The authorities in Kampala have announced the arrest of a police officer who was captured on a cellphone video disposing of waste into Nakivubo Channel in the city.
The footage, which has been widely circulated on social media, shows the officer, dressed in police uniform, along with four other individuals.
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They can be seen removing bags filled with mostly plastic waste from the metal fence bars and pouring the trash into the flowing water.
The officer’s participation in the act has drawn significant criticism on social media, with some urging the police to educate their personnel about the importance of environmental protection.
While much of the criticism has been directed towards Police Constable Moses Ssekyewa, the other four individuals seen in the video are equally responsible.
Nakivubo Channel is a significant open drainage channel in Kampala, originating from the foothills of Makerere Hill.
Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Police spokesperson for the Kampala Metropolitan area, tweeted on Friday that Ssekyewa, who is assigned to the Kampala Central Police Station, has been apprehended.
Owoyesigyire added that more details would be provided when available.
It remains unclear whether the other four individuals shown in the footage have also been arrested or will face arrest.
According to comments on social media, it seems that many residents of Kampala dispose of garbage into Nakivubo Channel, leading to blockages and increased flooding during heavy rainfall.
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To address the escalating garbage problem, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) recently purchased 10 new garbage trucks and allocated two to each of the city’s five divisions, in addition to the existing ones.
This decision followed a directive on April 9 from President Yoweri Museveni, who expressed his displeasure at the sight of litter scattered around in the open when he drives through Kampala and other towns.
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