What Ugandans Need to Know About E-Waste

As Uganda moves towards becoming a digital hub in Africa, a significant challenge has emerged: electronic waste, or e-waste. This includes discarded items such as old smartphones, laptops, refrigerators, and solar panels, which are accumulating at an alarming rate. This e-waste poses risks to the environment, public health, and economic development. However, with the right knowledge and proactive measures, Ugandans can turn this challenge into an opportunity for a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future. Based on the government’s efforts through the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, here’s what every Ugandan should know about e-waste and how to address it.

E-waste consists of discarded electrical or electronic devices, such as mobile phones, computers, televisions, batteries, and household appliances that are broken, outdated, or no longer in use. These items contain valuable materials like gold and copper, and plastics, but they also include hazardous substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can cause serious harm if not handled properly. In Uganda, the rapid adoption of mobile phones, over 70% of the population owns one,  combined with e-governance initiatives and solar energy systems, is contributing to the growth of e-waste. In 2019, Uganda generated 32,000 tons of e-waste, but only a tiny fraction of 0.18 tons was formally recycled, leaving most to be processed unsafely or disposed of in landfills.

E-waste is not just an eyesore; it is a critical issue with significant implications for health, the environment, and the economy. Improper disposal of e-waste can release toxic substances that pose serious health risks. For instance, lead from old computer monitors can harm the brain and kidneys, while mercury from fluorescent bulbs can affect unborn babies and lead to neurological disorders. The burning of e-waste plastics, a common practice in informal recycling, releases dioxins that are linked to cancer. Informal recyclers in areas like Kampala’s Kiteezi landfill or Katwe face the highest risks, working without protective gear, while nearby communities suffer from contaminated air and water. A 2020 study in Kampala revealed elevated lead levels in the blood of informal workers, highlighting the urgency of this issue.

Beyond health concerns, e-waste severely impacts Uganda’s environment. Landfills can leak heavy metals into the soil, affecting crops and livestock, while battery chemicals contaminate rivers and lakes, including Lake Victoria, jeopardizing fish populations and drinking water quality. The burning of e-waste emits toxic fumes, deteriorating air quality and contributing to climate change. Without proper management, Uganda’s landscapes and biodiversity may face irreversible damage, undermining the nation’s sustainability goals.

Conversely, e-waste presents significant economic opportunities. It is a source of valuable materials that can be recovered. For instance, recycling a ton of mobile phones can yield 300 grams of gold, worth thousands of dollars, along with reusable copper and plastics for manufacturing. By effectively managing e-waste, Uganda can create green jobs in recycling, repair, and research, particularly for its youthful population, where 78% are under 35. The government’s plans for e-waste facilities aim to harness this potential, promoting a circular economy in which waste is seen as a resource.

Uganda’s digital transformation is impressive, with 33 million mobile subscriptions and a 31% internet penetration rate by 2023. However, this progress has led to an increase in e-waste. The United Nations’ 2024 Global E-Waste Monitor warns that e-waste is growing five times faster than global recycling capacity, and Uganda is facing similar challenges. The country’s sole formal e-waste facility in Kampala, operational since 2021, cannot manage the 32,000 tons of e-waste generated annually. Most e-waste is processed informally, using unsafe methods like burning or acid leaching, posing dangers to both workers and the environment.

Public awareness about e-waste remains low; a 2021 study in Kampala found that 80% of residents did not know how to safely dispose of e-waste or understand its risks, often mixing electronic items with regular household waste. Additionally, Uganda faces challenges from imported e-waste, as second-hand electronics and illegal shipments from developed countries contribute to the waste burden, quickly becoming outdated. The prevalence of informal recyclers who lack training and protective equipment further complicates the issue, as their unsafe practices prioritize short-term profits over long-term health and environmental safety.

The Ugandan government, led by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, is taking decisive action to address the issue of electronic waste (e-waste). Since 2012, Uganda has established a strong policy framework, beginning with the E-Waste Management Policy, followed by 2016 guidelines that banned harmful practices such as open burning and unregulated dumping. The 2020 National Environment Regulations further strengthened these efforts by requiring licensed facilities for e-waste disposal and enforcing accountability measures. A key initiative, known as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), mandates that companies producing or importing electronics manage the disposal of their products at the end of their life cycle. Recent regulations announced in 2025 ensure strict enforcement, requiring compliance by licensed handlers.

Infrastructure development is also a priority. The Kampala e-waste facility, launched in 2021, is designed to collect, sort, and recycle e-waste, thus reducing environmental harm and creating jobs. There are plans for regional centers in Gulu, Mbarara, and Mbale to make recycling accessible across the country. In December 2024, the government announced negotiations with the World Bank to fund a modern, centralized facility capable of handling complex waste such as batteries and solar panels, demonstrating a commitment to scaling up solutions.

Community-driven initiatives are gaining momentum. In the Bidibidi Refugee Settlement, a pilot project repaired over 3,400 solar lanterns by 2023, generating jobs and reducing waste. This model has the potential to be expanded to other electronics. Public-private partnerships with companies and NGOs, such as the Global Green Growth Institute, are supporting sustainable recycling and job creation. A stakeholder workshop held in April 2025 at the Sheraton Kampala validated a national e-waste study, bringing together government, businesses, and communities to refine strategies. Upcoming public awareness campaigns will utilize radio, social media, and community events to educate Ugandans on safe disposal practices, addressing the existing awareness gap.

Every Ugandan has a role to play in managing e-waste responsibly. Instead of throwing electronics in regular trash or burning them, both of which pollute the environment, you should take old phones, batteries, and appliances to the Kampala e-waste facility or licensed handlers. Contact your local government or the National Environment Management Authority for guidance on collection points. Some manufacturers, under the EPR program, may offer take-back initiatives when you purchase new devices, so be sure to check with retailers.

Education is essential. Learn about the risks associated with e-waste, such as how old batteries can leak toxins into soil used for farming, and share this knowledge with family and neighbors. Stay updated through radio programs or social media campaigns from the Ministry of ICT regarding safe disposal methods. Encourage schools to teach children about e-waste, fostering a culture of sustainability. Supporting recycling and repair initiatives is a practical step as well. Recycle e-waste at formal facilities to recover valuable materials, which in turn boosts Uganda’s economy. Before discarding devices, consider repairing them, as seen in the Bidibidi project, which extends the lifespan of devices and saves money. When purchasing electronics, opt for durable, repairable products from brands with established recycling programs.

Advocacy can help amplify your impact. Urge local leaders to establish e-waste collection points, especially in rural areas, and support policies like EPR by choosing to buy from compliant companies. Join community initiatives or engage with NGOs partnered with organizations like UNDP or IOM to contribute to e-waste solutions. These actions, large or small, can make a significant difference.

E-waste is not only a challenge; it also presents a significant opportunity for building a sustainable Uganda. As Commissioner Ochero Michael stated, the aim is to ensure that technology benefits the environment while promoting the digital economy and public health. By effectively managing e-waste, Uganda can protect its rivers, soils, and air, safeguarding natural treasures like Lake Victoria. This initiative can also protect communities from toxic exposure, leading to healthier lives. The 32,000 tons of e-waste generated annually could power economic growth; for instance, recycling just 10,000 tons of mobile phones can yield gold worth $200,000 enough to fund schools or clinics. Additionally, green jobs in recycling and repair can empower youth and women, supporting Uganda’s youthful demographic.

Regionally, Uganda has the potential to lead by example, inspiring its East African neighbors, such as Kenya and Rwanda. The establishment of the Kampala facility, the creation of regional centers, and partnerships with the World Bank are steps toward this vision. However, public participation is crucial for success. By transforming e-waste into a valuable resource, Uganda can strengthen its circular economy, reduce reliance on mining, and contribute to global sustainability goals, such as responsible consumption and climate action.

E-waste is a shared responsibility. As Uganda embraces its digital future, it is essential for citizens, businesses, and communities to take action to ensure that technology does not come at the expense of health or the environment. Start today: find a recycling point, repair an old device, or raise awareness about the risks of e-waste. Together, Ugandans can transform e-waste from a growing problem into a cornerstone of a sustainable, prosperous nation. For more information, reach out to the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, NEMA, or visit the Kampala e-waste facility. Let’s make e-waste a story of opportunity rather than harm.