KCCA Acts Tough on Green Spaces
Walking on the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) green zones, rather than using designated sidewalks, could unexpectedly land you in trouble. This follows a recent crackdown by KCCA’s enforcement team aimed at preserving the city’s green spaces and maintaining order. Individuals caught off guard were surprised as the KCCA enforcement officers apprehended them for violating these regulations.
A video making rounds on social media vividly captures the enforcement team in action across various parts of Kampala. The footage shows unsuspecting pedestrians being detained for trespassing on green zones.
Street vendors also faced stern caution during the operation. Traders selling merchandise along sidewalks and streets were not only asked to vacate but were also tasked with cleaning up their selling areas under the eagle eye of enforcement officers. This move is part of KCCA’s broader effort to enhance cleanliness and orderliness in the city.
Sharifa Buzeki, KCCA’s Executive Director, has taken a firm stance in her mission to beautify Kampala and safeguard its green zones. Her leadership is driving efforts to transform the city into a cleaner and more organized urban environment.
What are green zones
Green zones in Kampala, such as Centenary Park and Kinawataka wetlands, consist of areas covered with vegetation, including parks, major roadsides, lakefronts, and hilltops. The Urban Greening Infrastructure Ordinance (UGIO) defines green spaces as areas with grass, trees, shrubs, gardens, and urban forests, mandating specific green coverage: public spaces must have one tree per 120 square meters, private plots require 40% greenery and one tree per 80 square meters, while commercial and industrial areas must maintain 10-35% green space.
What the law says
- National Environment Act, No. 5 of 2019, prohibits activities that harm the environment, including unauthorized use of protected areas like wetlands or forests.
- Urban Green Infrastructure Ordinance, 2019 (Kampala): spells out regulations related to the use of public green spaces.
- Local Government Act: This act empowers local authorities to manage public spaces, including green zones.
Before you consider walking across KCCA greenbelts or setting up shop on sidewalks, think twice. Such actions could disrupt your plans for the day, lead to fines, or even result in a night in the coolers. Don’t say we did not warn you . Have a careful day , wont you?