A young man from Kampala found himself behind bars after earning internet fame for all the wrong reasons. Ronald Katende from Katwe became an unexpected viral sensation when security cameras caught him tossing garbage into a drainage channel during a heavy rainstorm.
Public anger erupted after seeing the video of Katende emptying waste from a motorized tricycle directly into the drainage system. Kampala Capital City Authority quickly sprang into action. They tracked him down after filing an official complaint and made sure he spent a night locked up at Kampala Central Police Station before bringing him to court.
Magistrate Edgar Karakire charged Katende with improperly disposing of waste under national environmental laws. Without hesitation, Katende admitted his guilt. The prosecutor, Charles Kutosi, requested additional preparation time before finalizing the case details.
When Katende explained his difficult situation - mentioning his pregnant wife who depends on him as the family's sole provider - the court remained unmoved. He faces potential penalties, including hefty fines up to 11 million Ugandan shillings or potential imprisonment. The magistrate remanded him until April 15, 2025, for sentencing.
KCCA executive director Sharifah Buzeki has repeatedly warned city residents about careless waste disposal. She emphasized how blocking drainage channels leads to serious flooding problems during rainy seasons. Unobstructed drains help water flow faster and reduce urban flooding risks.
Katende's case arrives amid recent heavy rainfall, which has caused significant disruptions across Kampala. Widespread flooding has paralyzed business operations and caused substantial property damage. The incident serves as a stark reminder of environmental responsibility and urban infrastructure challenges facing the city.
Public anger erupted after seeing the video of Katende emptying waste from a motorized tricycle directly into the drainage system. Kampala Capital City Authority quickly sprang into action. They tracked him down after filing an official complaint and made sure he spent a night locked up at Kampala Central Police Station before bringing him to court.
Magistrate Edgar Karakire charged Katende with improperly disposing of waste under national environmental laws. Without hesitation, Katende admitted his guilt. The prosecutor, Charles Kutosi, requested additional preparation time before finalizing the case details.
When Katende explained his difficult situation - mentioning his pregnant wife who depends on him as the family's sole provider - the court remained unmoved. He faces potential penalties, including hefty fines up to 11 million Ugandan shillings or potential imprisonment. The magistrate remanded him until April 15, 2025, for sentencing.
KCCA executive director Sharifah Buzeki has repeatedly warned city residents about careless waste disposal. She emphasized how blocking drainage channels leads to serious flooding problems during rainy seasons. Unobstructed drains help water flow faster and reduce urban flooding risks.
Katende's case arrives amid recent heavy rainfall, which has caused significant disruptions across Kampala. Widespread flooding has paralyzed business operations and caused substantial property damage. The incident serves as a stark reminder of environmental responsibility and urban infrastructure challenges facing the city.
