Garbage trucks to be deployed on cleaning days

Garbage collection trucks will be deployed across the country ahead of the next national cleaning day to improve waste collection and ensure proper sanitation.

The Government Chief Whip, Hon. Ruth Aceng made the revelation while responding to concerns raised by Kampala District Woman Representative, Hon. Shamim Malende over poor waste management following the inaugural national cleaning day that was held countrywide on Saturday, 25 July 2026.

During the plenary sitting held on Tuesday, 04 August 2026, Malende said uncollected garbage within Kampala and its surrounding areas is a serious threat to public health and presented environmental risks.

“While the initiative was intended to improve sanitation and public health, the collected waste has remained on the roadsides of Kampala and in the communities of Lubaga, Kawempe, Makindye, Central and Nakawa,” Malende said.

She called for a clear garbage collection plan, to ensure better success of the forthcoming national cleaning day that will take place on Saturday, 29 August 2026.

“I would like the line minister to inform us of the long-term measures which government is putting in place to ensure that future national cleaning exercises are followed by timely waste collection, transportation and disposal,” Malende added.

Aceng acknowledged that the intensity of the initial programme revealed gaps that will be addressed in future.

“We take note that the first activity clearly showed that we are overwhelmed. However, this morning, this issue has been largely addressed. KCCA is still moving around collecting waste. In future, we will have more trucks all over the country because it is a national activity,” Aceng told the House.

She added government is seeking partnerships to improve the viability of the activity.

“We want to promise you that with serious sensitisation, it will be better done and there will be no garbage left around,” Aceng added.

The initiative is expected to run from 7am to 10am on every last Saturday of the month, with a goal of improving sanitation, preventing disease, protecting the environment and promoting a lasting culture of civic responsibility.