Uganda’s waste problem has reached a critical point, threatening public health, the environment, and the national economy. A validation meeting for the Draft National Waste Management Policy 2025 held today by the Ministry of Local Government highlighted the gravity of the situation and stressed that lasting solutions depend on a fundamental shift in public behaviour.
Hon. Raphael Magezi, the Minister of Local Government, called for greater public involvement, emphasising that individual responsibility is a central pillar of the new policy.
The draft policy, developed in response to a Cabinet directive following the tragic Kiteezi landfill disaster, is aimed at transforming waste from a burden into a resource.
While government and local authorities have a role to play, Minister Magezi was clear when he said, “Lasting solutions to Uganda’s waste crisis depend heavily on public behaviour and participation.”
He explained that the policy focuses on empowering the public to take an active role through proper waste separation at the household level, reducing littering, and embracing recycling.
Magnitude of the Problem
Waste mismanagement is a staggering problem in Uganda, driven by inadequate infrastructure, weak enforcement, limited funding, and a lack of public awareness.
A recent report revealed that Uganda produced over 4 million tons of solid waste between 2021 and 2024, yet only 37% of this was collected and properly disposed of. This leaves a staggering 63% of waste uncollected, with devastating consequences.
Urban Pollution Crisis
The crisis, the meeting learnt, is particularly severe in urban areas, with Kampala alone generating between 2,000 and 2,500 tons of waste per day, yet KCCA is only able to collect and dispose of about 40-50% of it. This uncollected waste often ends up in illegal dumpsites, blocking drainage channels, and contributing to urban flooding and the spread of diseases.
Plastic Plague
Plastic pollution is an especially grave threat. Uganda generates an estimated 600 tons of plastic waste daily, yet only about 6% of plastic is recycled. The rest clogs rivers and lakes, contaminates soil, or is ingested by livestock and aquatic life. A recent study found that one in five fish in Lake Victoria had ingested microplastics.
Path From Waste to Resource
The new National Waste Management Policy aims to address these long-standing issues by creating a coordinated, national strategy.
Mr. Ben Kumumanya, the Permanent Secretary, MLG, emphasised that the policy will clarify the roles of various government entities and provide a framework for turning waste into a resource. This shift towards a circular economy, according to Kumumanya, is not just an environmental strategy; it is a significant economic opportunity.
By engaging the public in waste separation and recycling, Uganda can create new green jobs and industries. This is because waste-to-energy projects, composting, and the recycling of plastics and metals can generate revenue and reduce the strain on overburdened landfills.
However, as Min. Magezi reiterated, the success of this policy rests squarely on the shoulders of every Ugandan. The government can provide the framework, but the public must provide the will.