Ronald Katende,(26 ), the individual captured in a widely circulated video illegally dumping garbage into the Nakivubo Channel, has been sentenced to four months jail time or a fine worth UGX 500.000 at the City Hall Court .
The video, which went viral, showed Katende disposing of waste in a manner that violates environmental regulations. Upon his appearance in court, he pleaded guilty and requested leniency, citing his wife’s pregnancy. However, the magistrate ordered his remand until April 15, 2025, when sentencing will proceed .
While appearing before the same Court on Tuesday, he was slapped with sentence after the prsiding Magistrate considered his plea for leniency, also on the grounds that he is a first time offender, handing him a much lighter sentence.
According to the National Environmental Act, violations of this nature can result in fines up to 11 million shillings or imprisonment.
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki has highlighted the critical impact of such illegal dumping on the city’s drainage systems and the increased risk of flooding.