By A presidential directive by President Yoweri Museveni has triggered a renewed crackdown on littering and illegal encroachment in Kampala, leading to the arrest of more than 60 individuals. The President, while commissioning Phase I of the Kampala Flyover Project, called on Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to enforce environmental laws more strictly and use CCTV cameras to identify and prosecute offenders.
President Museveni attributed the chronic blockage of drainage channels in the city to rampant littering, which he said not only undermines the lifespan of key infrastructure but also endangers lives, livestock, and the environment. He emphasized that civic irresponsibility must be met with firm action to preserve the city’s functionality and beauty.
Following the presidential directive, KCCA launched daily enforcement operations targeting littering, illegal garbage disposal, and trespassing on green spaces. KCCA spokesperson Daniel Nuwabiine confirmed the arrests and said enforcement is being carried out under the Kampala City law and order maintenance regulations, as well as the National Environment Act.
“We have resumed daily enforcement, and the message is clear: littering and damaging public green spaces will not be tolerated,” Nuwabiine said. “These areas are costly to maintain, and continued abuse forces the government to divert resources that could be used elsewhere.”
According to Nuwabiine, operations began in the Central Division—Kampala’s most populated and flood-prone area and will soon expand to city outskirts and along major drainage lines. So far, over 60 people have been apprehended. Sixteen were remanded, while others were released on bond and fined.
Penalties for offenses range from Shs40,000 to Shs10 million, depending on the severity and are determined by courts. The crackdown also targets individuals who damage public landscaping, which KCCA says is critical to maintaining the aesthetic appeal and ecological balance of the city.
The latest action comes amid growing concerns over urban flooding, which KCCA links to blocked drainage systems caused by irresponsible waste disposal. Nuwabiine stressed that businesses and residents must manage their waste more responsibly or face legal consequences.
KCCA has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring order and cleanliness in Kampala and urged all citizens to comply with environmental regulations. “Let’s work together to make Kampala a cleaner, safer city,” Nuwabiine concluded.
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