The Ugandan government is set to partner with United Arab Emirates (UAE) investors to transform Uganda's garbage management system, with plans to convert waste into energy, fertilizers, and fuel. This was announced during Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja's visit to a garbage processing plant in Sharjah, UAE. During her tour, Nabbanja observed how the facility processes 1,000 tons of waste daily, producing 30 megawatts of clean energy—enough to power 28,000 households.
“Garbage should not be seen as a burden but rather a resource,” emphasized Fahim Sultan Al Qasim, Executive Chairman of the Department of Government Relations in the UAE, adding that the partnership aims to make waste commercially beneficial for Uganda.
In a show of solidarity, Al Qasim extended condolences to the families affected by the Kiteezi landfill collapse, which led to loss of life and property. He assured that UAE investors are committed to bringing advanced waste management technology to Uganda, saying, “We will do whatever it takes to provide the best services and technology to Ugandans.”
During the UAE-Uganda business forum, where Nabbanja represented President Museveni, discussions centered on implementing waste management innovations suited to Uganda's largely organic waste composition.
Nabbanja highlighted that Uganda’s organic waste is ideal for the technology used in Sharjah, which could address concerns about methane buildup at landfills like Kiteezi.
The partnership is expected to commence before the end of 2024, with the UAE delegation planning to visit Uganda to initiate waste-to-product projects in multiple cities.
