At the 2nd Edition of the Uganda Environment Forum held at the Next Media Park, Next Media Group CEO Kin Kariisa delivered a powerful message on the need for a mindset shift in how Ugandans view and manage waste.
Drawing from a recent visit to Ghana, Kariisa shared how the country’s approach to waste management has transformed communities. In Accra, waste is not something to discard but an asset to sell. Households separate and sell their garbage to buyers who resell it to factories — creating cleaner streets, greener neighborhoods, and a thriving recycling culture.
This, he said, is a striking contrast to Uganda, where communities still pay for waste collection. The difference lies in perception — in Ghana, waste is viewed as value; in Uganda, as a burden.
Kariisa emphasized that sustainability must be seen not only as an environmental issue but also as an economic opportunity and a cultural shift that every Ugandan can participate in.
At Next Media, sustainability has long been a strategic focus. The journey began in 2016 with the #TuveKuKaveera campaign, which championed the reduction of plastic use. It later evolved into #TaasaObutonde, encouraging Ugandans to rethink their everyday habits and how they impact the environment.
Now, under a new partnership with Zero Waste Africa, Next Media is ushering in a new phase focused on behaviour change in waste management. The goal is to see every Ugandan home, school, and workplace practice waste segregation — separating paper, plastic, and organic waste — making recycling a natural part of daily life.
Kariisa’s message was clear and forward-looking:
“We only have one Uganda. The work we do today — in policy, in practice, in mindset — shapes the country our children will inherit in 100 years.”
The Uganda Environment Forum, themed “Sustainable Waste Management in Uganda’s Cities: Policy, Practice & Partnership,” brought together policymakers, environmental experts, and private sector leaders to explore practical and scalable solutions for a cleaner, greener Uganda.
With champions like Kin Kariisa leading the conversation, Uganda’s sustainability movement continues to grow stronger — one mindset, one household, and one partnership at a time.
