The E-Waste Management Stakeholder Engagement Workshop, supported by the Electricity Access Scale-Up Project (EASP), convened at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel to bring together key players from the energy and waste management sectors. The workshop focused on fostering dialogue and collaboration to develop sustainable solutions for e-waste management.
The event was hosted by Roy Nyamutale Baguma, Managing Director of the Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company (UECCC). The gathering drew participation from government officials, development partners, financial institutions, energy service companies (ESCOs), waste management firms, and technical experts.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Baguma underscored the workshop’s purpose: “addressing the environmental challenges posed by e-waste, fostering dialogue on experiences, opportunities, and strategies to mitigate e-waste risks.” He added, “The feedback session will share insights into the global environmental concerns surrounding e-waste management.”
Mr. Baguma reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging energy as a driver for socio-economic transformation. He highlighted the implementation of UECCC’s Financial Intermediation Component under EASP, aimed at scaling up the adoption of clean energy technologies while addressing the associated e-waste impacts.
One of the key initiatives discussed was the recently launched Price Subsidy Program, which aims to expand clean energy use among households and enterprises, especially 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 addressed the pressing issue of e-waste generated by 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 already dealing with challenges of stockpiled e-waste.
Collaborative Efforts to Address E-Waste Challenges
The role of financial institutions was highlighted as critical in mitigating e-waste risks by providing 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 further urged ESCOs to develop Environmental and Social Management Plans and collaborate with licensed waste handlers to ensure proper and responsible e-waste disposal.
The workshop also focused on strengthening Uganda’s e-waste policy and regulatory frameworks. Special recognition was given to the World Bank for supporting the development of the Off-Grid Solar (OGS) E-Waste Management Toolkit, prepared by consulting firm Green Vista. Mr. Baguma 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, underscored the value 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 stated.
Mr. Mukula also stressed the importance of public-private partnerships, investment in innovative recycling technologies, and awareness campaigns to promote responsible 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
Concluding the session, Mr. Baguma officially declared the workshop open, expressing optimism for “fruitful deliberations” among stakeholders. The event laid the foundation for continued collaboration, innovation, and the development of sustainable e-waste management solutions, ensuring both environmental protection and socio-economic advancement for Uganda.