Stakeholders call for wake up in managing waste in Uganda
In the aftermath of the Kiteezi landfill disaster that claimed 35 lives on August 20, 2024, a clarion call for change echoes across Uganda.
Leading this charge is Bryan Toshi Bwana, the National Chairperson of the newly established Association of Waste Management - Uganda (AWM-Uganda).
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With unyielding resolve, Bwana has spearheaded a 43-day nationwide campaign to unite stakeholders in the waste management sector under a single, powerful umbrella.
The Kiteezi tragedy exposed the systemic failures of Uganda’s waste management system.
For Bwana, this was not just a disaster but a wake-up call to the urgent need for reform.
“We need a revolution in waste management in our country,” he declared.
Bwana's campaign, aimed at forming a grassroots, inclusive professional association, took him to local leaders, waste collectors, and sanitation workers across Uganda.
His goal was to establish an entity that would advocate for waste management as a pillar of public health and environmental sustainability.
The journey, however, was far from smooth. Bryan encountered resistance, skepticism, and apathy from some quarters.
“Uganda is a country of selfish individuals with no sense of collective good,” he remarked, reflecting on the lack of unity among stakeholders.
Yet, amidst the challenges, Bwana found inspiration and resilience.
“The private sector in Uganda is not for the faint-hearted. But like the biblical star that shines brightest in the darkest night, I believe in building a trusted brand that will eventually illuminate Uganda’s waste management future,” he said.
The Association of Waste Management - Uganda aims to transform waste collectors into professional waste managers and establish itself as a trusted voice for the sector.
Among its core objectives are promoting sustainable waste management practices, advocating for policy changes that prioritize public health and environmental conservation, supporting innovations in waste reduction, recycling, and reuse, and Building partnerships with local leaders, private sector players, and government agencies.
Bryan envisions an association that will champion professionalism, inclusivity, and accountability. "We are building AWM-Uganda one brick at a time, with a patriotic call to find lasting solutions to waste management challenges," he stated.
As Uganda grapples with the devastating consequences of poor waste management, AWM-Uganda promises to champion a cleaner, healthier future.
