By Yusuf Obbo
IGANGA – Several people were arrested across the Greater Iganga sub-region for failing to comply with the government’s directive requiring public participation in the National Cleaning Day exercise.
Busoga East Police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha said police, working alongside other security agencies, enforced the directive to ensure the exercise was observed across the region.
“We also took part by cleaning police barracks and nearby streets. The exercise has generally been peaceful, although a few people refused to comply. Some travellers were stopped to participate, and those who ignored the directive were arrested,” Kasadha said.
He said police would later release details of those arrested and any action to be taken against them.
The exercise drew participation from several local leaders, including Iganga District Woman MP Mariam Seif, NRM District Chairperson Hajji Abubaker Walubi, Resident District Commissioners, district officials and the Iganga Municipal technical team led by Town Clerk Edith Turyasasira.
Mariam Seif urged residents to make cleanliness part of their daily routine rather than treating it as a one-off event.
“A clean environment promotes good health. I encourage the people of Iganga to continue keeping their homes and communities clean so that our district remains healthy and attractive,” she said.
Hajji Walubi welcomed the National Cleaning Day initiative, saying it encourages public responsibility, environmental conservation and community participation.
The nationwide exercise, held between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., disrupted traffic along parts of the Jinja–Malaba Highway after vehicle movement was temporarily suspended to allow the clean-up.
Many residents, traders and pupils who took part said they hope the exercise will become a regular activity to improve sanitation and public health.
