Tackling Kampala’s Waste Crisis Through Art

With support from professors at Makerere University and the University of Glasgow, a comprehensive waste management training manual has been developed. This manual has been shared with the National Curriculum Council to explore its integration into school curricula, aiming to reach a broader audience and enhance waste management education across schools.

By Bridget Nsimenta

Garbage management in Kampala has become the proverbial "elephant in the room," a pressing issue that demands immediate and decisive action. Reagan Kandole, an eco-artist and Director of ECO Action Uganda, has been at the forefront of efforts to address this challenge. As a lecturer in art and design, community research, and project management at Kyambogo University, Kandole uses his expertise to advocate for sustainable waste management practices.

Kandole emphasized the importance of the 4Rs: Recycle, Reuse, Reduce, and Refuse. He particularly underscored the importance of "Refuse," saying that there is a need to rethink consumerism behaviour, urging people to consider how the products they buy will be decomposed. This, he believes, will lead to more responsible shopping habits and reduce the amount of waste generated.

Kandole’s creative approach to waste management involves transforming discarded items into art. He has collected old helmets and other waste materials to create striking artworks, including animal statues like the elephant, which he refers to as "the elephant in the room." This metaphorical elephant represents the urgent need to address waste management and its broader implications on the environment and public health.

Poor waste management, Kandole warns, contributes to climate change and disrupts drainage systems during heavy rains, leading to flooding and other issues. Through his work, he has trained and skilled many young people, creating jobs and fostering a new generation of eco-conscious citizens.

With support from professors at Makerere University and the University of Glasgow, a comprehensive waste management training manual has been developed. This manual has been shared with the National Curriculum Council to explore its integration into school curricula, aiming to reach a broader audience and enhance waste management education across schools.

Kandole’s message is clear, "The issue of waste management in Kampala cannot be ignored any longer. It is the elephant in the room that demands immediate action to safeguard the city’s future."