WasteAid Expands into Uganda to address textile waste

Summary:

• WasteAid expands into Uganda, launching programs to address textile waste and support entrepreneurs in waste and recycling. The initiative aims to divert materials from landfills and is funded by the UK Government with support from Bunzl.

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Charity WasteAid has extended its efforts into Uganda, aiming to address the escalating waste challenges in the country.

In Uganda, WasteAid will concentrate on mitigating textile waste while expanding its ‘wastepreneur’ initiative, which has successfully assisted microenterprises and minimized waste in Johannesburg since 2022, and has been established in Cameroon as well.

The ‘wastepreneur’ program, functioning as a business incubator, will commence its activities in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, as part of a two-year endeavor. It aims to empower women and youth entrepreneurs in waste and recycling sectors through training, initial funding, and mentorship, thereby enabling them to extract value from waste and divert it from landfills.

WasteAid highlighted that despite Uganda importing used textiles, a significant portion remains unsold and eventually discarded, with approximately 26 tonnes per day ending up in the Kiteezi dump in Kampala alone.

Collaborating with Uganda’s Management Training and Advisory Centre, as well as second-hand clothes vendors, tailors, product designers, and manufacturers, WasteAid seeks to explore methods to divert materials from landfills and encourage recycling.

Ceris Bailes-Turner, WasteAid’s Chief Executive, expressed satisfaction with the organization’s decision to support entities and individuals in Uganda committed to addressing the waste crisis and embracing circular economy principles, following extensive deliberation over the past year.

The initiative in Uganda became possible with funding secured from the UK Government’s sustainable manufacturing and environmental pollution program, along with support from distribution company Bunzl.