27 March 2024, Mukono, Uganda – Waste management poses a critical challenge for urban centers worldwide, and Uganda is no exception. On the 27th of March, Mukono Municipality marked a significant milestone in its journey towards proper waste management and sustainable development with the official launch of the Solid Waste and Faecal Sludge Management Strategies 2023-2033 and their respective Byelaws. Implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in partnership with the Ministry for Water, and Environment under the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) funded project, this initiative marks a milestone in sustainable development efforts in Uganda.
Rapid urbanization coupled with limited infrastructure has exacerbated the issue, leading to environmental degradation and public health concerns. Recognizing the urgency of addressing these challenges in Mukono and the surrounding areas within the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA), under the project on ‘Strengthening Solid Waste and Faecal Sludge Management Capacities within the GKMA’, Mukono Municipality with support from GGGI and other stakeholders came together to devise comprehensive strategies and byelaws tailored to the municipality’s needs to build clean and healthy cities.
The strategies encompass a range of key components aimed at transforming Mukono’s waste management and these include.
- Increased Access to Improved Sanitation Facilities: By 2033, all residents of Mukono Municipality are targeted to have increased access to improved sanitation facilities that meet minimum standards, enhancing public health and hygiene.
- Efficient Waste Collection and Transportation: The strategies prioritize efficient waste capture, collection, and transportation, ensuring that waste is safely processed for reuse or disposal, thereby mitigating environmental pollution.
- Waste Reduction and Sewerage Extension: Plans are in place to extend sewerage systems to Mukono by 2040, providing comprehensive waste management and sanitation coverage to the municipality and its growing population.
- Enhanced Treatment Capacity: Treatment capacity for faecal sludge and sewage will be increased to meet growing demand in GKMA by 2033, improving sanitation service delivery and reducing health risks.
- Improved Governance Structures: Governance structures will be enhanced to ensure the sustainability of clean cities and public health in Mukono Municipality, fostering accountability and transparency in waste management practices.
- Enhanced climate resilience and sustainable WASH services and solid waste management to create resilient communities and provide sustainable sanitation services to residents, even in the face of environmental challenges.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Raphael Magyezi, Minister for Local Government stated that “…these strategies and byelaws are dynamic tools that will be used to address both the current and future challenges in waste management for Mukono.”
His Worship Mayor Erisa Mukasa Nkoyooyo, Mukono Municipality acknowledged Mukono’s status as an industrial town experiencing rapid growth and further added “…through proactive measures like these strategies and the byelaws, we can sustain its growth,”
Ms. Sangeun Oh – Deputy Country Director, KOICA underscored the strategic importance of the project, reaffirming that “the Republic of Korea is committed to fostering sustainable development by empowering its partners to navigate various societal, economic, and environmental risks.” She further noted, “Enhancing sanitation and waste management is integral to promoting the health and well-being of the people.”
As Mukono Municipality embarks on its transformative journey, collaboration among stakeholders, ranging from government to community members will be paramount, driven by the clear roadmap outlined in the strategies and byelaws. This launch marks a new chapter in Mukono’s development narrative, prioritizing sustainable practices and innovative solutions to address the evolving needs of its growing population, positioning it to emerge as a beacon of sustainable urban development with the hope of inspiring other municipalities in Uganda and beyond.
Moving forward, GGGI hopes to continue supporting Mukono to attract investments essential for infrastructure development and implementation of the Material Recovery Facility and the Faceal Sludge Management Facility. By harnessing resources and expertise, GGGI aims to continue empowering Mukono in its pursuit of sustainable growth while building clean and healthy communities.
Hon. Raphael Magyezi Officially Signing the Solid Waste Management (SWM) and Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) Strategies and Byelaws. Photo Credit: GGGI.