Community Participation and Solid Waste Management in Urban Authorities of Uganda: A case of Nakawa Division, Kampala Capital City Authority

Abstract

The study examined how community participation affects solid waste management in urban authorities in Uganda taking a case of Nakawa Division. The study objectives were: to determine the effect of participation in planning on solid waste management in Nakawa Division, to establish the effect of participation in implementation on solid waste management in Nakawa Division and to establish the extent to which participation in monitoring affects solid waste management in Nakawa Division. The research was an expressive case study research strategy that adopted quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Data was analyzed using Analysis of Variance, correlation and regression analyses. The study outcomes revealed that; there is a positive significant connection amongst participation in planning, implementation and monitoring on solid waste management in the urban authorities of Uganda. Where results for participation in planning presented; r = 380 p = 0.010 and coefficient of determination at 0.124; participation in implementation presented; r = 0.520 p = 0.000 and coefficient of determination at 0.253; while participation in monitoring presented; r = 0.518 p = 0.000 and coefficient of determination at 0.251. The study concluded that poor communication, general lack of transparency among the urban authorities and poor conflict resolution are amongst the issues that affect the level of community participation in solid waste management strategies. The study recommended that; Involvement of the communities in the initial planning process of needs analysis and priority setting brings about ownership of decisions made. There is also need to cultivate better ways of coordination and cooperation in order to mobilise the communities for improved solid waste management. Participatory policing should be embraced to track and report performance for better monitoring as each person watches out for proper solid waste management.