The Green Action for Sustainable Production (GASP) hosted a community-led Waste Drive at the Luzira Landing site. The initiative aimed at empowering local communities to participate in waste management and environmental conservation.
The GASP Waste Drive is a collaborative effort among GASP’s four active members: Crown Beverages Limited, Uganda Breweries, Harris International Limited, and Mukwano Industries.
“We believe that sustainable change begins at the grassroots level. Through this Waste Drive, we are engaging the local community in practical, hands-on waste management efforts while reinforcing the significance of environmental conservation,” said Suleiman Ngondi, Interim Chief Executive Officer of GASP.
The event featured community clean-up activities, educational sessions on proper waste disposal and recycling, and collaboration with recycling partners to facilitate efficient waste recovery.
GASP donated garbage bins to the Luzira Landing Site community, emphasizing the importance of proper waste disposal and environmental conservation.
The initiative seeks to empower residents to take an active role in keeping their surroundings clean and reducing pollution, particularly around Lake Victoria.
Ngondi emphasized the need for a cultural shift in waste management, stressing that consumer education is crucial in helping individuals understand how to handle waste responsibly.
Dan Kiguli Kibuuka from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) commended companies for coming together to implement extended producer responsibility and product stewardship.
“As required by the National Environment waste management regulations and instrument 49 of page 20, even before a better detailed graduation for extended producer responsibility and products had been gazetted,” he said.
Adding, “ So I’m happy that these companies have gone ahead and started implementation.”
Sheilla Sabone, Corporate Director at Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), stated that companies have a responsibility to educate people, while individuals drive the mindset change.
“People can drive the mindset to say that this is actually waste that cannot decompose,” she noted.
Elizabeth Barungi, Chairperson of LC1 Railway Quarters Village at Luzira Port Bell, thanked GASP members for their noble initiative and encouraged the community to make use of the donated equipment to improve hygiene in the area.