Uganda needs to adopt advanced waste management solutions – German diplomats

UGANDA — Uganda must embrace advanced waste management solutions to overcome its growing urban sanitation crisis, diplomats and city leaders said during a workshop on Promoting Transparency and Work in Supply Chains in Sub-Saharan Africa (Phase II), held at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.

Speaking at the event, Phillipe Roussel, Deputy Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Uganda, stressed the urgency of investing in modern technologies and safer working conditions for waste workers.

“Their tools are not to the required standards. There needs to be certainly more budget in those sectors where these young people are working in a safe environment and have also an appropriate salary,” Roussel said, pledging Germany’s continued support for Uganda’s urban waste programs.

Germany, he noted, will continue supporting initiatives through NGOs such as Bildungswerk, building on six decades of bilateral cooperation.

Uganda’s urban waste dilemma

Uganda generates thousands of tonnes of municipal solid waste daily, with Kampala alone producing about 2,000 tonnes.

Yet, only about 40% is collected, according to Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) estimates. Challenges include poor physical planning, inadequate truck fleets, and rising bio- and medical-waste volumes.

KCCA official James Kunobere cited poor road access in unplanned settlements as a major barrier.

“In Kampala, there are places where even a Tuku Tuku (three-wheeled motorcycle) cannot access, especially in Rubaga,” he said, urging government to renew garbage truck fleets every three years.

Calls for coordination and policy reform

City leaders from Jinja, Mbarara, and Fort Portal echoed similar concerns, pointing to fragmented government responses and lack of coordination between central and local authorities.

Edson Asaba Ruyonga, Mayor of Fort Portal, urged Uganda to emulate Rwanda’s model of centralized waste management backed by clear policies and strict enforcement.

“If the government wants to make sure the whole country becomes a clean entity, like Rwanda, then policies should be made by parliament and a helping hand should always come from the central government,” he said.

Peter Kasolo, Mayor of Jinja, added that institutions often operate in isolation, weakening efforts to maintain urban cleanliness.

Workers’ MP Dr. Abdulhu Byakatonda also called for stronger government support to empower newly created cities in handling urban waste sustainably.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE