A Collaborative Approach to Addressing Waste Management Challenges in Lubaga Division
Waste management is a collective responsibility that requires a collaborative approach. On May 29, 2025, stakeholders gathered at the Lubaga Division Chambers to discuss sustainable urban waste management in Kampala. The meeting brought together stakeholders, including community leaders, technical experts, and government officials.
The multi-stakeholder review meeting was spearheaded by the Town Clerk and aimed to discuss prevailing gaps and opportunities in solid waste management and propose possible solutions to avert the challenges. The participants discussed the GALLA project, a 4-year initiative that aims to address climate change and waste management in Lubaga division whilst bringing out the impact of climate change and poor waste management on the social-economic and ecological conditions within the project local communities in the Division. The project is implemented by ACTogether Uganda, National Slum Dwellers Federation in collaboration with KCCA, project communities in Lubaga with support from IIED and partners through SDI secretariat and will work with local communities, KCCA, and other stakeholders to develop locally led adaptations.
Key Issues:
The meeting highlighted several key issues, including;
- Inconsistent waste collection within communities
- Weak implementation of laws on poor waste disposal
- Inconsistent prices charged for waste collection, especially among the poor
- Lack of proper schedules for waste collection
- Limited awareness on waste management laws among local councils
Waste Management Challenges:
The division generates 800 tons of solid waste daily, with 640 tons disposed of by KCCA and its concessionaires. However, many gaps were identified in the existing waste management plans, including:
- Limited capacity of private companies to collect waste
Lack of cooperation between community and waste management concessionaires
Limited awareness of waste management practices among community members
The Solution:
To address these challenges, the meeting proposed the establishment of the Lubaga Division Coalition on Urban Waste Management. The coalition will
- Identify challenges in waste management
- Assess the performance of existing waste management plans.
- Facilitate engagement meetings to discuss challenges and devise sustainable solutions.
- Bridge the gaps between community and waste management concessionaires.
The Coalition:
The coalition will have equal representation of all stakeholders, including community members, local leaders, private companies, and government officials. The coalition will be responsible for;
- Identifying challenges in waste management.
- Developing sustainable solutions.
- Facilitating engagement meetings.
- Bridging gaps between community and waste management concessionaires.
The meeting marked a significant step towards addressing waste management challenges in Lubaga division. With the establishment of the coalition, stakeholders can work together to develop sustainable solutions and improve waste management services. By collaborating and engaging with each other, we can create a cleaner and healthier environment for all.
Written by Lutakome Benon, Know Your City TV, Lubaga region, Kampala.
