The E-Waste Management Stakeholder Engagement Workshop, supported by the Electricity Access Scale-Up Project (EASP), was held at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel. The event brought together key stakeholders from the energy and waste management sectors to explore sustainable solutions for managing e-waste.
Hosted by Roy Nyamutale Baguma, Managing Director of the Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company (UECCC), the workshop sought to foster collaboration among government officials, development partners, financial institutions, energy service companies (ESCOs), waste management firms, and technical experts.
“The workshop aims to address the environmental challenges posed by e-waste while fostering dialogue on experiences, opportunities, and strategies to mitigate e-waste risks,” Mr. Baguma said during his opening remarks. “The feedback session will also share insights into the global environmental concerns surrounding e-waste management,” he added.
Mr. Baguma reiterated the government’s dedication to using energy as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation through policies that enhance access to clean and reliable energy. He highlighted UECCC’s implementation of the Financial Intermediation Component under EASP, which scales up clean energy adoption while addressing the potential impacts of e-waste.
One key initiative discussed was the recently launched Price Subsidy Program. Designed to increase the use of clean energy technologies by households and enterprises, particularly in refugee host districts and settlements, the program is pivotal to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation agenda. “This program is crucial for empowering households and businesses,” Mr. Baguma remarked.
The workshop also highlighted challenges linked to e-waste generated by clean energy technologies. “The increasing sale of these technologies is expected to generate significant e-waste at the end of their lifecycle,” Mr. Baguma noted, referencing reports from ESCOs already grappling with stockpiled e-waste.
Collaborative Efforts to Address E-Waste Challenges
Financial institutions were recognized as vital in managing e-waste risks by offering concessional credit to ESCOs and end-users. Mr. Baguma emphasized the need to integrate environmental and social (E&S) safeguards into financial practices. “It is essential for financial institutions to develop robust tools to address these challenges effectively,” he urged.
He also called on ESCOs to prepare Environmental and Social Management Plans and work with licensed waste handlers for responsible e-waste disposal.
The workshop aimed to strengthen Uganda’s e-waste policies and regulatory frameworks. Mr. Baguma acknowledged the World Bank for supporting the creation of the Off-Grid Solar (OGS) E-Waste Management Toolkit, developed by Green Vista, and commended the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for establishing regulatory structures and forming the National E-Waste Management Committee.
Building Partnerships for Sustainable Solutions
Rodney Mukula, founder of Asante Waste Management, highlighted the importance of collaboration. “The E-Waste Stakeholders Engagement Workshop is a significant step toward fostering collaboration between government entities and private e-waste management companies,” he said.
Mr. Mukula also stressed the need for public-private partnerships, investments in innovative recycling technologies, and public awareness campaigns to promote proper e-waste disposal. “By working together, we can unlock opportunities for sustainable initiatives, create jobs, and drive a circular economy for Uganda while addressing critical environmental concerns,” he added.
Workshop Outlook
In his closing remarks, Mr. Baguma officially opened the workshop, expressing optimism for “fruitful deliberations” among participants. The event set the stage for continued collaborative efforts to develop innovative and sustainable e-waste management solutions, ensuring environmental protection and socio-economic progress for Uganda.
