UCC Collects Six Tonnes of ICT E-Waste in Pilot Project

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has collected six tonnes of ICT electronic waste under its ongoing pilot e-waste collection project, marking a significant step in addressing the growing challenge of electronic waste management in the country.

The milestone was revealed on Monday during a field visit to downtown Kampala by Permanent Secretaries from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of ICT, and the Ministry of Water and Environment. 

Speaking after the tour, UCC’s Head of Communication Infrastructure and Services, Rebecca Mukite, said ICT e-waste requires a unique management approach due to its residual value, unlike conventional waste streams.

“For organic waste, such as food peelings, the value is largely lost once used. But with ICT equipment, there is always a transition in value. What may no longer be useful to one person can still be valuable to another within the ecosystem,” Mukite explained.

She noted that even non-functional devices can be repurposed, with components salvaged for repair and refurbishment, thereby extending the lifespan of other devices and creating affordable alternatives for consumers.

UCC has tested various collection models such as disposal bins, community drives, and institutional campaigns, while engaging stakeholders across the value chain, including importers and informal sector players.

So far, over 20 e-waste collection bins have been installed at strategic locations, with all UCC offices across the country now equipped to receive electronic waste.

The Commission has urged the public to take advantage of the initiative by delivering obsolete ICT devices to the nearest UCC office for safe disposal and recycling.

Courtesy: www.chiumpreports.com