Uganda has unveiled a US $400M (approximately Shs1.44 trillion) waste-to-power plant project at Namanve Industrial Park in Mukono District, in a move aimed at addressing the country’s mounting waste management challenges while increasing electricity generation.
The facility is being developed by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in partnership with NLS Waste Power Plant. Once complete, the plant is expected to incinerate up to 1,500 tonnes of waste per day and generate 45 megawatts of electricity for integration into the national grid. Officials say the project is intended to ease pressure on overstretched landfill sites, including Kiteezi Landfill, while reducing open dumping and improving environmental conditions. The initiative will also contribute to Uganda’s overall energy mix as the country seeks to expand reliable power supply.
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Long-term energy security
Energy State Minister Okaasai Opolot said consultations with President Yoweri Museveni have been concluded, paving the way for the next stages of implementation. He noted that the project is awaiting completion of final processes before construction progresses fully. According to NLS Chief Executive Officer Lydia Nayiga, the plant is expected to become operational within three years. She said the facility will significantly reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills by converting thousands of tonnes of refuse into energy annually.
In addition to electricity production, the project is projected to create jobs, cut environmental pollution, and help prevent landfill-related hazards. Authorities describe the Namanve development as a major step toward sustainable waste management and long-term energy security for Uganda.
