Mukono Municipality Member of Parliament Betty Nambooze Bakireke has urged the Prime Minister to reschedule National Cleaning Day activities planned for October 31, 2026, warning that the exercise could interfere with the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, as he meets his subjects during the Masaza Cup final.
Nambooze proposed that the nationwide sanitation exercise be conducted before October 31 or postponed to November 1 to avoid a clash with the highly anticipated football final between Kyaggwe and Gomba counties. She argued that the government should consider the cultural importance of the occasion when planning national activities.
The legislator explained that the Kabaka traditionally attends the Masaza Cup final as the chief guest, making the event an important gathering for the people of Buganda. Beyond football, the tournament promotes unity, togetherness and sportsmanship among subjects of the kingdom.
Nambooze cautioned that road closures and other restrictions associated with National Cleaning Day could disrupt the movement of people travelling to attend the final and interfere with the Kabaka’s scheduled appearance. She stressed that any arrangements that prevent the Kabaka from meeting his people would conflict with Buganda’s cultural traditions.
“It’s a taboo,” Nambooze said, underlining the cultural sensitivity surrounding the Kabaka’s interaction with his subjects during the annual sporting event.
Responding to communication from Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, Nambooze called on the Prime Minister to provide clear guidance on how the two activities could be coordinated. She maintained that rescheduling the sanitation exercise would allow the government to achieve its cleanliness objectives without disrupting the Masaza Cup final.
National Cleaning Day is intended to encourage citizens to maintain clean surroundings and improve sanitation across the country. However, Nambooze argued that government programmes should be organised in a way that accommodates significant cultural events, particularly those expected to attract large crowds and require uninterrupted movement.
The MP also joined Tayebwa in welcoming a delegation from the Rwenzururu Kingdom to Parliament, calling for continued recognition and support for cultural leaders and institutions. Her appeal comes ahead of the October 31 final, which will bring together supporters of Kyaggwe and Gomba, with the Kabaka’s presence expected to reinforce the tournament’s longstanding role in promoting Buganda’s unity and cultural identity.
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