National Cleaning Day returns: Police list travellers exempted from movement restrictions

• Patients and people travelling for scheduled treatment will be allowed to move.

• All hospital staff, including nurses, are exempted but should carry identification.

• Journalists on duty, tourists, security personnel and people travelling abroad are also exempted.

• Cross-border traffic will be allowed to continue along designated routes.

Police have listed patients, health workers, journalists, tourists and cross-border travellers among people who will be allowed to move during the second round of National Cleaning Day on August 29, 2026.

Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said movement will be restricted across the country between 7am and 10am to allow Ugandans to participate in the cleaning exercise.

Vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles will not be allowed on roads during the three-hour period. Police said vessels will also face restrictions on water bodies.

However, Rusoke said authorities had clarified exemptions following challenges during the previous National Cleaning Day.

Patients seeking medical attention will be allowed to travel, but they must give officers a reasonable explanation showing that they are heading to a health facility.

People travelling for scheduled medical treatment should carry medical documents to support their explanation.

Police have also exempted all health facility staff.

Rusoke said there was confusion during the previous exercise after some people interpreted the exemption for medical personnel as applying only to doctors.

He said nurses and other hospital staff are also covered.

“All hospital staff are exempted, but you need to identify yourself and explain. You will be allowed. Carry valid identification documents,” Rusoke said.

Security personnel will also be allowed to move.

Rusoke said the exemption extends to private security personnel who are on duty.

Cross-border traffic will not be affected by the restrictions.

Rusoke cited the example of a bus travelling from Kenya through Uganda to Kigali, saying such a vehicle would be allowed to continue its journey.

However, operators must follow their designated routes to avoid problems with enforcement officers.

People travelling abroad will also be exempted, alongside journalists on duty and tourists.

Police did not indicate that the exemptions amount to unrestricted movement. Those seeking to use them may be required to identify themselves or explain their circumstances to officers.

Rusoke also addressed people travelling in connection with concerts and other events.

He advised them to seek guidance from senior police officers where necessary.

“Every officer you come into contact with has a superior above them,” Rusoke said.

Police have urged the public to avoid confrontations with security personnel enforcing the restrictions.

The second National Cleaning Day will take place on Saturday, August 29, with the public expected to clean their homes and neighbourhoods.