PM Nabbanja urges Ugandans to embrace sorting of garbage at source
Nabbanja was speaking in Hoima city on September 26, 2026, while presiding over the third edition of the National Cleaning Day, where she said the Government plans to enforce waste sorting at source across the country.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja addressing hundreds of people who turned up for cleaning in Hoima city. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)
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Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has emphasised the need for waste to be sorted at source if the challenge of garbage in the country is to be addressed.
Nabbanja was speaking in Hoima city on September 26, 2026, while presiding over the third edition of the National Cleaning Day, where she said the Government plans to enforce waste sorting at source across the country.
She noted that under the proposed system, households, institutions and large organisations will be required to separate waste at the point of disposal, while local governments will be responsible for promoting the practice in communities.
Nabbanja noted that garbage should not be seen as a burden, but should instead be viewed as a source of income if well managed.
Hoima city Woman MP Nyakato Asinasi with a rake on the right and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja with a broom, with residents collecting garbage in Hoima city. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)
“Plastics and polyethene should be separated from the biodegradable waste because these plastics are a danger to our environment; scientists tell us that polyethene can take over 200 years to rot. If Ugandans can embrace sorting of the biodegradable waste from plastic and polyethene, there are companies that are recycling these plastics and polyethene so they will make us money, in the same way we can recycle these biodegradable wastes into fertiliser," she said.
Nabbanja also called on Ugandans to take greater responsibility for waste disposal, warning that poor sanitation is contributing to public health problems, urban flooding and environmental degradation.
She said the National Cleaning Day was also an opportunity to prepare Hoima City for increased activity ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Hoima is among the Ugandan cities designated to host matches during the tournament, and Nabbanja said the city must maintain high standards of cleanliness as it prepares to receive visitors and attract international attention.
She noted that the fourth National Cleaning Day will be held in Rira, which is also expected to host AFCON.
Nabbanja said the Government's sanitation campaign was necessary because a significant proportion of Uganda's disease burden is preventable through improved sanitation and environmental management.
She cited malaria, diarrhoea and typhoid among illnesses associated with poor sanitation and environmental conditions.
The Prime Minister said the monthly cleaning exercise is expected to cover homes, markets, roads, drainage channels and other public spaces.
Jonard Asiimwe, Minister in the Office of the President in charge of Science, Technology and Innovation, urged Ugandans to participate in the monthly exercise, describing it as part of efforts to build a cleaner and healthier country.
He noted that most of the diseases suffered by the Ugandan community are a result of living in an unhygienic environment.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja using a shovel to scoop rubbish before she dumps it on the waiting rubbish truck. Looking are other leaders from the area. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)
Nyakato said the day would enable citizens to appreciate their responsibility to keep their homes clean and fix community roads without waiting for the Government.
"Once the citizens embrace the exercise, 90% of the diseases caused by poor sanitation will be reduced," she added.
Pius Wakabi, the Bugahya County Member of Parliament and Hoima district woman MP, said that as the initiative is implemented, there should be deliberate efforts to sensitise the public to ensure that they develop good discipline in disposing of garbage.
He said the Government should double its efforts to beautify Hoima city and that Hoima district should also support efforts to beautify towns along the road leading from Kabalega International Airport in Hoima district to Hoima city.
Hoima city mayor Edward Isingoma said the city had embarked on an awareness campaign to encourage residents to dispose of garbage properly, since it is one of the challenges affecting efforts to keep Hoima City clean.
Hundreds of people, including officers from the Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda People's Defence Forces, schools, institutions and political leaders, participated in Saturday's exercise, cleaning roads, markets, drainage channels and other public spaces across Hoima city.
The National Cleaning Day initiative was launched on July 25, 2026, following Cabinet approval under a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.