“Public waste awareness is key to successful waste management,” remarked the Dean of Students, Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe who was representing the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at the closing ceremony of the Waste Awareness Week held on Friday 6th October 2017.

Mr. Kabagambe added that waste results from human activities and everyone needs to have proper understanding of how to manage it. “Issues of waste can be a havoc to the environment if not handled well. Therefore, we have to take on the mantle to ensure proper waste management,” he said.

The Waste Awareness Week (2nd to 6th October 2017) under the theme, “Sustainable Waste Management at Makerere University,” was organized by the Sustainability Program- Department of Planning and Development at Makerere University in partnership with Sustainability Lab at Bangor University in the UK.

The Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Dr. Eria Hisali challenged the student leaders to analyze the views received from students during the Waste sensitization week. He tasked the student leaders to present the views to the Makerere Universityy Management Consultative Forum in order to incorporate them within the activities of the University.

“I appreciate the collaborative partnership between Makerere University and Bangor University and I believe it should be given room to grow. Therefore, we should take it forward providing specific roles of different stakeholders in mainstreaming of the waste management campaign in the activities of the University,” Dr. Hisali emphasized.

In an interview with the Coordinator of the Sustainability Programme, Ms Pamela Matovu remarked that proper waste disposal within and out of the University is everyone’s role and contribution towards the wellbeing of the institution and the environment.

The Town Clerk Kawempe Division, Mr. Geoffrey Rwakabale expressed his gratitude towards the collaborative relationship between Makerere University and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). He said he would continue to support waste management and environmental conservation programs in the University.

During the Waste Awareness Week several activities took place which include: displaying of placards with awareness message and pictures at the Western and Eastern Gates, social media campaign at Mary Stuart and Africa Hall, picking of litter at University Hall, Nsibirwa Hall as well as litter collection and sorting at Mitchell Hall.

Also, the students of Makerere University Waste Management Association (MUWMRA) organized an exhibition at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences focusing on the 3R approach towards waste management and environmental conservation. Focusing on the 3R approach of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle waste, several students exhibited a number of waste-recycled items /products such as an eco-house made from plastic, eco-seats made from tyres, eco-shoes that were used as flower pots. The students also showcased Ear rings, bow ties and puff holders made from used clothes, shopping baskets made from plastics and a straw fan made from used straws.

“Makerere University Waste Management Research Association (MUWMRA) believes in the 3R of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle as the basic approach towards proper waste management and environmental conservation. I commend fellow students who have come up with eco-friendly products that have been exhibited during the Awareness Week,” said Nasasira Emmanuel, the President (MUWMRA).

During the exhibition, one of the students, Kwagala Cissy Irene, demonstrated that not all waste is waste by making earrings, puff holders and bow ties from used clothes. She said that her ability to make and sell a few of these products made from waste benefits the community at large.

Sustainable Waste Management is an action towards combating climate change. This is in accordance with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12 of ‘Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns,’ focusing on target 5 that states, ‘By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.

Throughout the entire week, a number of ideas were received from staff and students, which will further inform the Waste Management processes at the University.

Dr. Florence Nakayiwa, the Director of Planning and Development Department appreciated the Sustainability Program at Makerere University, Sustainability Lab at Bangor University in UK, Makerere University Estates and Works Department, KCCA, MUWMRA, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Research of the 83rd Students’ Guild and the Management of Makerere University for supporting and participating in the 2017 Waste Awareness campaign.