Addressing Municipal Solid Waste Mismanagement Through Data-Driven Action Planning: A Case Study in Mukono, Uganda

Efficient and effective management of municipal solid waste (MSW) poses a significant challenge in Uganda, especially in impoverished urban and peri-urban areas where the growing population strains the already struggling waste infrastructure. In the greater Kampala region, only 40% of the daily 250 tonnes of waste generated is properly collected, while the remaining 60% is abandoned, burned, or improperly disposed of. This mismanagement exposes communities to severe health risks and contributes to environmental pollution, thereby increasing the prevalence of diseases. Municipalities in the region face numerous obstacles, including the absence of effective frameworks, regulations, monitoring, and insufficient resources. However, a critical hurdle in addressing these issues is the lack of reliable information, hindering the development of sustainable solid waste management plans. This study emphasizes the significance of collecting accurate waste data and conducting a comprehensive baseline study using available waste characterization methodologies and tracking tools. It advocates for enhancing data-driven MSW planning through capacity building among local stakeholders. By conducting a waste management baseline study using tools such as the Waste Wise Cities Tool (WaCT), Waste Flow Diagram (WFD), and Wasteaware Benchmark Indicators (WABIs), the municipality can identify key intervention areas and address policy and infrastructure investment gaps that contribute to open waste burning in the city. Strengthening the technical capacity of local partners through these initiatives facilitates data collection and the implementation of evidence-based strategies to mitigate the negative effects of openly burning municipal solid waste on public health and safety. The skills developed through this process can be leveraged for future data collection and replicated by other practitioners in the region. Additionally, evidence-based strategy and action planning can attract potential donors to support impactful projects on the ground.