Ham Group of Companies has joined communities and institutions across Uganda in marking National Cleaning Day, participating in the nationwide exercise aimed at promoting cleanliness, better sanitation and healthier communities.
The exercise, held on Saturday, brought together Ugandans from different sectors to clean public spaces and their surroundings as the government steps up efforts to improve sanitation and prevent diseases linked to poor hygiene and waste management.
Ham Group of Companies, founded by businessman and entrepreneur Hajji Hamis Kiggundu, participated in the exercise as part of its commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to the wellbeing of communities in which it operates.
Speaking about the company’s participation, Hajji Hamis Kiggundu said cleanliness should not be viewed as the responsibility of government alone, but as a shared duty that requires the active participation of individuals, businesses and communities.
“As Ham Group of Companies, we believe that a clean environment is fundamental to a healthy and productive society. We have joined National Cleaning Day because we want to lead by example and demonstrate that every individual, institution and business has a role to play in keeping our communities clean. This is not simply a one-day activity; it should inspire a lasting culture of cleanliness and responsibility across Uganda.”
Kiggundu also called for sustained public participation in sanitation initiatives, saying a clean environment contributes to public health, productivity and national development.
“We cannot build a strong and prosperous country while neglecting the environment in which our people live and work. Cleanliness protects our health, improves the dignity of our communities and creates a better environment for business and investment. We therefore encourage all Ugandans to make cleanliness part of their everyday lives and to work together with government to build a cleaner and healthier Uganda.”
The government has urged Ugandans to embrace the National Cleaning Day exercise despite the temporary inconveniences associated with it, saying the initiative is aimed at improving public health and preventing sanitation-related diseases.
Speaking at the launch of the exercise in Kiti Zone, Mengo-Kisenyi in Kampala, Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi said the government was aware of concerns raised by some members of the public but stressed that the exercise was being undertaken in the interest of better health.
He advised travellers to complete cleaning activities before 10am, while workplaces could organise cleaning activities on Fridays or allow employees to travel before 7am.
Vice President Jessica Alupo said the National Cleaning Day programme is anchored on four key pillars — disease prevention, nutrition, exercise and cleanliness — warning that poor sanitation can contribute to outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne diseases.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who first announced the National Cleaning Day initiative, said guidelines for the exercise had been finalised, with the Ministry of Health expected to communicate the roles and responsibilities of institutions and individuals.
Dr Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, said the public response to the exercise had been positive despite the short notice, adding that increased participation would help reduce sanitation-related diseases and ease pressure on the country’s health system.
Ham Group of Companies is a Ugandan-founded multinational privately owned conglomerate established by Hajji Hamis Kiggundu, with interests spanning real estate and property development, agro-processing, education, hospitality and accommodation, transportation and logistics, technology, social media platforms, international trade and general merchandise.
The group has operations in Uganda, South Africa, the United States, Canada, Great Britain and Malta, and employs more than 7,000 people across its various ventures.
Through its participation in National Cleaning Day, the group has reaffirmed its support for collective efforts to promote a cleaner environment, improved public health and sustainable development across Uganda.