Ndejje University has pledged to become a bridge between entrepreneurs seeking to provide solid waste solutions, and researchers who have developed prototypes to end the garbage disposal problem.
University Vice Chancellor Prof Eriabu Lugujjo said they were already working with the Kampala Capital City Authority and a Nigerian firm to help sort garbage through the provision of different dustbins, in homesteads to improve waste disposal.
“Our researchers have found some workable solutions, but would like to work with partners within the business community to solve the garbage problem,” he said.
Prof Lugujjo was speaking at the end of a three-day conference that the university held from September 26 to 28, 2016 at Hotel Africana. Premised on the theme, Sowing seeds of sustainable development for grassroots communities, the conference was intended to promote sustainable development of bio-waste recycling in the country.
The conference presenters showcased several examples of opportunities, where researchers had converted garbage into various products, including fuel like bio gas and briquettes from banana peelings, to stem the high reliance on firewood.
Others also showed methods of speeding the recycling process; for instance, with improved methods of digging pits that enable wastes to decompose in less than a year. Some of these methods have been practiced in the rural areas, in a pilot phase.
Prof Lugujjo said the university was ready to be a bridge between the researchers, who had developed the solutions and the entrepreneurs who had the capacity to spread this technology across the country.
“We generate over 5,000 tonnes of garbage every month. It is important that we work out means to limit this garbage generation through science, while also cutting back on the generated rubbish,” Lugujjo said.
Closing the conference, Energy Minister Irene Muloni pledged government support in working to manage bio-wastes in the country.