Evaluating the effectiveness of the legal framework for the control and management of littering in Uganda: a case study of Kampala Capital City

Abstract

Littering is an environmental problem that involves inappropriate disposal of minor amounts of waste. The wastes include cigarettes, bottles and glass or plastic containers napkins, bags, tissues, take-away food packages, snack wrappers and banana peels. In Kampala City it is a problem mainly because of its high population and the plentiful activities carried out.

This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the legal and institutional framework on the control and management of littering in Uganda, considering Kampala City as a case study. It presents an analysis of the causes and determinants of littering, an analysis of the weaknesses and challenges faced in implementing the legal and institutional framework for the control and management of littering in Uganda, and providing possible recommendations and measures for dealing with the issue of littering in Uganda, specifically Kampala City. The study mainly used doctrinal methods that were supplemented by qualitative methods of data collections by use of interview guides mainly on respondents that have knowledge of the legal and institutional framework that governs littering through purposive sampling. The study established that the population is not aware of the existence of laws on littering and continue littering indiscriminately thus, making enforcement of laws on littering inadequate. Additionally, the duty to clear litter in some areas is not clearly spelt out under the existing law thus creating a challenge in addressing the problem in cases where the source of litter can hardly be traced. Similarly, the fact that every individual has a duty to clear litter, existence of practical difficulties (for instance, health and safety issues) means that litter tends to be cleaned infrequently hindering the enjoyment of the right to a clean and healthy environment enshrined in the Constitution. There is therefore the need for strengthening the law enforcement sector to ensure that the legal framework effectively achieves its intended goal of controlling littering and encouraging community policing. In addition, creation of specialized courts to handle environmental cases would ensure compliance with the legal provisions on littering.