Uganda Baati has hosted the national launch of National Cleaning Day for manufacturers, with government and private sector leaders calling on Ugandans to embrace cleanliness as a shared responsibility and take action to protect the environment.
The event, held at Uganda Baati, was officiated by the Minister of State for Industry, David Bahati, and attended by Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) Executive Director Dr. Ezra Rubanda, Uganda Baati management and employees, as well as representatives from neighbouring organisations.
Minister Bahati said the National Cleaning Day initiative was established to encourage citizens, businesses and institutions to actively participate in maintaining clean and safe surroundings.
“A clean environment does not belong to one group, one sector or one community. It is a shared responsibility that unites us all,” Bahati said.
He said the initiative is aimed at promoting patriotism, responsibility and environmental awareness among Ugandans, while recognising the role of manufacturers in supporting cleaner and healthier communities.
Bahati commended Uganda Baati for its continued commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible business practices, saying manufacturers have an important role in driving positive change through their operations.
Dr. Rubanda said Uganda Baati was an appropriate venue for the manufacturers’ launch because of the company’s track record in promoting sustainability and responsible corporate practices.
“The decision to hold the National Cleaning Day launch for manufacturers here reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability, responsibility and high standards within the manufacturing sector,” Rubanda said.
He noted that businesses should be assessed not only by the products they produce but also by the impact they create within the communities where they operate.
Uganda Baati Chief Executive Officer George Arodi said environmental conservation has remained part of the company’s culture for years, adding that the National Cleaning Day campaign reinforces the need for collective action.
“A clean Uganda is everyone’s responsibility. It cannot be left to local authorities or cleaning teams alone. Every one of us has a role to play in how we dispose of waste and how we look after the places where we live and work,” Arodi said.
Arodi revealed that Uganda Baati has been implementing its monthly Bulungi Bwansi clean-up programme since 2018, where employees dedicate time to cleaning areas around the company’s operations.
“Our support for National Cleaning Day is a continuation of what we have been doing over the years. We believe responsible businesses should contribute to building cleaner and healthier communities,” he said.
The launch concluded with a cleaning exercise involving government officials, UMA representatives and Uganda Baati employees, demonstrating the importance of public-private partnerships in promoting environmental responsibility.
The National Cleaning Day initiative was approved by Cabinet, chaired by President Yoweri Museveni, on August 11, 2025. Government declared the last Saturday of every month as National Cleaning Day, with activities scheduled to take place from 7:00am to 10:00am.
All Ugandans and residents are expected to participate in organised community cleaning activities as part of efforts to make cleanliness a daily responsibility.
