Uganda balances cleanliness campaign with rights protection
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Ugandans now regularly dedicate time on the last Saturday of each month to a national cleaning campaign, aiming to improve health and wellbeing across the country.
In 2022, the UN General Assembly recognised a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a universal human right, a right also affirmed in Uganda’s 1995 Constitution. However, the article points out that enjoying this right requires citizens to actively participate in maintaining a clean environment, not relying solely on the government.
Uganda has already held two national cleaning days, following similar initiatives in Rwanda with ‘Umuganda’ and Ghana’s National Sanitation Day. While many citizens enthusiastically participate, a recent incident raised concerns about respecting rights during the campaign. During the August 29, 2026 cleaning day, police fatally shot Ronald Kizito Juuko after he attempted to pass through a secured area.
To prevent future tragedies, the author urges the Ugandan government to formalise guidelines for the National Cleaning Days and widely share them with the public. Establishing clear standards will help both citizens and security forces understand expectations and operate within legal boundaries. The author also stresses the importance of fostering a sense of ownership and autonomy among citizens, encouraging participation based on goodwill rather than imposition.
