Kampala Court Issues Sentences to Several Convicted of Trampling Green Grass

Kampala City Hall Court has convicted and sentenced several individuals for walking on green belts — areas covered with grass — along major roads within the capital.

Among those convicted on Tuesday afternoon are Amanya Jonathan, Maurice Fred, and Kato Denis. 

Senior Principal Magistrate Grade One Edgar Karakire found them guilty of entering restricted green zones without consent from KCCA and sentenced each to a fine of UGX 150,000. In default, they face two weeks at Luzira prison. The Magistrate acknowledged that the individuals were first-time offenders and did not waste the court’s time, hence the relatively lenient sentences.

Prosecution led by Charles Kutosi argued that the offense has become rampant across Kampala, with green grass disappearing in several areas. He asked the court to issue deterrent sentences to send a message to potential violators.

The convicts were charged under Sections 7 and 27 of the Local Government (Kampala City Council) Maintenance of Law and Order Ordinance. 

The charges stem from unauthorized access to KCCA-maintained green belts in areas such as Yusuf Lule Road and Bukoto during ongoing enforcement operations.

Kutosi revealed that since the onset of KCCA’s “Smarter City” initiative, more than 40 individuals have been prosecuted for similar offenses, with varying outcomes — some fined, others remanded or imprisoned after failing to pay fines. Meanwhile, dozens of others who denied the charges remain on remand at Luzira until April 25, 2025, pending the conclusion of investigations. 

Under the leadership of Executive Director Hajati Sharifah Buzeki, KCCA has intensified operations aimed at beautifying the city, including crackdowns on illegal garbage disposal and restoration of green spaces along city roads.