By Henry Okello
TORORO
Tororo Municipality has emerged as a national benchmark for effective garbage management, drawing attention from local governments across Uganda eager to learn from its success.
The introduction of the innovative “polluter pays” policy has propelled Tororo from being one of the dirtiest towns in the country to the esteemed position of the second cleanest municipality in Uganda.
Once plagued by waste management challenges, Tororo Municipality has become a model of resilience and innovation, with many municipalities now flocking to witness firsthand the systematic approach that has transformed its waste management strategy.
The latest visitors, a delegation led by Bugiri Municipality Mayor Ayub Kisubi, expressed their admiration for the clean streets and orderly service lanes that now define Tororo.
Esther Manjeri Nyasuna, the municipal health inspector, shared insights into the significant changes that have transpired since the introduction of the polluter pays policy.
“Before implementing this system, our council spent over 5 million shillings monthly on garbage crews and an additional 2 million shillings on fuel for garbage trucks,” she revealed. “Now, with outsourced service providers operating under a memorandum of understanding, our expenses have dramatically reduced.”
The success of the policy rests on the premise that those who generate waste are responsible for its management.
Residents are now more conscious of their waste output, knowing they must pay for the amount they produce.
This shift in mindset has fostered a sense of ownership and accountability within the community, leading to a cleaner, healthier environment.
The implementation of the policy was not without challenges; however, the political will and community engagement played pivotal roles in its adoption.
Alikwan Ayub Kisubi, the Town Clerk, emphasized the long-term benefits of the policy, noting that while it may seem complex, it empowers citizens to take charge of their community’s cleanliness.
Bugiri District Assistant Resident District Commissioner Wilson Amos Nambako was particularly enthusiastic about the polluter pays policy, stating, “Once adopted, this strategy will not only beautify Bugiri but also attract meaningful investments.”
