improving sanitation and fighting preventable diseases.

The government has confirmed that unnecessary movement of people and vehicles will be prohibited between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. during the nationwide cleaning exercise, although emergency and essential services will be allowed to operate.

The restriction, which officials say is meant to enable citizens to participate fully in the cleaning exercise, will apply on the last Saturday of every month under the new National Cleaning Day programme.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said the initiative was introduced by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who pushed for its adoption as a national programme.

“I bring you warm greetings from H.E. @KagutaMuseveni, who initiated the National Cleaning Days and advocated for its adoption as a national programme,” Nabbanja said.

The Prime Minister said the programme will run under the theme “A Clean Uganda Is Everybody’s Responsibility” and will bring together government institutions, local authorities, cultural and religious leaders, private companies, civil society organisations and citizens.

She said the decision to introduce the monthly cleaning exercise was driven by concerns over sanitation challenges and their impact on public health.

Nabbanja warned that a large proportion of Uganda’s disease burden is preventable through improved hygiene and environmental management.

“75% of the disease burden is preventable,” she said, citing malaria, diarrhoea, typhoid and other illnesses linked to poor sanitation and environmental conditions.

She revealed that Kampala generates between 2,000 and 2,500 tonnes of solid waste daily, but only 50 to 60 percent is collected, leaving large amounts of waste uncollected.

According to Nabbanja, the failure to properly manage waste contributes to blocked drainage channels, pollution and increased disease risks, especially in densely populated urban areas.

She also highlighted the devastating consequences of poor sanitation on children, saying approximately 33 Ugandan children die every day from diseases associated with unsafe water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene.

The Prime Minister said maintaining a clean environment is a responsibility shared by all Ugandans, referencing Article 17(1)(d) and Article 39 of the Constitution.

Article 17(1)(d) places a duty on citizens to create and protect a clean and healthy environment, while Article 39 provides for the right of every Ugandan to a clean and healthy environment.

Businesses, Motorists Told to Plan Ahead

Ahead of the first exercise on Saturday, July 25, 2026, government has advised motorists, businesses and members of the public to plan their activities around the three-hour restriction.

During the exercise, non-essential businesses are expected to close temporarily, while unnecessary vehicle and pedestrian movement will be restricted.

Emergency services, including ambulances, fire and rescue operations, security vehicles and other approved essential services, will be exempted.

The launch will be conducted by the Vice President on behalf of President Museveni at Kiti Zone, Kisenyi III Parish, Kampala Central Division.

Nabbanja said the initiative will adopt a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach, involving ministries, departments and agencies, local governments, cultural institutions, religious bodies, the private sector and ordinary citizens.

She urged Ugandans to dedicate the three hours to cleaning their communities and supporting the government’s efforts to improve sanitation nationwide.

“A Clean Uganda Is Everybody’s Responsibility,” Nabbanja said.

The government said the monthly exercise will focus on activities such as garbage collection, clearing drainage channels, cleaning public spaces and promoting responsible waste disposal.