The Chairperson of the National Planning Authority (NPA) Dr. Wilberforce Kisamba- Mugerwa has urged Ugandans to view waste as a resource for product and wealth creation. When launching the National Cleanup Uganda Campaign on 14th November 2017 at Makerere University, Dr. Kisamba-Mugerwa who was represented by Prof. Obwoya Kinyera Sam; a member of National Planning Authority said that proper waste management has the potential to contribute to Uganda’s attainment of middle income status.

According to him the initiative can also lead the country to social-economic transformation by 2040, based on its ability to generate wealth, employment, incomes, improved human wellbeing and alleviation of poverty.

“By value addition, there is need to strengthen our efforts as a country, if this target is to be achievable and benefits of forward linkage harnessed. It is important to categorize and sort recyclable waste at source and this involve Mindset change. Effective waste collection systems and promotion of cleaner production technology are critical,” he stated.

The National Public Cleanup Uganda Campaign was organised by Plawaste Consult Limited in partnership with the National Planning Authority.

Kisamba-Mugerwa, a former Division Director of the International Service of National Agricultural Research (International Food Policy) also pointed out the need for proper waste management plan to guide decision making at all planning levels. To him, this could be integrated into other existing plans to ensure efficiency in resource utilization.

“The use of spatial plan to map work spaces where wastes are collected and recycled should be exploited. The development of spatial date infrastructure is critical. Government is developing the spatial data policy and this needs all our support,” he said.

In a presentation on cleanup Uganda strategies, the Managing Director of Plawaste Consult Limited Mr. Tumusiime Kenneth advised Ugandans to embrace the National Cleanup Uganda Campaign; saying that, the initiative provides a solution to the challenges of poor waste disposal management and environmental degradation.

“Let us empower the youth, and our children to embrace the drive. We are saving the future Uganda, therefore this cause should be everybody’s responsibility. I also encourage all parties involved to take keen interest in their components to ensure their smooth implementation for the benefit of this country,” Mr. Tumusiime said.

He called upon Ugandans to adopt products that can be harnessed from proper waste management for direct usage when he said “we have bio gas, electricity, compost manure and recycled materials on our market to use, so we should stop complaining how garbage is destroying the country yet we know its importance. Let us be innovative and creative as we save the country from waste destruction.”
Mr. Tumusiime applauded National Planning Authority for their total commitment to support the National Public Cleanup Uganda initiative.

Article by Public Relations Office