Green Action for Sustainable Production (GASP) hosted a community-led waste drive at Luzira Portbell, an initiative aimed at empowering local communities to take an active role in waste management and environmental conservation. This event aligns with GASP’s ongoing efforts to promote a cleaner, healthier Uganda as the country celebrates the 8th Water and Environment Week.
The GASP Waste Drive is a collaborative effort involving four key members: Crown Beverages Limited, Uganda Breweries, Harris International Limited, and Mukwano Industries. The initiative focuses on fostering sustainable waste management practices within local communities.
Community Engagement and Activities
The event featured various activities, including community engagement sessions on sustainable waste management. Volunteers and stakeholders participated in a clean-up drive, collecting and segregating waste for proper disposal.
In addition to the clean-up, GASP donated garbage bins, wheelbarrows, and other waste management equipment to the Luzira Landing Site community, reinforcing the importance of proper waste disposal and environmental conservation. This initiative encourages residents to take responsibility for keeping their environment clean, particularly around Lake Victoria, which faces significant environmental challenges.
GASP’s Commitment to Waste Management
Speaking at the event, Suleiman Ngondi, Interim Chief Executive Officer of GASP, emphasized the organization’s commitment to public education through hands-on initiatives.
“We chose to introduce ourselves through this impactful activity, which also serves as an educational platform for communities. Effective waste management must start from the grassroots,” he said.
Ngondi stressed the need for a cultural shift in waste management, highlighting the critical role of consumer education in responsible waste handling.
“Managing waste effectively requires a change in mindset. Consumers must go beyond simply enjoying products and start questioning where their waste ends up,” he explained.
He further noted that GASP is taking the lead in providing waste collection solutions for its members and encouraged other organizations to join the effort.
“We are pioneering a solution by facilitating waste collection for our members, and we believe more organizations should get involved,” he added.
Call for Collective Action
Ngondi urged more companies to participate, emphasizing that waste management is a systemic issue requiring collective action.
“We need as many member companies as possible to tackle this challenge comprehensively,” he concluded.
Regulatory Support from NEMA
Dan Kiguli Kibuuka, from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), praised the companies for implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Product Stewardship in line with the National Environment Act, Chapter 181.
He noted that NEMA has developed principles for the National Environment Extended Producer’s Responsibility and is awaiting stakeholder input before formalizing the regulations.
“Even before a detailed framework for Extended Producer Responsibility is gazetted, NEMA has put forward guiding principles and is gathering stakeholder feedback,” Kiguli explained.
He commended the companies that have already begun implementing these measures, saying their efforts help shape and guide regulatory development.
“I’m pleased that these companies have taken the initiative, as their actions will help guide the legal framework and ensure effective implementation,” he added.
Private Sector Involvement
Grace Nshemeire-Gwaku, Chief Operating Officer at the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), commended GASP’s initiative. She pointed out that Uganda imports a significant amount of waste and end-of-life products, making corporate responsibility crucial for environmental conservation.
Sheilla Sabone, Corporate Director at Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), highlighted their role in educating people about waste management.
“Companies have a responsibility to educate the public, while individuals must drive the mindset shift. People need to recognize which waste can decompose and which cannot,” she said.
She emphasized the importance of collaboration between companies, distributors, and individuals to ensure the initiative’s success.
Community Appreciation and Call to Action
Elizabeth Barungi, Chairperson of LC1 Railway Quarters Village at Luzira Portbell, expressed gratitude to GASP for their support.
“We appreciate the equipment and educational sessions provided by GASP. These resources will improve hygiene in our community. I encourage everyone to use them effectively,” she said.
Mahdi Mshaimesh, Chief Commercial Officer at Harris International Limited, reinforced the importance of a unified approach to managing post-consumer waste.
“We are working to establish an umbrella organization for joint efforts in waste management. Our goal is to ensure that waste is sustainably collected, recycled, treated, and properly handled,” he said.
