AMUGU TOWN COUNCIL — The National Cleaning Day initiative was implemented with remarkable success across Amugu Town Council on Saturday, even as authorities detained three local leaders for convening a meeting in violation of the presidential directive .
Jimmy Okello, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC) of Alebtong District, confirmed that GISO Abura Joseph Olwit, Town Agent Odongo Levi of Acek Ward, and the LC1 Chairperson of Akisim Cell were detained for organising a meeting during the designated cleaning hours, contravening Presidential Directive SDR 04/29/8/26.
The ARDC confirmed that GISO Olwit had called all LC1 chairpersons to a meeting, effectively hindering cleaning day participation in their respective areas. The decision to hold the meeting during the mandatory clean-up exercise, which runs from 7:00 am to 10:00 am on the last Saturday of every month, drew swift action from authorities .
Despite the disruption in some quarters, residents of Amugu TC turned out in large numbers to participate in the cleaning activities, demonstrating strong community ownership of the initiative. Amugu Town Council has previously been recognised as one of the leading lower local governments in Alebtong District.
The successful implementation reflects the broader vision behind Uganda's National Cleaning Day, which aims to transform environmental cleanliness from a monthly event into a sustained national movement. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has urged Ugandans to make environmental cleanliness part of their everyday lives instead of treating it as an activity reserved for National Cleaning Day .
The National Cleaning Day programme is part of the government's wider effort to improve sanitation, environmental protection and community participation. Under the arrangement, movement is restricted during the cleaning hours, with exceptions made for essential services and emergencies.
Local authorities have not yet commented on the charges the detained leaders may face or the duration of their detention. The Assistant RDC's confirmation of the incident underscores the government's commitment to ensuring full compliance with the national programme.
The incident highlights the tension between administrative duties and the mandatory nature of National Cleaning Day, as Uganda continues to build momentum behind its environmental cleanliness initiative.
