A framework for addressing challenges in the implementation of the Uganda e-waste management policy

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to Design a Framework for Addressing challenges in the Implementation of the Uganda E-Waste Management Policy to protect the Environment. The study’s specific objectives included: To review the existing E-waste Management processes in Uganda and devise ways of improving them, To identify E-Waste Management Policy Implementation challenges in Uganda and design measures for solving them and to propose and Design an E-Waste Management Policy implementation Framework to improve the effectiveness of implementation. The target population for this study included; NEMA officials, Ministry of ICT staff, Ministry of Water and Environment Staff, District environmental officers, Managers from stakeholder Ministries and Departments, National Information Technology Authority staff. A sample size of 125 respondents was considered for the study. The research employed Case Study Research Design that used both Quantitative and Qualitative approaches. Purposive and Simple random sampling were used for the study .Questionnaires and Interview guides were used for data collection. Data sources were both primary and secondary. In conclusion, the study established a number of challenges that are faced in the implementation of E-Waste Management policy and they include; Limited funding for waste management, Low level of Awareness amongst manufacturers and consumers of the hazards of incorrect E-waste disposal, Lack of proper enforcement and rapidly increasing E-Waste volumes, both domestically and imported. However, a management policy Implementation Framework has been designed to solve the challenges and therefore making implementation easy. This will help x 2015-M142-20016 in reducing the amount of Electronic wastes that are produced and mishandled in Uganda and thereby protecting both the environment and the health of the community members. The study recommended that there is a need to ensure that all stakeholders like the manufacturers, users, importers and retailers carry out trainings to enable effective handling of electronic wastes. The government should ensure mandatory contributions to funds for electronic waste management in the budget. The consumers of electronic wastes should be sensitized on the dangers of electronic wastes to both the environment and public health to make them responsible.