Kampala, Uganda – March 18-19, 2025. The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG), supported the Government of Uganda (GoU) in convening a two-day workshop to review and finalize Uganda’s Waste Management Policy. The workshop aimed to address the challenges facing the country’s waste management system and foster a circular economy.  

Uganda’s per capita waste generation rate is estimated to be about 0.6 kilograms per person per day. With a population of about 48 million, the estimated total waste generated daily is around 28,200 tons. Kampala alone generates about 1,000 tons of waste per day. However, with rapid urbanization, an increase in population growth, and inadequate waste management systems, the waste management issue has become a challenge.  This growing pressure has underscored the need for legal, regulatory, and institutional interventions.  

In response, MoLG was directed to spearhead the development of the waste management policy. This policy is aligned with other policies like Uganda’s Vision 2040, National Development Plan (NDP) IV, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Basel Convention. It aims to promote sustainable waste management through an integrated approach to address different issues on waste generation and sorting (both organic and inorganic waste) while defining the roles of the responsible stakeholders.  

During the discussion, government representatives emphasized the need for a well-structured system for effective waste management, active engagement with relevant programs, and the importance of including waste-related infrastructures during the planning processes. 

“We need a clear awareness plan and a completed monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework to guide us… as stakeholders, we must take ownership of this waste management policy to ensure its success.” Mr. Charles Magumba, Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government, remarked.  

By implementing an effective waste management system, the policy seeks to transition interventions from a linear to a circular economy, drive economic growth, create green jobs in the fields of recycling and recovery, reduce air, water, and soil pollution, and safeguard public health and safety.  

“We are hopeful that this policy will allow Uganda to embrace a circular economy. By transforming waste into a resource, Uganda has a huge opportunity to drive economic growth, create green jobs, and protect the environment.” Eng. Dr. Pablo Martinez, Country Representative, GGGI Uganda further emphasized.   

Moving forward, the Secretariat will consolidate all the feedback to develop a fair policy draft that will be presented to Permanent Secretaries of the key ministries for their review and approval. Building on the previous feasibility studies and waste management strategies by the Government of Uganda-with support from GGGI in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) and funding from the European Union and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), GGGI remains committed to continue supporting the GoU with its green growth agenda.