In Uganda, the issue of e-waste management has often been overlooked, despite the overwhelming quantities generated. Uganda generated 17 million kg of e-waste in 2018, and according to the Global E-waste Monitor report by the UN, it’s projected to grow by approximately 4.5 million kg per annum. However, the hazardous nature of e-waste and the lack of proper disposal systems within the country have exacerbated the issue, releasing toxins such as lead, chromium, and mercury into soil and water sources, posing significant health risks to humans and wildlife, and contributing to environmental pollution.

To address this critical issue, the German development agency, GIZ, launched an initiative to set a trend in proper e-waste management in Uganda. Glenna Nabagere, Environmental Policy and Resources Efficiency at GIZ, provided an overview of the organization’s ambition and the key objectives and activities of this initiative.

GIZ is an international cooperation for sustainable development dedicated to shaping a future worth living around the world, In Uganda, GIZ collaborates with other partners to improve rural development, for better and greener energy supplies and on good governance.

The initiative aims to create greater awareness about e-waste management, prompt the emergence of more certified service providers in the country, and influence various institutions to adopt e-waste management initiatives. Through these efforts, GIZ seeks to address the critical challenges in e-waste management and promote sustainable practices to protect human health and the environment

The activities of the initiative include the collection of e-waste, safe segregation and transportation to the service provider’s handling sites, items sorting and destruction, recycling, and refurbishment for reuse.

To address the issues of data security, proper segregation, and disposal of different e-waste types, GIZ has implemented robust measures. Glenna explained, “We have a robust data protection policy. All storage devices are securely erased before being disposed of in our e-waste bins. Additionally, our certified service provider ensures data protection by destroying all storage e-waste devices upon arrival at their handling sites before any further processing.”

The organization also implements waste segregation at the source by providing clearly labeled e-waste bins, indicating the type of waste to be placed in each bin. The contracted service provider then manages the disposal process, ensuring that items requiring destruction are safely processed, while others are recycled and refurbished.

In terms of impact, GIZ’s goal is to reduce e-waste dumping in Uganda by 1,000 tonnes annually, decreasing the release of harmful substances, including greenhouse gases, and thereby mitigating their significant negative impacts on both climate and health.

Looking ahead, Glenna shared that GIZ envisions the program evolving to address the growing challenges of e-waste management in the digital age. One key focus is to kick start an E-waste management movement where the E-waste management service providers would have more avenues for collaboration with the various stakeholders in the field and popularise the initiative. Through this movement, certified e-waste service providers will be able to support and help others progress in the industry by developing innovative recycling technologies, raising public awareness, improving collection and disposal methods, and advocating for stronger policies and regulations. By sharing knowledge and resources, these partnerships can collectively promote and advance the proper e-waste management cycle throughout the country.

GIZ hopes to foster a sustainable and comprehensive approach to e-waste management that adapts to the evolving digital landscape in Uganda.