The Uganda Police Force has announced a nationwide restriction on the movement of vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and vessels during the National Cleaning Day exercise scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2026, warning that only emergency services and other exempted categories will be allowed to operate between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
In a press statement issued on Friday, Police spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma said the exercise is part of the government’s efforts to improve sanitation, promote public health and prevent diseases associated with poor environmental hygiene.
Under the directive, all vehicles, vessels, motorcycles and bicycles will be prohibited from using roads and water bodies during the three-hour exercise, with traffic movement restricted across the country except in emergency situations.
The restrictions are expected to temporarily bring business and transport activities to a standstill as millions of Ugandans participate in the nationwide clean-up campaign.
Police urged all citizens, motorists, traders, institutions and community leaders to fully comply with the directive and actively participate in cleaning their respective communities.
“All vehicles, vessels, motorcycles, and bicycles shall not be allowed on the roads and water bodies except in emergency situations. Traffic movement will be restricted countrywide,” the statement reads.
Emergency services exempted
Despite the blanket restrictions, police clarified that emergency services will continue operating throughout the exercise.
Individuals travelling for scheduled medical treatment will be allowed to move but must carry relevant medical documentation, while health workers are required to have official identification documents.
Other exempted categories include security vehicles on official duty and cross-border vehicular traffic travelling along major transport corridors.
Police further encouraged members of the public to remain within their localities during the exercise, participate in cleaning activities and only resume normal movements after 10:00 a.m.
Public urged to cooperate
The force has appealed for calm and cooperation, urging members of the public to avoid confrontations with security personnel enforcing the restrictions.
“In case of any concern, please seek guidance from the nearest police officer or supervisor on duty,” the statement advises.
The National Cleaning Day is being implemented as part of the government’s broader campaign to improve environmental sanitation, reduce disease outbreaks linked to poor waste management and encourage community participation in keeping public spaces clean.
With police expected to enforce the restrictions nationwide, motorists and travellers have been advised to adjust their travel plans to avoid inconvenience during the three-hour exercise.
