Waste is Not a Crisis but Cash, says Jospong Group
President Museveni has recently instructed KCCA to expedite the handover of the Kiteezi landfill to ZoomLion Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group, for decommissioning.
In the aftermath of the Kiteezi landfill disaster, which highlighted the urgent need for effective waste management solutions, the Jospong Group of Companies has been entrusted with leading Uganda's efforts to combat its waste management challenges.
President Museveni has recently instructed the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to expedite the handover of the Kiteezi landfill to ZoomLion Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group, for decommissioning.
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This directive signifies the government’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions to Uganda’s waste crisis.
During a meeting at State House Entebbe, President Museveni expressed confidence in Jospong Group's capacity to manage waste effectively, citing their successful track record in Ghana.
But what exactly makes ZoomLion, and by extension Jospong, a credible solution for Uganda?
Advanced Waste Management Systems
To evaluate their capacity, I travelled to Ghana to observe ZoomLion Ghana Limited's operations firsthand.
What I encountered was a sophisticated system that treats waste not as a burden, but as a valuable resource. ZoomLion’s philosophy is clear: “Garbage is not waste, but a material in transit or a source of cash.”
From their transfer stations to door-to-door waste collection services, ZoomLion has developed a comprehensive waste management ecosystem.
Officials from the Jospong Group recently held discussions with President Museveni
I toured their recycling plants, where plastic and organic waste are processed, and visited meticulously managed landfill sites, as well as treatment facilities for liquid waste and their environmental cleanup efforts.
Emma Adwoa Appiana Osei-Dua, Director of Communication and Corporate Affairs at ZoomLion Ghana Ltd, remarked, “Waste management is a shared responsibility.
"We in the environmental sanitation cluster believe ZoomLion can manage waste from generation to the point where we achieve zero waste. That’s the kind of solution we have for the African landscape, with world-class technology.”
The environmental cluster, comprising 60% of Jospong Group's operations, oversees every aspect of waste management—from treatment and processing to recycling and landfill management.
Their holistic approach integrates all stages of waste management into a unified system, contrasting sharply with Uganda's fragmented waste management practices, which lead to inefficiencies and environmental challenges.
My observations in Ghana led me to a crucial conclusion: waste management cannot be effectively handled in isolation.
It must encompass the entire lifecycle of waste—from collection to recycling and final disposal.
ZoomLion's success in Ghana demonstrates that with the right systems in place, waste can be transformed into a valuable resource, creating jobs and minimizing environmental impact.
A Vision for Uganda
As the JOSPONG Group prepares to decommission the Kiteezi landfill and enhance waste management in Uganda, it is evident that adopting a comprehensive, system-wide approach is essential.
Their experience and proven capability position them as leaders in guiding Uganda towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.
However, the pressing question remains: Will Uganda fully embrace this model and make the necessary investments to support it? The answer to this question could define the future of waste management in the country.
