Government Launches E-Waste Campaign as Uganda Steps Up Waste Management Drive

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The government has launched a nationwide campaign to promote the proper collection, sorting and disposal of electronic waste as Uganda seeks to address the growing volume of discarded electronic devices resulting from increased technology use.

The campaign was unveiled in Lira City on Saturday during the 4th National Cleaning Day, with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance partnering with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to raise public awareness about responsible e-waste management. Minister of Health Dr Chris Baryomunsi, who represented the Prime Minister at the event, urged Ugandans to separate electronic waste, including old mobile phones, batteries, chargers, televisions, computers and radios, from ordinary household garbage.

He cautioned against mixing discarded electronic equipment with food remains, plant waste and other household refuse, calling on the public to use designated collection points and separate waste bins. Baryomunsi also called for a shift towards making cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation a daily responsibility rather than an activity reserved for the monthly National Cleaning Day. He announced plans to introduce a cleanliness competition among Uganda’s 10 cities to encourage residents and local authorities to improve sanitation standards and maintain cleaner urban environments.

Minister of ICT and National Guidance Kasule Lumumba said the campaign was prompted by the increasing number of electronic devices being discarded as more Ugandans embrace technology. She noted that many people lack information on how to safely dispose of obsolete electronic appliances, prompting the government, through her ministry and UCC, to establish appropriate channels for their collection and disposal.

Lumumba also cautioned the public against handing over old electronic devices without first securing personal information stored on them. She advised users to seek assistance from qualified experts to retrieve or erase sensitive data before disposing of old phones, laptops, flash disks and other storage devices.She further encouraged households to embrace waste sorting, saying the government was developing a policy aimed at promoting waste recycling and creating opportunities to turn discarded materials into useful products.

The launch was part of the National Cleaning Day activities in Lira City, which attracted companies, organisations and residents who participated in cleaning public spaces and their surroundings.Lira City Woman MP Jane Ruth Aceng commended residents for their participation and urged them to sustain proper waste sorting and disposal practices beyond the national exercise. The government says improved waste management, hygiene and sanitation are essential to preventing disease outbreaks, protecting the environment and promoting healthier communities.

Courtesy: www.trendsnafrica.com