Nansana Municipal Council Introduces By-Law to Curb Littering with Fines Up to Shs500,000 and Boost Recycling

Nansana Municipal Council is rolling out a new waste management by-law to address rampant improper disposal of domestic and commercial waste, which has been blocking drainage channels and triggering frequent floods.

The draft by-law, aligned with the National Environment Act and tailored for local needs, mandates residents to sort waste into coded containers and store it properly until collected by council agents. It strictly prohibits dumping waste on roads, streets, premises, or open pits.

Violators face steep penalties: up to Shs500,000 for littering, Shs100,000 for nonpayment of collection fees, Shs200,000 for failing to sort waste, and another Shs500,000 for tampering with sewerage in slums. Vehicles for waste transport must be enclosed and regularly decontaminated.

Officials view waste as a resource, with plans for a recycling plant on 35 acres of land acquired jointly with Kira Municipality in Menvu village, Busukuma Division. This could incentivize proper handling as locals and collectors stand to profit from recyclables.

Stella Nalumansi, Senior Environment Officer, highlighted ongoing issues like illegal dumping and unpaid fees amid rising waste from population growth. Health inspectors Joshua Kaliro and Hassan Zimula emphasized enforcement and expansion of service providers.

NEMA’s Diana Sem praised the effort and pledged support, urging alignment with national laws. Ministry of Local Government’s Deo Waiswa recommended broad consultations, noting Nansana’s proximity to Kampala. Additional by-laws on tree planting and wetland restoration are in the pipeline amid 70% wetland loss in Wakiso District.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)