Limitations on solid waste management law in Uganda: A case study of Kampala City Council

Abstract

The nature of handling and disposing of solid waste is still very poor in the country, with particular focus on Kampala. The study therefore attends the legal aspects of handling and disposing of waste, and looks into why, with the existence of the relevant legal and policy frame works, solid waste management practices are still wanting. What are the legal and non legal limitations to the law which relates to solid waste management that poor enforcement of the existing legal regime on waste management should be? This I sought to answer.

The study covers the kinds and the causes of solid wastes; and draws lessons from other jurisdictions for comparative analysis. Solid waste management systems include recycling, incineration, waste reduction/prevention, dumping of waste, integrated approach and composting of waste; therein, environmental and human risk issues take place.

In the law on the policy of waste management and disposal is low punitive measures for those that do not as stated; this, plus the multiplicity of laws and policies on waste management in the country are most in negating the enforcement process of regulating this activity which has become an environmental threat instead of economic viability as the case may be in other developed countries.

Otherwise, there is a general negative attitude towards and therefore lack of public participation in waste management, hence, inadequate man power; to this is added the politics of the day.

The study concludes that a need is on the government to enact a National law on waste management and to improve policy and guidelines as a control measure. The urban authority should by the most effective means enforce collection and disposal of waste; therefore the laws that relate thereto should be revised, and local participation should be encouraged.