By Ssenkayi Marvin Ezra
In a bold step toward environmental sustainability and public health protection, Uganda has launched its first-ever pilot initiative to collect and safely dispose of ICT e waste. Spearheaded by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) in collaboration with key partners—the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA)—the drive was officially unveiled this week and is poised to scale nationally.
The drive comes on the back of a drastic increase in e-waste as technological adoption increases. Uganda now generates roughly 41 million kilograms of e waste annually—approximately 0.9 kg per person—yet only 0.2 million kilograms are properly collected and recycled, according to a UCC study. This stark imbalance poses serious environmental and health risks, as discarded electronics often contain heavy metals and toxins like lead, mercury, and cadmium.
Over time, improper disposal can lead to soil and water contamination, respiratory illnesses, organ damage, and even cancers.
The pilot initiative will initially run in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono districts, where e waste generation is notably high. It is designed to establish drop off points for the public to deposit unused or broken electronic devices as well as promote a nationally replicable framework for safe, formal, and environmentally sound e waste management.
Permanent Secretary Amina Zawedde called the initiative a “significant milestone,” emphasising that ICT advancement must be complemented by responsible end-of-life device management. Efforts will include mechanisms like take-back schemes, where manufacturers retrieve unusable devices for refurbishment or recycling.
UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo highlighted the need to raise public awareness using the campaign slogan, “DECLUTTER E-WASTE TODAY.” He stressed the urgency in addressing the environmental and health consequences of unmanaged e waste and urged citizens to participate actively.
This initiative also aligns with broader national objectives, including public health protection, environmental preservation, job creation, and the promotion of a circular economy—a vision firmly embedded in Uganda’s Vision 2040.
By setting up formal collection points and promoting awareness, Uganda is poised to transform the way the country handles electronic waste. The pilot will inform a future rollout across more regions, ensuring both urban and rural communities benefit from improved e waste management.
This will not only safeguard the environment and public health but also contribute to knowledge-based green jobs and the responsible consumption of ICT devices.
Therefore, as a well-meaning and responsible citizen, if you have an old phone, charger, router, or computer gathering dust—safely dispose of it. Participate in the “DECLUTTER E WASTE TODAY” campaign, and help build a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Uganda.