Abstract:
Consumption and production of resources leads to generation of wastes that may be undesirable
in the environment. Solid waste management laws are put in place aimed at ensuring proper and
effective control and management of wastes in an area. This study was set out to assess the
compliance and implementation of municipal solid waste management laws and regulations in
Mukono district, Uganda. Specifically, the study sought to: characterize the solid wastes generated in Mukono municipality; determine the mechanisms of implementation of solid waste management
laws and regulations in Mukono municipality; and to assess the effectiveness of the solid waste
management laws and regulations in Mukono municipality. A case study design complimented with
both quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed to obtain the required data to answer
the stated objectives. A questionnaire and documentary review were used to collect the required
data for the study. A number of solid wastes including food and food wastes; glass, plastics and
metals; and textiles among others were generated in Mukono municipality. There are solid waste
management laws and regulations used in the management of wastes in Mukono municipality.
Some mechanisms including awareness creation and monitoring implementation processes have
been put in place for an effective implementation of municipal solid waste management laws. The
study found out that there has been an ineffective implementation of municipal solid waste
management laws in Mukono municipality which were most likely brought about by poor
leadership, inappropriate allocation of funds and low levels of awareness among members of the
local community. It is recommended that Institutions like the Environment Police and the National
Environment Authority should work hand in hand to strengthen the implementation of solid waste
management laws and regulations in the country. The government should enhance sensitization
campaigns about what the solid waste management laws and regulations entail. In addition, funds
required for implementation of the laws and regulations should be appropriated and be used for the
intended purposes.
