The government of Uganda has cautioned all government institutions of higher learning on the dangers of improper management of E-waste and disposal.
Speaking on the run that was organized by the National Council for higher education (NCHE) under the theme “ Protecting the environment in Higher Education institutions through prosper E-Waste management” as part of their commemoration of 20 years of service, at Kyambogo.
In her statement delivered by Ketty Lamaro, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Education, Rt. Hon Robinah Nabbanja has applauded the management of NCHE for choosing this theme “Protecting the Environment in Higher Education Institutions through e-waste management,” because it speaks to one of the pressing emerging issues in training institutions.
“The irresponsible disposal and recycling of e-waste without any controls impact on the environment and human health”. she said.
E-waste contains different substances, many of which are toxic and such wastes are dangerous to human life since they can cause brain damage, allergic reactions, and cancer.
Ketty Lamaro said that the E-waste Management Policy of 2012 and the E-waste Guidelines of 2016 were put in place to ensure sustainable e-waste management in the country and the Mission of this Policy is “To have an e-waste knowledgeable nation through promotion of efficient handling and sustainable management of e-waste, hence safeguarding the country’s human life and the environment.
She has urged all Higher Education institutions to formulate institutional policies and guidelines on e-waste management. In view of the fact that the country faces a severe shortage of qualified personnel to address the disposal of these wastes.
Hon.Nathan Itungo, Mp Kashari South, and the representative told the Ministry of Education on the parliamentary committee has said that this comes at a time when Uganda is experiencing natural hazards as a result of the continuous degradation of the climate.
“We have seen landslides on the hills of Bududa covered recently because of environmental degradation. So this message should go to everybody that it’s now our time to protect the environment and live in a good environment” he added.
Mary Okwakol, the Executive Director, NCHE has said that Uganda is experiencing rampant cutting down of trees which have greatly degraded the environment.
“We choose this theme for this activity because we realized that a lot of E-waste is generated in higher education institutions but there are challenges in managing these wastes. So it was felt necessary to raise awareness of the need to get the higher education institutions to think of ways of managing waste.” Says Mary Okwakol.
National Council for Higher Education was established in January 2003. The commemoration of the 20 years anniversary began on the 9th of March this year 2023 with a launch officiated by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Janet Museveni.