Uganda Takes Leap Towards Sustainability with Innovative Waste-to-Energy Plant

September 20, 2024

Kampala Uganda is set to revolutionize its waste management with groundbreaking waste-to-energy plants.

This will help in tackling the country’s garbage dumping challenges and also help in providing a cleaner healthier environment for the residents and paving the way for a sustainable future. 135 acres of land in Ddundu Parish Mukono District is undergoing preparatory work for the development of the waste energy facility said KCCA.

The innovative facility, currently under construction, will utilize advanced technology to process up to 200 tons of municipal solid waste daily, generating 2.4 megawatts of electricity. This clean energy will be fed into the national grid, powering homes, businesses, and industries.

As stated by the KCCA Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka, pre-feasibility studies like technical surveys and soil and groundwater tests to inform sizing and design of waste incineration infrastructure have all been done.

The land is legally owned by KCCA with all necessary documentation and title deeds in place. It was acquired in 2016 for 5 billion Ugandan shillings after due diligence and negotiation, Kisaka added. She made these revelations when she appeared before the COSASE to respond to the issues raised by the MPs on the Kiteezi landfill slide and general waste management in Kampala and surrounding areas.

In addition, the Minister for KCCA and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon. Minsa Kabanda, along with Deputy Lord Mayor, Doreen Nyanjura, also appeared before the committee on Thursday, September 5, 2024.

Kisaka mentioned that the land in Ddundu was initially acquired to build a regional waste management facility to replace the Kiteezi landfill. However, only two acres have been used by the Ministry of Health to establish a medical waste incineration plant.

She also noted that both the leadership and local community in Mukono have not been supportive of the intended use of the land.

However, in her report on the solid waste management in Kampala, the Deputy Lord Mayor Ms. Doreen Nyanjura said that KCCA has only 12 garbage trucks which is not enough to collect waste from 60 percent of Kampala’s population residing in informal settlements. She added that the engagement with the private sector to use waste collection models that cater to the people in low-income areas including areas like Kisenyi. Though the existing private companies that manage waste around Kampala have low capacity to collect and transport the waste, this has limited the adequate management of waste generated city.

The KCCA Executive Director and the Deputy Lord Mayor urged the government to fast-track the waste-to-energy plant solutions proposed for the Ddundu site as well as the prerequisite licensing by the various government agencies.

A local official said “The waste-to-energy plant is a significant step towards achieving our vision of a cleaner, greener Uganda. We’re committed to creating a sustainable future for our citizens and setting a precedent for the region.”

Uganda’s waste-to-energy initiative serves as a shining example for other African nations struggling with waste management. This pioneering project demonstrates the potential for innovative solutions to address pressing environmental challenges.

This move towards waste management marks a significant milestone in the country’s sustainability journey.