Police and other security agencies on Saturday enforced the government's nationwide monthly community clean-up exercise in Nansana Municipality, compelling residents found outside without taking part to join sanitation activities.
Security officers ordered pedestrians and other people moving around to pick up brooms and clean roadsides, drainage channels and public spaces as part of the exercise aimed at improving environmental hygiene.
The operation brought activity along Hoima Road to a near standstill during the morning hours. Businesses remained closed, while schoolchildren, boda boda riders and pedestrians hurried to avoid security personnel enforcing the clean-up directive.
Roadblocks were mounted from Yesu Amala to Lubigi, with security officers stopping both motorists and pedestrians.
At Nabweru Roundabout, some residents were reportedly required to first participate in the clean-up before being allowed to continue with their journeys.
Across different parts of the municipality, many residents gathered by the roadside to watch as security personnel supervised the exercise.
The enforcement drew mixed reactions from members of the public.
Ronald Kiwanuka said many residents were caught by surprise because they had not received adequate communication about the government's clean-up programme.
"We were not properly informed about this exercise. Many of us only found out this morning when security officers stopped us and ordered us to clean," Kiwanuka said.
Other residents welcomed the initiative, saying a cleaner environment benefits everyone but called for greater public sensitisation to encourage voluntary participation.
"This is a good programme because a clean environment helps prevent diseases. However, the government should improve public sensitisation so that people know in advance and participate willingly," one resident said.
Residents also urged fellow citizens to embrace regular community clean-up activities instead of waiting for enforcement operations, noting that proper sanitation is key to preventing diseases associated with poor hygiene.
The nationwide monthly clean-up exercise is part of the government's efforts to improve environmental cleanliness and encourage communities to take greater responsibility for maintaining healthy and safe surroundings.
