Ugandan officials assess e-waste management systems in Kampala

By:  Robert Kwaku Annor

Senior government officials in Uganda have conducted a field visit to assess the country’s evolving ICT e-waste management systems, with a focus on improving coordination across the value chain.

The delegation, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, Aminah Zawedde, included Permanent Secretaries from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, the Office of the Prime Minister Uganda, and the Ministry of Works and Transport.

The visit took place at Cornerstone Plaza in downtown Kampala, where officials observed how electronic devices transition through both informal and formal systems after leaving households.

The exercise provided insights into the lifecycle of ICT equipment, highlighting how devices are often repaired, refurbished, and resold rather than immediately discarded. Officials also engaged with local technicians operating within the ecosystem, many of whom are contributing to job creation while improving access to affordable technology.

The visit further examined the ICT e-waste collection project being implemented by the Uganda Communications Commission, which aims to strengthen the management and recycling of electronic waste.

Speaking during the engagement, Permanent Secretary Zawedde emphasized the need for a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to e-waste management, noting that multiple institutions play complementary roles across policy, regulation, environmental compliance, infrastructure, and planning.

She said the collaborative framework is intended to ensure effective oversight of the entire e-waste value chain, from collection and data protection to disposal and reuse, as Uganda works to build a sustainable and inclusive digital ecosystem.