At the 2nd Edition of the Uganda Environment Forum, organized under the Taasa Obutonde campaign and implemented by Zero Waste Africa, the organization’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Idro Taban Jr., delivered a strong call for collaboration and behavioral change in addressing Uganda’s mounting waste management challenge.
Mr. Taban explained that waste management remains one of the most significant environmental issues facing Uganda today, requiring all stakeholders to work together to find long-term solutions. He noted that the Uganda Environment Forum was designed as a platform for dialogue, bringing together policymakers, technical experts, local authorities, and private sector players to share knowledge and propose strategies that can improve waste management practices across the country.
This year’s theme, “Sustainable Waste Management in Our Cities: Policy, Practice, and Partnership,” reflects the growing urgency for cities to adopt cleaner, more efficient waste management systems. Mr. Taban underscored that Zero Waste Africa’s partnership with Next Media Group is rooted in a shared goal to use communication and collaboration as catalysts for change. Through this platform, the two organizations seek to engage all sectors of society to drive Uganda toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.
A key focus of this year’s Forum is the official launch of a National Waste Management Campaign, set to run for the next three to five years. The campaign aims to drive behavioral change within communities by challenging Ugandans to take personal responsibility for how they handle waste. Mr. Taban emphasized that achieving sustainable waste management goes beyond policy enforcement — it requires a shift in individual and collective habits.
He also pointed out that many waste-related problems stem from long-standing attitudes and cultural practices around disposal, making public awareness and education essential. To address this, Zero Waste Africa is working to bring together critical stakeholders, from garbage collectors and local councils to government entities and the private sector, to build coordinated and practical solutions.
Mr. Taban concluded by expressing optimism that the Forum would spark new partnerships and concrete actions that will transform Uganda’s waste management landscape. With consistency, collaboration, and civic responsibility, he believes Uganda can achieve efficient and sustainable waste management by 2025 and beyond.
