Uganda's National Cleaning Days Face Waste Backlog in Kampala

One week after the inaugural National Cleaning Day, large piles of uncollected garbage remain in several Kampala suburbs, including Bwaise, Munaku, Nabulagala, Kawempe and Kibuli. Residents report foul odours, flies, maggots and rodents, warning of possible disease outbreaks and noting that some have resorted to burning waste, adding air‑pollution concerns. The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) had announced that most waste from the Saturday cleanup had been cleared, but surveys by the Uganda Radio Network show that significant heaps persist, disrupting local businesses and daily life.

Meanwhile, Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Hon. Judith Nabakooba launched the National Cleaning Days initiative in Mityana District, outlining a plan to hold monthly clean‑up exercises on the last Saturday of each month. She emphasized that regular cleaning would improve public health, lower disease‑related costs and create a cleaner environment. Local officials and residents attended the launch, pledging to extend cleaning efforts beyond the designated days.