Speaking on NBS Morning Breeze's Media Round Table hosted by Canary Mugume, journalists Dr. Arinaitwe Rugyendo, Isaac Imaka and Richard Baguma examined the significance of the new policy and discussed what it will take for Ugandans to embrace cleanliness as a national culture.
Government announced on Thursday that the last Saturday of every month will be dedicated to nationwide cleaning activities, with movement restricted in selected urban areas between 7am and 10am to allow communities to participate.
The initiative begins this weekend and aims to improve sanitation, reduce environmental pollution and encourage collective responsibility for cleaner neighbourhoods.
Opening the discussion, Mugume observed that while some Ugandans had questioned whether the country was borrowing the idea from neighbouring states, the more important issue was whether the policy would deliver meaningful results.
The panel largely agreed that the origin of the idea should not overshadow its potential benefits.
Rugyendo argued that cleanliness is a universal responsibility that transcends politics and national boundaries.
He said maintaining clean surroundings begins at the household level before extending to communities, institutions and the nation.
According to Rugyendo, societies should not hesitate to adopt ideas that improve public welfare simply because they originated elsewhere.
He cited Pope Francis' environmental encyclical Laudato Si', saying environmental stewardship is a shared global responsibility because humanity has only one planet to protect.
The panel said Uganda must move beyond periodic cleaning campaigns and instead cultivate a lasting culture of sanitation.
The journalists noted that while designated cleaning days can mobilise communities, their long-term success will depend on changing individual behaviour every day of the month.
They argued that littering, poor waste disposal and neglect of public spaces cannot be solved through government directives alone but require sustained civic responsibility.
The panel said schools, local governments, businesses, religious institutions and community leaders all have an important role in reinforcing habits that promote cleaner environments.
The commentators also cautioned that implementation will determine whether the initiative succeeds.
They said public participation should be motivated by civic responsibility rather than fear of enforcement, while government agencies must ensure reliable waste collection and disposal systems to complement community efforts.
Without adequate infrastructure and consistent follow-up, they warned, the monthly exercise risks becoming a ceremonial event with little lasting impact.
The discussion concluded that National Cleaning Day presents Uganda with an opportunity to reshape public attitudes towards sanitation.
If embraced collectively, the journalists said, the initiative could improve public health, environmental protection and civic pride. However, they stressed that its ultimate success will depend on whether Ugandans make cleanliness a daily habit rather than a once-a-month obligation.