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Eritrean refugees take lead in cleaning Makindye suburbs
The government directive was part of the government's newly launched monthly National Cleaning Day initiative to promote environmental cleanliness and prevent sanitation-related diseases.
Residents of Kansanga, together with urban refugees, take part in a community clean-up exercise during Uganda's National Cleaning Day on Saturday, July 25, 2026. (Photo by Ibrahim Ruhweza)
By: Ibrahim Ruhweza, Journalist @New Vision
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Kampala urban refugees, mainly Eritreans, were among participants in the Makindye suburbs community cleaning exercise.
Around the country, hundreds embraced the nationwide exercise aimed at improving sanitation and public health.
The government directive was part of the government's newly launched monthly National Cleaning Day initiative to promote environmental cleanliness and prevent sanitation-related diseases.
In Sebuliba Zone, Nabutiti Village, Kansanga Parish in Makindye Division, Simon Teklit, an Eritrean refugee who operates a retail shop in the area, was already sweeping outside his premises by 7:30am.
Teklit said he initially had little knowledge about the nationwide exercise. When he opened his shop as usual, residents informed him that businesses were expected to close during the clean-up and that those who failed to comply risked penalties.
He immediately shut his shop and joined the community.
"It's a good thing for all of us. I have cleaned around with the rest of the people," Teklit said.
He also revealed that many of his countrymen resident in Makindye had shared photos while participating in the exercise.
Hundreds around Makindye descended on the streets and paths to sweep or slash around their homes or business premises.
He immediately shut his shop and joined the community.
"It's a good thing for all of us. I have cleaned around with the rest of the people," Teklit said.
He also revealed that many of his countrymen resident in Makindye had shared photos while participating in the exercise.
Hundreds around Makindye descended on the streets and paths to sweep or slash around their homes or business premises.
Community volunteer Amon Agaba, who helped mobilise residents, said the response was mixed. While many embraced the exercise, others attempted to ignore the restrictions and continue with their normal routines.
At one point, Agaba said he stopped motorists and motorcyclists who wanted to forcefully drive or ride through barricades which restricted movement during the clean-up hours.
He also lamented that many residents who remained in their compounds ignored the exercise.
"People simply didn't want to work. They preferred to stay away instead of joining the exercise," he lamented.
Despite the initial resistance, participation steadily improved as the morning progressed. By the end of the three-hour exercise, many residents had joined in, cleaning roadsides, drainage channels and public spaces around the neighbourhood.
At 10:00am, normal activities resumed, with shops reopening and traffic returning to the area, marking the end of the inaugural National Cleaning Day.
At one point, Agaba said he stopped motorists and motorcyclists who wanted to forcefully drive or ride through barricades which restricted movement during the clean-up hours.
He also lamented that many residents who remained in their compounds ignored the exercise.
"People simply didn't want to work. They preferred to stay away instead of joining the exercise," he lamented.
Despite the initial resistance, participation steadily improved as the morning progressed. By the end of the three-hour exercise, many residents had joined in, cleaning roadsides, drainage channels and public spaces around the neighbourhood.
At 10:00am, normal activities resumed, with shops reopening and traffic returning to the area, marking the end of the inaugural National Cleaning Day.