Public Participation In Solid Waste Management And Sanitation A Case Study Of Makindye Division

ABSTRACT.

Solid waste management and sanitation is both an urban and rural problem. Every person is a

potential generator of waste and thus a contributor to this problem. To generate waste is one

thing, the type of waste generated is another and yet also the way the generated waste is

managed or disposed of is quite a different issue. This study

was carried out in Makindye Division which is located within Kampala Capital City Authority

(KCCA) in Central Uganda, in Buganda Region.

The main objective of this study was to explore the level of public participation in solid waste

management and sanitation in Makindye division, in light of the challenges and prospects for

future management.

This study used a combination of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to research.

It therefore draws on the cross-sectional study design as explained by Bryman (2004) and also

some aspects of a phenomenological research design as discussed by Blanche et aL, (2006).

The findings revealed that the majority proportion of the public in Makindye division exhibited

concern and an amount of sensitivity about solid waste though sorting of solid waste is less

adopted. The level of item reuse is similarly low in Makindye division and the people still

think that they cannot do anything to reduce the volume of solid waste they generate. There

are challenges of limited resources to manage the solid waste and illegal dumping in Makindye

division. However, there are plans for formal disposal facilities, use of the legal instrument

and awareness-raising as a way to deal with the challenges.

Therefore, because the level of public participation in solid waste management and sanitation at present in Makindye division is low, the best way to start dealing with the problem is for the division authorities to show the people that they are worth by involving them in the initial planning process.