Authorities in Kumi Municipality have sealed more than 50 business premises for failing to participate in the monthly National Cleaning Day exercise.
The shops and other businesses were found operating during the designated cleaning period, contrary to the municipal directive requiring businesses to participate in the exercise.
The National Cleaning Day programme is conducted on the last Saturday of every month as part of government efforts to improve sanitation and promote responsible waste management.
Charles Epenyu, the Assistant Town Clerk for North Division in Kumi Municipality, said most residents and business operators have embraced the programme, but some businesses continue to defy the directive.
He said the municipality has responded by closing and sealing premises that fail to comply.
“As a municipality, we have resorted to closing and sealing all those lockups and shops that don’t respond to government policy. We call upon the entire public to embrace this; it is only one day in a month. For us, we shall seal, and if you become defiant, we shall even withdraw or revoke your license,” Epenyu said.
Epenyu said non-compliant businesses face fines ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 shillings, depending on the size of the business. He said some operators deliberately lock their premises and wait for the cleaning exercise to end before reopening.
Epenyu warned that the municipality would continue enforcing the directive, saying businesses found operating without complying with the cleaning requirements will be closed.
Titus Omoruto, the Deputy Mayor of Kumi Municipality, commended residents who have embraced the programme.
Omoruto said he had observed improved cleanliness in several parts of the municipality, including Odelo Market.
“They have all adopted the program. By yesterday, I moved around, and people had already started cleaning their business areas. I moved up to Odelo Market, and it was very clean,” Omoruto said.
He urged residents and business operators to maintain clean surroundings beyond the designated cleaning day, saying poor sanitation can contribute to diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera.
Omoruto said enforcement measures were necessary to bring the few non-compliant businesses into the programme.
“The idea is welcome, and it is only a few people who are not positive. For you to bring all those on board, some measures must be taken so that all of us move together,” he said.
The enforcement in Kumi follows a directive by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja that the National Cleaning Day exercise is compulsory for Ugandans aged between 18 and 65. Nabbanja said those who fail to participate in the exercise would face enforcement action.
The government launched the monthly cleaning programme in July 2026, with the stated aim of improving sanitation, preventing disease outbreaks, protecting the environment and promoting a sustained culture of civic responsibility-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
