Fort Portal City Mayor Rev. Kintu Willy Muhanga has called on residents and business owners to take an active role in the National Clean-Up Day campaign to improve sanitation, hygiene and the city’s appearance.

The Government of Uganda has designated the last Saturday of every month for clean-up activities in cities and urban centres. Businesses are expected to close from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to allow everyone to participate.

While residents, businesses, financial institutions and civil society organisations in many urban centres in Uganda have embraced the campaign, participation in Fort Portal remains limited. Although shops, banks, pharmacies and other businesses close during the designated hours, many business owners do not join the clean-up. As a result, city authorities, schools and police often carry out much of the work.

The September, 2026 National Clean Up, Fort Portal stated from Mpanga market when the cleaners were first addressed by the leaders, they later moved to Kabundaire , Fort Portal Secondary, Public library a, to Balya street and ended at the kingdom palce entrance.

Mayor Muhanga urged residents and businesses to treat the campaign as a shared civic responsibility—not simply a government initiative. He said the city could make lasting progress only if everyone worked together, adding that authorities would enforce the requirements.

Fort Portal Central MP Hon. Ronald Muhenda Omusoromi said the city could not live up to its Tourism City status unless residents took responsibility for keeping it clean. He praised school administrators for involving children and young people, saying the experience would help them grow up respecting their city and the environment.

The Fort Portal Woman MP, Hon. Linda Irene, also urged residents to participate in the clean-up and maintain good sanitation and hygiene at home. A clean city, she said, would help attract more visitors.

Assistant Principal Town Clerk Peter Kusemererwa, who led the clean-up team, said a greener, cleaner city could attract both investors and tourists. He announced another clean-up drive for Monday, 28 September, starting at Rwengoma Palace, ahead of Empango and the enthronement of Prince Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I on Tuesday, 29 September 2026 as new king.

By Stephen Ainganiza , Senior Communications Officer , Fort Portal City