MUKONO.
The government has unveiled a $400 million (about Shs1.44 trillion) waste-to-power plant in Namanve, Mukono District.
The project aims at curbing open waste dumping, easing pressure on landfills such as Kiteezi and expanding Uganda’s electricity generation capacity while creating jobs.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, in partnership with NLS Waste Power Plant, has launched a multi-million dollar waste-to-power facility in Namanve, Mukono District, as part of efforts to address the country’s growing waste management crisis.
The project, spearheaded by the Ministry in collaboration with NLS, is expected to ease pressure on the Kiteezi landfill, generate electricity, create employment opportunities and reduce environmental pollution.
Energy State Minister Okaasai Opolot said consultations with President Yoweri Museveni have been concluded as the country moves closer to implementation.
The Chief Executive Officer of NLS Waste Power Plant, Lydia Nayiga, said the $400 million facility is expected to become operational within the next three years.
She noted that the project is designed to significantly reduce waste management challenges, particularly the strain on landfills across the country.
According to Nayiga, once complete, the plant will manage more than 7,030 metric tonnes of waste annually, converting it into energy and reducing reliance on open dumping.
Okaasai said discussions with President Museveni regarding the project have been finalised and that the initiative is now awaiting completion of the remaining processes before full implementation begins.
Beyond electricity generation, Okaasai said the plant is expected to help prevent landfill slides, create jobs, reduce environmental pollution and contribute to Uganda’s overall energy mix.