Residents of Ibanda District turned out in large numbers on Saturday to participate in Uganda's inaugural National Cleaning Day, joining a nationwide campaign aimed at improving sanitation, protecting the environment, and promoting civic responsibility.
From the early hours of the morning, major streets, including Main Street and Bufunda Street, were filled with residents, local leaders, and government officials collecting and disposing of plastic waste, polythene bags, and other litter that had accumulated in public spaces. Thick white smoke from burning waste rose above parts of the town as the clean-up exercise gathered momentum.
The exercise attracted the full participation of both political and technical leaders, who moved through different parts of the district monitoring the activity and encouraging residents to maintain clean surroundings beyond the one-day campaign.
Ibanda District Health Officer, Dr. Julius Bamwine, commended residents for embracing the initiative, saying the overwhelming response reflected growing public awareness of the importance of environmental cleanliness.
"The response from the people has been very encouraging. We have seen residents actively collecting plastic waste and cleaning public spaces, especially in areas that had become sanitation hotspots. Most of the accumulated plastic waste has been removed, and this is a positive step towards preventing diseases associated with poor hygiene and environmental pollution," Dr. Bamwine said.
He urged residents to make cleanliness a daily responsibility rather than waiting for organized campaigns.
"Keeping our environment clean should become a routine practice in every home, business, and community. Good sanitation remains one of the most effective ways of preventing disease outbreaks," he added.
Ibanda District Chairperson Happy Herbert Mayanja also applauded residents for their commitment to the exercise, describing the impressive turnout as evidence that communities are willing to support government efforts to improve public health.
"I want to thank all the residents who turned up to participate in today's National Cleaning Day. Your commitment shows that we all understand the importance of living in a clean environment. Let us maintain this spirit and ensure that our towns, trading centres, and villages remain clean every day, not only during national campaigns," Mayanja said.
He called upon local leaders to continue mobilizing communities to protect the environment through proper waste management and regular community clean-up activities.
National Cleaning Day was officially launched on Saturday following Cabinet approval .
The initiative aims to improve public sanitation, reduce the burden of preventable diseases linked to poor hygiene, and promote civic responsibility through regular cleaning of drainage channels, markets, streets, and other public spaces.
The government says the campaign is expected to significantly reduce localized flooding caused by blocked drainage systems while fostering a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment across the country.