By KT Reporter
Kampala City Hall Court has ordered Ronald Katende, 26, a resident of Katwe, to pay a fine of UGX 500,000 or face four months in Luzira prison following his conviction for illegally dumping garbage in a city drainage system. Katende’s troubles began after he was captured in a viral video offloading garbage a tricycle, commonly known as a tukutuku, and dumping it into a drainage channel during a heavy downpour.
The incident occurred near Queen’s Way in Kampala earlier this month. Following a complaint from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Katende was tracked down, arrested, and detained at the Central Police Station in Kampala before being presented in court. Appearing before Senior Principal Magistrate Grade One Edgar Karakire, Katende was charged with depositing waste in an undesignated place, contrary to Section 97 of the National Environment Act.
He pleaded guilty but claimed he was not the person in the viral video, insisting instead that he dumped the waste using a wooden wheelbarrow, locally known as an ekigali. Prosecutor Charles Kutosi called for a custodial sentence, arguing that drainage channels along Queen’s Way are overwhelmed by garbage, and Katende’s actions undermined KCCA’s ongoing city cleaning campaign.
“The accused is one of the culprits clogging the city’s drainage systems. A custodial sentence would send a strong message to other offenders,” said Kutosi. In his defense, Katende pleaded for leniency, citing that his wife is heavily pregnant and they have a two-year-old child.
While delivering the sentence, Magistrate Karakire noted the persistent problem of littering in the city and environmental pollution caused by such actions. He acknowledged Katende’s remorse, first-time offender status, and family situation but emphasized the seriousness of the offense.
“Although the law prescribes a maximum fine of UGX 11 million, I have considered your plea and sentenced you to pay UGX 500,000 or serve four months in prison,” Karakire ruled. Katende, who appeared in court without any relatives, begged for a reduction in the fine, saying the amount was too high. However, the magistrate stood by his decision. The conviction comes amid intensified KCCA operations targeting indiscriminate waste disposal under the leadership of Executive Director Hajati Sharifah Buzeki.
She has repeatedly urged the public to stop dumping garbage into drainage systems, warning that clogged channels hinder stormwater flow and contribute to urban flooding. Katende’s sentencing also follows recent heavy rains in Kampala that claimed seven lives and destroyed property, with many residents blaming poor drainage infrastructure and lack of a coordinated flood management strategy by the city authority-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
