Experts Applaud Manufacturers Move To Pursue The Green Industrial Agenda for Sustainable Growth.

Following the unveiling of a new Green Industry Agenda by Uganda Manufacturers aimed at promoting the adoption, implementation, and inclusion of green manufacturing strategies and technologies for sustainable industrial growth, various experts in the environment, business, and community have expressed their gratitude to the move which they say will secure Uganda’s sustainable growth through the industry sub-sector by balancing between human activity and environmental protection.

The experts specifically concur that the manufacturing sector is a significant stakeholder in the efforts to reduce hazardous and manage waste and factory emissions.

According to the documents accessed by this website, the manufacturers under their umbrella Uganda Manufacturing Association (UMA) has “designed the green industrial program to coordinate, harmonize and aggregate efforts of industrialists in Uganda to avert, mitigate, and reduce the causes of environmental hazards and improve or promote sustainable actions for a circular economy”

Mr. Gilbert Kibekityo from the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) in an interview recommended that, manufacturing companies in Uganda step up their efforts towards development program contributions through investing in green ventures while discouraging environmentally unfriendly activities such as fossil fuels.

“The private sector can cause sustainable development if we invest in green ventures such as the valorization of side streams for sustainable packaging, investment in research incubation hubs, hydrogen technologies in the steel and transport sector, and recycling, reuse of paper, textiles, plastics,” he said

Mr. Gilbert said that manufacturers can deepen the financial sector, promote indigenous industry growth, and promote market access through value chain development.

“Value Chain Development, Public-Private Partnerships, strategic positioning of the East African Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area will boost market access, widen the tax base, promote access to energy, and Indigenous industry growth,” he said

In the statement released by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) on 25th July 2024, Dr. Barirega Akankwasa (Executive Director) said that though Manufacturers produce goods that meet human needs, create jobs, and revenue for Uganda's economic growth, there is a need to focus on sustainable development at the heart of manufacturers operations as they strive to provide goods and services.

“Efficient use of the raw materials to minimize over-exploitation, promote circular economy. Proper waste management – Any person who generates or handles waste is responsible for its proper management. Proper management of chemicals to minimize their impacts on the environment –Air and water pollution, soil contamination, harm to ecosystems, and biodiversity. The chemicals of concern include persistent Organic Pollutants (POPS) like DDT; Heavy metals like Mercury” the statement partly reads.

He urged Industries to use green technologies including the installation of scrubbers, air quality monitors, and prevention of noise pollution which he said has negative impacts on human health, productivity at work and the environment in general among others.

In the Green Industrial Program developed by UMA, focuses on the promotion of Green Manufacturing Practices through; the conservation of the Natural Ecosystem, Reduction of carbon emissions Promotion of the use of Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Energy Efficient Technologies, Waste management, and Economic Circularity.

The Green Agenda’s strategy will be implemented based on Six Pillars including; Environmental Conservation (Adaptation and Mitigation), Green Energy and energy transition, Green Self-Regulation Practices, Industrial and Consumer Waste Management, Capacity Building and Awareness Creation on Green Agenda, and Green Research, Innovations, Policy and Advocacy.