Businesses close as Bushenyi embraces National Cleaning Day
The monthly exercise, which will now be held every last Saturday of the month between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., saw most businesses in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality and other major trading centres in the district remain closed as residents were expected to participate in cleaning their homes, workplaces and public spaces.
"Bushenyi people have been cooperative during the National Cleaning Day exercise. Those who were not seen in public cleaning activities remained at their homes carrying out the same exercise," Ngabirano said. (Credit: Bruno Mugizi)
BUSHENYI - Bushenyi District on Saturday joined the rest of the country in observing the inaugural National Cleaning Day, with residents, religious leaders and government officials taking part in a nationwide exercise aimed at promoting sanitation and preventing hygiene-related diseases.
The monthly exercise, which will now be held every last Saturday of the month between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., saw most businesses in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality and other major trading centres in the district remain closed as residents were expected to participate in cleaning their homes, workplaces and public spaces.
Residents commended for responding.
The Bushenyi Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Emmy Ngabirano, praised residents for responding positively to the government's call.
Ngabirano said the high level of cooperation demonstrated that people understood the importance of maintaining a clean environment.
He urged residents to continue supporting the monthly initiative, saying a clean environment is key to preventing disease outbreaks.
Although businesses in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality and other major trading centres remained closed during the designated hours, turnout varied across different areas, with some residents opting to clean their homes instead of joining public cleaning activities. (Credit: Bruno Mugizi)
Government calls for nationwide participation
The Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipal Health Inspector, Julius Byamukama, said that the exercise is not limited to municipalities and towns but should be observed across the entire country.
"Every Ugandan is expected to dedicate three hours on the last Saturday of every month to clean their homes, workplaces and surrounding areas.
Religious leaders rally Christians
The West Ankole Diocesan Secretary, Ven.Rev.Joseph Mweyugye, appealed to Christians to fully embrace the initiative, describing cleanliness as both a public health and spiritual responsibility.
Relatedly, Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality Deputy Mayor Milton Betungura encouraged residents to make the monthly exercise part of their routine.
He said maintaining a clean environment would significantly reduce the burden of preventable diseases and improve public health.
Although businesses in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality and other major trading centres remained closed during the designated hours, turnout varied across different areas, with some residents opting to clean their homes instead of joining public cleaning activities.
The National Cleaning Day is a government initiative intended to strengthen environmental sanitation and encourage collective responsibility in keeping communities clean across Uganda.