With Support From USAID & Tufts University, AF and Minister Kyofatogabye Launch Environmental Defenders Project

Waste To Wealth: With a focus on the "3Rs" — Reuse, Recycle, and Reduce — the project chronicles a community-driven effort to transform plastic waste into economic opportunities while addressing environmental hazards.

Turning Bad Into Good: Environmental defenders showing Minister of Kampala Hon. Joseph Kabuye Kyofatogabye some of the glass flower vases made out of recycled wine glasses during the project launch. (All Photos/Saltray Lubega - AF Media)

On October 15, 2024, The Aliguma Foundation, in partnership with USAID, Tufts University, and Makerere University, launched a ground-breaking initiative aimed at empowering "environmental defenders" to address the waste and plastic pollution crisis in Kampala’s informal settlements.

The launch, held at God’s Care Community Primary School in Acholi Quarters, Banda I - Kireka, Kampala City, marks a major step towards improving waste management and promoting environmental sustainability in the city’s most underserved communities.

The "Support to Environment Defenders in Informal Settlements of Kampala" project, funded by USAID, is focused on mitigating the growing environmental hazards posed by poor waste disposal in areas like Acholi Quarters and Kifumbira. Kampala, home to over 1.5 million people, generates approximately 1,500 tons of waste daily, much of which goes uncollected, particularly in hard-to-reach slum areas. This initiative seeks to enhance waste collection, introduce recycling and reuse methods, and foster awareness about the importance of proper waste management.

Ritah Aliguma, the founder of the Aliguma Foundation, emphasized the urgency of the project.

“As Aliguma Foundation, our vision is to protect the environment, especially from hazardous plastic waste. This workshop is just the beginning, but our emphasis is on teaching people, especially the youth, how to reuse or recycle plastic waste,” she said.

Change Maker: Aliguma Foundation Founder Ritah Aliguma tells the journalists the anticipated impact that the environmental defenders project will leave on the Banda zone.

The foundation aims to expand its efforts beyond Acholi Quarters and Kifumbira to other slums in Kampala by December, with plans to clean up parks and public spaces.

Empowering the Community: A Collective Effort

Peter Kasaija, a researcher at Makerere University, provided key insights into the challenges and solutions related to waste management in Kampala.

“We conducted a baseline study to understand how garbage is handled in informal settlements. The findings showed a dire need for improved waste disposal methods and greater community involvement,” he explained. Kasaija highlighted the importance of recycling as a solution to both plastic pollution and organic waste mismanagement, which are major contributors to health hazards in these areas.

The initiative’s collaborative nature was further underscored by Joel Boutroue, the program coordinator for the project.

“This is a starting point for a larger cleaning campaign happening in December. We have already begun training women and youth groups in lasting environmental solutions, and we’re not only training environmental defenders but also community representatives,” Boutroue said.

Joel Boutroue expressed the hope that this project will be extended to other informal settlements and that it will also inspire similar initiatives in Kampala and beyond.

Determined To Make An Impact: The Project Director Joel Boutroue expressed hope that this project will be extended to other informal settlements and that it will also inspire similar initiatives in Kampala and beyond.

State Minister for Kampala, Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, who officiated the launch, praised the initiative for its dual focus on environmental conservation and economic empowerment.

“Let’s remind ourselves that the garbage and plastics you’re dumping in the drainage systems is wealth. You can use these waste products to make money through composting fertilizers, making briquettes, and producing glass products,” Kyofatogabye remarked.

He emphasized the importance of community-driven solutions to safeguard Kampala’s drainage systems, which are often clogged by improperly discarded waste.

Preaching The Gospel: State Minister for Kampala Hon. Joseph Kabuye Kyofatogabye asked for more assistance from USAID and said the waste issue should not be left for KCCA alone.  

Beyond Waste Management: A Broader Vision

The environmental defenders project also aims to address broader public health concerns, particularly in flood-prone areas like Acholi Quarters. Plastic waste often clogs drainage systems, exacerbating flooding during the rainy seasons, which leads to property damage, displacement, and the spread of water-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and malaria.

The initiative seeks to strengthen local waste collection systems while empowering residents, especially women and youth, to take an active role in managing their environment.

USAID Uganda’s Deputy Director, Maryanne Ombija, reaffirmed the U.S. government's commitment to supporting local efforts in tackling waste management challenges.

“This project is not just about cleaning up; it’s about empowering communities to take charge of their environment and livelihoods,” Ombija said.

Fully Endorsed: Maryanne Ombija the USAID Uganda Deputy Director, reaffirmed the U.S. government's commitment to supporting locals in tackling waste management challenges.

The event also showcased innovations by community members, trained by the Aliguma Foundation and Makerere University. These individuals have begun turning waste into products, demonstrating the potential of locally-driven solutions to create both environmental and economic benefits.

The Road Ahead

The Aliguma Foundation and its partners hope that this project will serve as a model for other informal settlements in Kampala and across Uganda.

As Aliguma noted, “We have suffered from the consequences of poor waste disposal, including flooding, but with this initiative, we aim to make a lasting impact by teaching people how to protect the environment and, in the process, improve their livelihoods.”

The launch of this project marks a significant milestone in Kampala’s journey towards sustainable urban living. By fostering partnerships between local communities, government authorities, and international organisations, the initiative aims to create a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient city for all.

Beautiful: The environmental defenders showcase the products that they have been able to make from the dumped waste to the delight of the delegates and officials at the launch.

As Hon. Kyofatogabye aptly concluded, “It’s our duty, as the people of Kampala, to ensure responsible waste management. We can no longer leave it to KCCA alone.”

The Minister's parting shot was to appeal to USAID and the Project Coordinator Boutroue to cover more areas in Kampala District with this project.

"There are 99 parishes in Kampala, please cover another10 to start with," said Hon. Kyofatogabye.

Day's Niceties

Aside from the cocktail of presentations, including an enriching one on Knowledge, Attitude & Practice (KAP) by Makerere University/Urban Action Lab and other researchers, the day was graced by esteemed religious leaders: Pastor Ouko Julius and Imam Hamada, as well as local leaders Joseph Oloya, Ben Nangabo, and Alex Omony.

Representing the Office of the Regional City Commissioners (RCC) were Jemimah Babirye, Joseph Malumba, and Deputy RCC Edrine Benesa.

Several groups from less-privileged communities were also present, including Banda-Nakawa Youth Mission Against Poverty, Space-Medium Youth Group for Waste Management, Schools With Environmental Teachers, Kifumbira Progressive, Tweyonje, Kasokoso Community, CBA Banda, and Urban Farmers, among others.

Educating Through Entertainment: The pupils of God's Care Community Primary School break into dance and song while communicating the dangers of waste and plastics.

There were vibrant performances by children from neighboring schools, who delighted the attendees with dances and songs, delivering educational interludes. Notable environmental defenders like Ghetto Lab and Nkumbi Telimba were also welcomed to the event.

The schools in attendance included Kireka Barracks Army, Elgon Primary School, Godwill P.S., Asaya Junior School - Zone III, Creamland P.S. - Banda, Luigi P.S., and St. Paul Primary School of Banda, among others.