Written By | BK Mugizi
Residents of Karubuga A, participating in the cleaning exercise. The exercise will be held every last Saturday of the month
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BUSHENYI
Bushenyi District on Saturday joined the rest of the country in observing the inaugural National Cleaning Day, with residents, religious leaders, and government officials taking part in a nationwide exercise aimed at promoting sanitation and preventing hygiene-related diseases.
The monthly exercise, which will now be held every last Saturday of the month between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., saw most businesses in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality and other major trading centres in the district remain closed as residents were expected to participate in cleaning their homes, workplaces, and public spaces.
Residents of Ishaka Bushenyi, partipated in cleaning exercise.
Residents Commended for Responding
The Bushenyi Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Emmy Ngabirano, praised residents for responding positively to the government's call.
Ngabirano said the high level of cooperation demonstrated that people understood the importance of maintaining a clean environment.
"Bushenyi people have been cooperative during the National Cleaning Day exercise. Those who were not seen in public cleaning activities remained at their homes carrying out the same exercise," Ngabirano said.
He urged residents to continue supporting the monthly initiative, saying a clean environment is key to preventing disease outbreaks.
Mujurizi Raphael, a resident of Karubuga A in Kainamo Parish, Ibaare Sub-County, thanked the residents of Karubuga A and other cells for coming out in large numbers to support the government initiative. He is also a candidate for LC1 Chairman in the upcoming elections.
Mujurizi Raphael (left), provided aprons for all the residents who turned up for cleaning
Government Calls for Nationwide Participation
The Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipal Health Inspector, Julius Byamukama, said the exercise was directed by the Government through the Ministry of Health and the Office of the Prime Minister and is mandatory for all Ugandans.
Byamukama explained that the exercise is not limited to municipalities and towns but should be observed across the entire country.
"Every Ugandan is expected to dedicate three hours on the last Saturday of every month to clean their homes, workplaces, and surrounding areas. This initiative is intended to improve sanitation and protect communities from hygiene-related diseases," he said.
He also called upon Local Council leaders to mobilise residents and ensure the exercise is effectively implemented in their respective communities.
Religious Leaders Rally Christians
The West Ankole Diocesan Secretary, Ven. Rev. Joseph Mweyugye, appealed to Christians to fully embrace the initiative, describing cleanliness as both a public health and spiritual responsibility.
"Christians should embrace this initiative because it will help keep our environment clean and reduce the spread of diseases caused by poor hygiene," Rev. Mweyugye said.
Municipality Appeals for Continued Support
Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality Deputy Mayor Milton Betungura encouraged residents to make the monthly exercise part of their routine.
He said maintaining a clean environment would significantly reduce the burden of preventable diseases and improve public health.
"If residents consistently participate in the National Cleaning Day, we shall have healthier communities with fewer hygiene-related diseases," Betungura said.
Businesses Closed Despite Low Turnout in Some Areas
Although businesses in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality and other major trading centres remained closed during the designated hours, turnout varied across different areas, with some residents opting to clean their homes instead of joining public cleaning activities.
The National Cleaning Day is a government initiative intended to strengthen environmental sanitation and encourage collective responsibility in keeping communities clean across Uganda.
Other cleaning photos in Kainamo Trading Centre
