The E-Waste Management Stakeholder Engagement Workshop, supported by the Electricity Access Scale-Up Project (EASP), convened at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel on Tuesday, bringing together key players in the energy and waste management sectors to discuss sustainable solutions for e-waste management.
covened by Roy Nyamutale Baguma, Managing Director of the Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company (UECCC), the workshop aimed to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, financial institutions, energy service companies (ESCOs), waste management firms, and technical experts.
“The workshop’s purpose of addressing the environmental challenges posed by e-waste, fostering dialogue on experiences, opportunities, and strategies to mitigate e-waste risks,” Mr. Baguma stated during his opening remarks. “The feedback session will share insights into the global environmental concerns surrounding e-waste management,” he added.
Mr. Baguma reaffirmed the government’s commitment to positioning energy as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation through policies promoting access to clean and reliable energy. He highlighted UECCC’s implementation of the Financial Intermediation Component under EASP, which is designed to scale up the adoption of clean energy technologies while addressing potential e-waste impacts.
A key initiative discussed was the recently launched Price Subsidy Program, which seeks to boost the use of clean energy by households and enterprises, particularly in refugee host districts and settlements. “This program is crucial for empowering households and businesses, thereby contributing to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation agenda,” Mr. Baguma remarked.
The workshop emphasized the challenges posed by e-waste generated from subsidized 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, citing reports from some ESCOs that already face challenges with stockpiled e-waste.
Collaborative Efforts to Address E-Waste Challenges
Financial institutions were highlighted as critical players in addressing e-waste risks by providing concessional credit to ESCOs and end-users. Mr. Baguma stressed the importance of incorporating 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.
Additionally, he called on ESCOs to prepare Environmental and Social Management Plans and work in collaboration with licensed waste handlers to ensure responsible e-waste disposal.
The workshop sought to strengthen Uganda’s e-waste policy and regulatory frameworks, with special acknowledgment to the World Bank for supporting the development of the Off-Grid Solar (OGS) E-Waste Management Toolkit, created by consulting firm Green Vista. Mr. Baguma also commended the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for its efforts in establishing regulatory structures and forming the National E-Waste Management Committee.
Building Partnerships for Sustainable Solutions
Rodney Mukula, founder of Asante Waste Management, emphasized the importance of collaboration during the workshop. “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 further highlighted the need for public-private partnerships, investment in innovative recycling technologies, and public awareness campaigns to promote proper e-waste disposal practices. “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.