The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, has urged the government to reconsider holding the monthly National Cleaning Day on Saturdays, saying the day clashes with important religious activities and community events.
Last week, the government declared the last Saturday of every month as National Cleaning Day, requiring businesses to close and restricting non-essential movement between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. to allow communities to participate in the exercise.
While delivering his farewell sermon at St. John’s Cathedral in Ruwenzori Diocese, Fort Portal, Archbishop Kazimba said Saturday is already dedicated to worship by the Seventh-day Adventist Church and is also a popular day for weddings and other religious functions. He proposed that the government instead consider allocating a few hours on a weekday before normal business begins.
He emphasized that while the initiative is commendable, broader consultations with stakeholders would have helped identify a more suitable day.
The Archbishop also challenged Fort Portal Tourism City to reclaim its reputation as one of Uganda’s cleanest towns and urged citizens to embrace cleanliness as a shared responsibility. Toro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire backed the Archbishop’s proposal, saying Saturday may not be convenient for everyone and that government should consider a more inclusive approach.
However, Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Minister Tom Butiime defended the government’s decision, saying Cabinet had extensively discussed the matter before settling on Saturdays. He explained that many countries hold similar exercises on weekends and noted that weekdays would present logistical challenges, including normal government working hours. He also observed that Members of Parliament are usually in their constituencies on Saturdays, making it easier to mobilise communities.
Responding to the minister, Archbishop Kazimba maintained that Cabinet decisions should remain responsive to public concerns and can always be reviewed if circumstances warrant.
Meanwhile, the Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese, Rt. Rev. Reuben Kisembo, praised Archbishop Kazimba for supporting the growth of the diocese, including the completion of major infrastructure projects such as the Church House and strengthening church institutions.
The Head of Laity at St. John’s Cathedral, Richard Rwabuhinga, appealed to Archbishop Kazimba, who also serves as Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, to support bright students who are unable to pursue university education because of financial constraints.Rwabuhinga also announced that the diocesan synod has designated December 29 as the annual Bishop’s Day, beginning this year. He said the occasion will be used by the Bishop to outline the diocese’s plans and priorities for the coming year-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
