Assessing Solid Waste Disposal as an Environmental Management Challenge for Urban Areas in Uganda Case Study of Katanga Slum in Kawempe Division Kampala Uganda

Abstract

This study sought to assess solid waste disposal as an environmental management challenge in urban areas in Uganda with specific reference to Katanga slum area. The study was guided by the following research objectives: To identify the existing solid waste generation, collection, transportation and disposal practices, to find out challenges encountered in solid waste management and to identify measures to overcome solid waste management challenges in Katanga slum area in Kawempe division of Kampala City.The study utilised random sampling design to obtain the relevant data. The sample selected for this study consisted of 45 residents of Katanga slum and 5 respondents were both residents as well as waste collectors making a total of 50 respondents. Primary data was mainly obtained through field interviews that were carried out through using of the questionnaires to the residents and waste collectors of Katanga slum area. Secondary data was obtained from both the published and unpublished sources. Data was analysed using both descriptive and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. It was found out that Plastics with 46.7% of the respondents, were the most generated type of solid waste and the least being electronics with 2.2% and hair with 2.2%. Sacks were the mostly used materials to gather the generated solid waste in homes. Wheel barrows were the only equipment used in transportation of solid waste from homes to collection centres. The major challenge encountered in solid waste management at household level was, high spread of diseases like cholera and malaria with 40.9% of the respondents. The major solution suggested by respondents to overcome solid waste management challenges at household level was, provision of enough and free sacks and dust bins to the public and was suggested by 41% of the respondents.