Kampala — ON October 30 2007, a by-law on improper disposal of rubbish was passed. Police officers or any other law enforcers can now arrest anyone they find throwing rubbish in the wrong places, or request them to remove the rubbish and dispose of it properly.

"Our police officers have been told to keep security as well as look out for those who throw rubbish on the streets.

The surveillance cameras would also help to detect the culprits," the Police Chief Kale Kayihura said at a press conference recently addressed alongside the Security Minister, Amama Mbabazi recently.

Signs reading "No dumping rubbish here, fine sh50,000" are commonplace, but the fines never materialise. The irony is that where such a sign is erected, a heap of rubbish will be lying nearby.

Rubbish disposal is an important environmental issue, particularly in Uganda where it is a very big problem. It is amazing that 94% of the world population can identify improper disposal of litter as a major environmental problem, but still do it.

Carelessly discarded garbage affects the society by causing harm to the health of people, animals and also damaging waterways. According to Planet Ark, a magazine dedicated to the environment, plastics are the major source of litter.

The recent ban of buveera was the first step by the Environment ministry. Buveera are dangerous because they restrict circulation of air in the soil.

"Motorists, and boda bodas who ride and park on the pavementsas well as those who destroy the flowers and litter the city are also warned," said the security minister Amama Mbabazi.

Impact of litter on the environment

The Planet Ark report states that litter discarded on the streets and parks can be transported through storms and water systems to the bays and oceans where they cause harm to marine life.

It shows that litter is a threat to health as it attracts vermin and is a breeding ground for bacteria.

"Items such as syringes, broken glass are a health hazard in public places," the report adds.

The report indicates that removing litter from the environment is costly.

John Kasiibo, an environmentalist, says people dispose rubbish improperly because of laziness, deliberate action, design and location of the garbage cans, forgetfulness and unavailability of rubbish skips.

However, not everyone agrees on what litter is. Organic items are least regarded as litter.

"Over one third of the people do not regard an apple core as litter and some believe that dog droppings are not litter either. However, most people regard bottles, cans and food wrappers as litter," Kasiibo says.

Kasiibo observes that the bylaw comes at a time when several roads and streets in Kampala lack garbage cans.

"One will walk along Nile Avenue after purchasing an ice cream cup from say Garden City Mall. Because he is in a hurry he decides to eat it while walking or driving.

He passes Crested Towers, Serena Hotel, Speke Hotel and Standard Chartered Bank looking for a container to dump his litter, and doesn't see one. He then will simply dump it anywhere," says Kasiibo.

Kasiibo says that as the Government is implementing the bylaw to promote cleanliness, it should provide the people with dumping options.

Kasiibo indicates that the proper use of garbage cans when provided, taking litter home after visiting parks and gardens can help with the garbage problem in Kampala.

Also, using reusable plastic containers and water bottles, disposal of unwanted chemicals, use of cloth bags when shopping, using detergents that do not contain phosphates, avoiding pouring waste fats and oils in sinks can also can solve the problem.