Uganda Law Society (ULS) President Isaac Ssemakadde has criticised the government’s newly introduced monthly national clean-up exercise, popularly known as “Brooms Day,” arguing that it fails to address the root causes of poor sanitation.
In a statement, Ssemakadde described the initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, as “performative governance activity masquerading as progress.”
He said Uganda’s sanitation challenges are not due to lack of public participation, but weak enforcement of existing laws.
“We don’t need a monthly broom day; we need daily enforcement of existing laws,” he said, questioning the effectiveness of the Cabinet-approved programme that requires citizens to take part in mandatory clean-up exercises on the last Saturday of every month.
Ssemakadde pointed to deeper governance issues, saying responsibility should shift from ordinary citizens to public institutions.
“The real filth isn’t on our streets—it’s in our broken systems, corrupt officials, and unpunished wetland encroachers,” he stated.
The government has defended the exercise as a measure to improve hygiene, manage waste, and promote a culture of cleanliness. Under the directive, movement is restricted and businesses temporarily closed during the clean-up hours to ensure participation.
However, the ULS president argued that such measures place undue burden on citizens while state agencies avoid accountability.
He cited his legal battles with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), noting that court decisions have not translated into tangible change.
“I’ve taken Kampala Capital City Authority to court and won, yet nothing changes,” he said.
Ssemakadde also raised concern over the compulsory nature of the exercise, warning that lasting solutions lie in effective governance rather than periodic activities.
“Stop blaming citizens and start holding authorities accountable. Clean cities come from rule of law, not forced labour on a Saturday,” he added.