Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has assured the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church that the government is considering adjustments to Uganda’s mandatory National Cleaning Day programme to accommodate members observing the Sabbath.
The National Cleaning Day initiative requires Ugandans to participate in community clean-up exercises on the last Saturday of every month from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The first nationwide exercise was successfully held on July 25, 2026, as part of efforts to improve sanitation and protect public health.
The SDA Church petitioned the government after raising concerns that the scheduled cleaning hours conflict with Sabbath worship.
In response, Prime Minister Nabbanja said the government is considering shifting the exercise to 10:00 a.m. and introducing flexibility to allow Seventh-day Adventists to observe their religious obligations without breaching the law.
She emphasized that the government remains committed to protecting both environmental conservation efforts and the constitutional right to freedom of worship.
The proposed changes are expected to help achieve the objectives of the National Cleaning Day campaign while ensuring that all Ugandans, regardless of their religious beliefs, can participate in a manner that respects their faith.
The government’s response has been welcomed by many as a step toward promoting inclusivity while encouraging citizens to keep Uganda clean and healthy
