The territorial Police in Kampala, in collaboration with the Environmental police, has arrested Police Constable (PC) Moses Ssekyewa for his involvement in the illicit dumping of waste into the Nakivubo channel.
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The arrest follows a disturbing incident captured on camera, where PC Moses Ssekyewa, stationed at the Central Police Station (CPS) Kampala, was observed dumping sacks of waste into the Nakivubo channel. The video footage, which went viral, revealed that Ssekyewa not only engaged in the illegal dumping but also assisted other civilian accomplices in further polluting the channel.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, SCP Fred Enanga, the Police Spokesperson, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “The footage, which went viral, generated a lot of debate and anger from several sectors of the public.”
Enanga further highlighted the detrimental impact of waste crimes on the environment, communities, and compliant businesses. “It is regrettable that an officer who was supposed to better protect the environment was instead the one polluting it,” he added.
Prompt action was taken, and PC Moses Ssekyewa was immediately arrested and charged with the illegal dumping of waste. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the civilian accomplices involved in this environmental misconduct.
“As you are all aware, waste crimes have a serious and detrimental impact on our environment, communities, and compliant businesses. Efforts are now in place to trace his other civilian accomplices for arrest and prosecution,” emphasized Enanga.
SCP Fred Enanga also acknowledged the broader issue of illegal dumping in the country, calling for greater collaboration among stakeholders to combat this persistent problem. He stressed the importance of responsible waste disposal, stating, “We all have a responsibility to dispose of our waste properly at all times.”
The Police, through its Environmental Protection Police Unit, continues to collaborate with partners to address acts of non-compliance and criminal activity related to waste. The arrest of PC Moses Ssekyewa serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and collective efforts to protect Uganda’s environment and the global fight against plastic pollution.
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