Uganda holds second National Cleaning Day amid security warnings

Uganda marked its second National Cleaning Day on Saturday, involving nationwide participation from security forces and local communities. In Gulu City, personnel from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda Police Force, and Uganda Wildlife Authority participated in cleaning public facilities, including the main market and Gulu Regional Referral Hospital.

Following controversies during the first National Cleaning Day—where videos showed officers allegedly assaulting pedestrians and forcing citizens to sweep streets—the police issued a warning against confronting security personnel. Police Spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma stated that while movement is restricted between 7:00 am and 10:00 am to facilitate cleaning, officers are not mandated to force individuals to participate. The police clarified that confrontations with officers enforcing these restrictions could result in arrests or the use of force.

To mitigate issues encountered previously, authorities expanded the list of exemptions. Individuals seeking medical services or traveling for scheduled treatments are permitted to move during the restricted hours, provided they present relevant medical documentation. Emergency service vehicles and medical personnel on duty are also exempt from the movement restrictions.