Uganda to start mandatory monthly community clean-up to solve waste problem

Ugandans will be required to spend three hours cleaning their communities on the last Saturday of every month or face legal action, authorities announced on Friday.

The inaugural National Cleaning Day will take place this Saturday from 7:00 am to 10:00 am (04:00-07:00 GMT) with security officers enforcing the exercise.

The country struggles with adequate waste disposal.

Kampala generates 2,000 to 2,500 tonnes of solid waste daily, but only about half is collected and safely disposed of, with the rest ending up in drainage channels and polluting the environment, according to city authorities.

The three-hour clean-up is compulsory for Ugandans aged 18 to 65, government spokesperson Dennis Patrick Katungi told AFP.

"Those above 65 and willing to participate are also welcome and parents are also free to involve their teenage children," Katungi said.

Movement restricted

Businesses across the country will remain closed during the exercise, while vehicle movement will be restricted.

"All vehicles, vessels motorcycles and bicycles shall not be allowed on the road and water bodies except in emergency situations," the Ugandan police posted on X.

Uganda's Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said participation in the clean-up exercise was a "civic responsibility and not optional", warning that those who fail to comply will face "enforcement action".

Foreigners’ participation

Foreigners living in the country will also be required to participate, Nabbanja added.

In neighbouring Rwanda, a similar exercise has been mandatory since 2007, with unjustified absence punishable by a fine of up to 5,000 Rwandan francs (about three euros).

Burundi also introduced mandatory "community development work" in 2006, held every last Saturday of the month.