Mbale City to enforce new littering law with mandatory street cleaning for offenders

In a bid to restore sanitation and reclaim its reputation as one of Uganda’s cleanest cities, Mbale City Council has unveiled a new garbage ordinance aimed at punishing individuals who litter the streets.

The lwa, now awaiting full enforcement, will require offenders to perform community service by cleaning the very streets they littered.

The new law will focus on pedestrians and shop owners who channel their garbage into the environment, a common practice in the city.

James Kutosi, the Mbale City Public Relations Officer said  the ordinance has passed approval by the Solicitor General.

“You will be arrested and arraigned in the city court and sentenced to community service where you will be made to clean the town,” Kutosi said.

He added that the offenders would clean the streets in the presence of journalists, as part of a “name and shame” approach to promote responsible citizenship.

Kutosi also highlighted the city’s ongoing public sensitization campaign aimed at preparing residents for the law’s implementation.

Radio talk shows and quarterly accountability forums (Barazas) are being used to spread awareness of the ordinance, with more sessions planned before enforcement begins.

The ordinance is part of the city council’s broader Smart City initiative, focusing on timely street sweeping, waste management, and ensuring a cleaner environment.

Garbage disposal facilities have been installed in key areas of the central business district, though delays in emptying and neglect of these bins has led to challenges in maintaining cleanliness.

Kutosi also highlighted the restoration of the Dokho garbage compost site, a key facility that had previously been overwhelmed by waste, obstructing entry routes.

Moreover, Mbale City has partnered with private companies to collect domestic garbage, charging households a fee.

The council has also identified partners to help with waste processing waste into manure and produce black fly larvae as part of a broader waste-to-income initiative.

Dr. Moses Mugonyi, the Mbale City Health Officer charged with the city’s hygiene and sanitation revealed that a service provider has been assigned to manage garbage at Mbale Central Market, a hotspot for waste buildup.

"Authorities believe that public cooperation and behavioral change is key to achieving long-lasting results. “We are counting on the people to understand and embrace these measures,” Kutosi concluded.

As the city prepares to enforce the new ordinance, residents and visitors alike will need to adapt to the new rules and contribute to making Mbale a cleaner, healthier place to live.

However, critics argue that the cleanup interventions were primarily motivated by the anticipated visit of the president on Thursday, September 12.