E-Waste Management Policy and Strategy in Uganda

Dr. David Turahi,Director – IT&IMS

Ministry of ICTdavid.turahi@ict.go.ug

Regional Workshop on E-Waste

(Nairobi, Kenya, 18-20 March 2015)

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Background

Government of Uganda identified Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as an enabling factor for the socio-economic development of the countryICT adoption leads to increased use of electric and electronic equipment which gradually reaches end of life

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Background

Electronic or Electrical equipment that reaches its end of life is referred to as e-wastePoor handling of e-waste can lead to hazards that affect human health and the environment Hence, the need to have in place an appropriate e-waste management policy to address the challenges it poses to both humans and the environment

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Current Situation

Until recently, the Government of Uganda waived import tax on computers, software and related equipment. This has led to proliferation of electronic equipment

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Current Situation

A study on e-waste in Uganda by UNIDO indicated that, Government owns the highest number of ICT equipment in the country followed by NGOs, large enterprises at, private households, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), etc.

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Current Situation

Individual Government Institutions do not dispose of obsolete ICT equipment in a well-planned and managed manner. The same applies to the private sector and households. Equipment is damped on outdoor garbage heaps and landfillsThere is shortage of qualified manpower to handle the safe processing and/or disposal of e-waste in Uganda

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Current Situation

Uganda as a country does not have any e-waste handling facility.There is limited e-waste awareness among the population.The National Bureau of Standards does not have specific standards addressing e-waste.

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Policy Guidance

Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal;Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants;World Charter for Nature 1982; andVienna Convention for the Protection of the O-zone layer 1985.

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E-waste Management Policy objectives

Providing for establishment of e-waste management facilities in the country;Mobilizing and sensitizing various e-waste producers (Government, private sector and the communities on the proper management and handling of e-waste);Providing specific e-waste regulation (legal and regulatory framework);Developing a critical human resource base knowledgeable in handling e-waste;

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E-waste Management Policy objectives

Providing for resource mobilization for efficient management of e-waste;Providing guidance on the standards of electronic equipment that is imported;Establishing incentives for encouraging both local and foreign investors to establish e-waste facilities in Uganda; and

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E-waste Management Policy objectives

Setting up of a fund to be collected from both the sellers and buyers of electronic equipment to ensure sustainability of e-waste handling facilities.

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Challenges

Rapidly increasing use if ICT equipment;Lack of current estimates on quantity of e-waste generated and recycled;Low level of awareness;Lack of standards;Lack of dismantling, collection and handling facilities; and

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Challenges

Gaps in existing legislationExisting e-waste handling and disposal practices are largely informal.

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Proposed Interventions

To set up an e–waste coordinator to supervise and address all management issues for smooth implementation of the e-waste strategy;To review and update the legal and institutional framework for e-waste management and support enforcement of laws, regulations and standards;

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Proposed Interventions

To raise awareness and advocate for e-waste management across all stakeholders and general public;To carry out baseline surveys to inform e-waste interventions;To maintain statistical records of imported Electronic and Electrical Equipment (EEE);To mainstream e-waste issues in all MDAs and the private sector;

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Proposed Interventions

To invest in e-waste handling and disposal infrastructure;To mobilize human, financial, and technical resources for e-waste management; To set up and operationalise an e-waste fund;

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Proposed Interventions

To invest in e-waste handling and disposal infrastructure;To mobilize human, financial, and technical resources for e-waste management; andTo set up and operationalise an e-waste fund.

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Strategy Action Areas

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Setting up Coordination function

Set-up a coordination function at the MoICT for all e-waste related initiatives;Undertake e-waste value chain analysis;Engage with stakeholders in Government and Private sector; &Develop a participatory monitoring and evaluation framework.

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Strengthening Legal Framework

Review existing laws to cater for e-waste related areas;Develop, disseminate and enforce standards for ICT equipment;Develop and disseminate localized EEE standards;Engage WTO member states on Ugandan EEE standards; &Regulate activities of e-waste collectors and dismantling facilities.

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E-waste Awareness

Undertake stakeholder mapping so as to develop an e-waste communication strategy;Undertake e-waste awareness campaigns;Engage ICT producers and ICT system operators to participate in awareness; &Mainstream e-waste issues in educational curriculum at various levels.

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Investment in E-waste Infrastructure

Establish regional e-waste collection centers;Promote take-back schemes;Set up national dismantling facilities;Explore options for hazardous e-waste components; &Facilitate and incentivize registration and formalization of e-waste collectors and transporters.