Government moves to enforce waste sorting at source

What the report says

Uganda’s government says it plans to require waste sorting at the point of disposal nationwide, as part of a broader push to improve waste management, curb poor disposal habits and support recycling. The Independent Uganda, citing URN, reported that Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja outlined the plan during the second National Cleaning Day at Kyaliwajjala UMEA Primary School in Kira Division, Kampala.

According to the report, households, schools, businesses and other large organizations would be expected to separate organic and inorganic waste before collection. Nabbanja said local governments should work with waste collectors to create separate pickup systems, and she suggested that community-level committees could help enforce compliance. She also urged people to avoid dumping garbage in drainage channels and along roads, and called for cleaner homes, markets and public spaces throughout the year.

Vice President Jessica Alupo, who attended as guest of honour, said waste should be treated as a possible source of income and said government would keep supplying local governments with garbage trucks and related equipment. She also encouraged private waste collectors to invest in modern trucks. The article noted that the government is still drafting guidelines for National Cleaning Day, including possible exemptions, and that Seventh-day Adventist members were being allowed to clean on Sunday instead of Saturday because of their worship day.

Local officials from Wakiso and Kira said waste handling remains a serious challenge as populations grow, while the next National Cleaning Day is expected to take place in Hoima City.