Hoima City has been selected to host Uganda’s third National Cleaning Day exercise on Saturday, September 26, as the government steps up preparations to improve sanitation ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament next year.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said Hoima was chosen because of its importance as one of the areas expected to receive visitors during the continental football tournament.
Nabbanja urged Hoima City and other local leaders to identify major garbage collection points before the exercise so that waste collected during the three-hour activity is properly handled.
“Hoima is a unique place because it is going to host the AFCON tournament next year. It is against this background that I call upon all local leaders in the district to identify the major garbage collection centres to make the day a success,” Nabbanja said.
The government introduced National Cleaning Day as a monthly exercise aimed at improving sanitation, preventing disease and promoting a culture of keeping communities clean. The programme was approved by Cabinet and is held on the last Saturday of every month.
The September exercise will be the third national cleaning exercise since the programme was launched in July. The first exercise was held on July 25 in Kampala, while the second was held on August 29 in Wakiso.
Nabbanja described the previous exercises as successful despite some challenges. She thanked Ugandans, businesses and other organisations that have supported the programme by providing trucks, equipment and other forms of assistance. [WATCH VIDEO]
She also reminded the public that movement restrictions will be enforced during the cleaning exercise.
The government has maintained that between 7 am and 10am, movement of people and vehicles will be restricted, except for those with valid exemptions. Security agencies will oversee the exercise and guide the public during the restricted period.
Seventh-day Adventists will be allowed to conduct their cleaning activities on Sunday because of their observance of Saturday as their Sabbath.
Deputy Police spokesperson Diana Nandawula also addressed concerns arising from an earlier National Cleaning Day exercise in which a citizen was killed following an encounter with police officers.
Nandawula acknowledged that excessive force was used by police in the incident. She said the police officer accused in connection with the death had been arrested and was on remand while facing charges.
She urged members of the public to cooperate with security officers during the September exercise and to carry documents showing that they qualify for movement exemptions.
“We should comply with security officers by providing the exemption documents that allow you to move. Let us comply with the law,” Nandawula said.
