As Uganda grapples with the heavy environmental toll of its logistics networks, local businesses are stepping up with innovative approaches to make their supply chains more sustainable.

In an interview, David Ssengendo, Procurement & Admin Manager at e-commerce giant Jumia Uganda, outlined some of the critical challenges the country faces. “Key problems include high carbon emissions from fossil fuel-dependent transportation and manufacturing, improper waste disposal leading to soil and water contamination, as well as unsustainable land use practices.” he explained.

However, Ssengendo noted that Jumia and other Ugandan companies are taking concrete actions to address these issues. Jumia, for instance, has introduced electric delivery vehicles and biodegradable packaging to reduce its environmental footprint. The company has also invested in optimizing logistics through emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and data analytics to minimize waste.

Other firms are exploring innovative solutions as well. Some are investing in energy-efficient factories powered by renewable sources like solar energy. Community-based recycling programs are also sprouting up to tackle the country’s waste management woes.

According to Ssengendo, some of the primary barriers to wider adoption of sustainability practices are the high costs of green technologies, lack of recycling infrastructure, limited awareness about sustainability benefits, and insufficient government support through policies and incentives.

To overcome these hurdles, Ssengendo believes the Ugandan government must play a catalytic role. “We need the government to provide incentives, strengthen regulations, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and promote education around best practices,” he said.

Looking ahead, Ssengendo envisions an ideal future with a “zero-waste, carbon-neutral supply chain system that also benefits local communities.” Achieving this vision will require Ugandan companies to continue innovating while collaborating with the government and other stakeholders.

As Uganda charts a more sustainable path for its logistics networks, the ingenuity and leadership of local businesses could pave the way for a greener future.