Urban waste management and the environmental impact of organic waste treatment systems in Kampala, Uganda

In Kampala, Uganda, about 28,000 tonnes of waste are collected and delivered to landfill every month. Kampala Capital City Authority records show that this represents approximately 40 % of the waste generated in the city. The remaining uncollected waste is normally burnt and/or dumped in unauthorised sites, causing health and environmental problems. However, the organic fraction of domestic waste can provide an opportunity to improve livelihoods and incomes through fertiliser and energy production. This study employed environmental systems analysis to identify the most environmentally efficient technologies for treating the organic waste generated. The work was undertaken through interrelated studies. These were a literature review of waste hierarchy practices suitable to the development of a sub-Saharan African city using Kampala as a case study; a physical and chemical characterisation of municipal waste collected and delivered to Kampala’s landfill over the span of a year to cover both dry and wet seasons; a mapping of the location of animal farms and the establishment of animal feeding and waste management practices on animal farms in Kampala; treatment of Kampala's organic waste by means of the vermicompost method and finally using life cycle analysis to identify the best waste treatment method for organic waste generated out of anaerobic digestion, compost, vermicompost and fly larvae waste treatment technologies. The impact categories assessed were energy use, global warming and eutrophication potentials. Generally, the results showed that re-use and waste prevention waste hierarchy methods are the most feasible for the development of waste management in Kampala: over 92 % of the waste generated is organic in nature, containing on average a moisture content of 71.1 %, 1.65 % nitrogen, 0.28 % phosphorus, 2.38 % potassium and a gross energy content of 17 MJ/kg; most animal farms are located on the periphery of the city, and the most popular animal feeds are peelings and pasture; 60 % of the animal manure generated is discarded and 32 % used as fertiliser; a 60.3% material degradation was achieved in the vermicompost process while the feed-to-biomass conversion rate was 3.6 % on a dry matter basis; and finally anaerobic digestion performs best in terms of energy use, global warming potential and eutrophication potential. However the study concluded that poorly managed anaerobic digestion technology with extensive methane leakages will make a considerable contribution to global warming. Further research is needed to establish the viability of fly larvae waste composting in sub-Saharan Africa and to measure direct emissions from the different organic waste treatment technologies in a sub-Sahara African city setting

Assessment of the suitability of pineapple waste as feedstock for vermicomposting

Declining soil fertility is a challenge to sustainable agricultural production in sub-Saharan Africa with a case of Uganda. However, the large volumes of agricultural waste generated from pineapples can be converted into soil conditioners through vermicomposting. by the use of earthworms. Several types of agricultural waste have been studied extensively as vermicompost feedstock, but little work exists on pineapple waste. The objective of this study was to investigate the suitability of pineapple waste for vermicomposting. To achieve this, an assessment of the physicochemical properties of fresh, pre-composted pineapple waste, and the resultant vermicompost, and determination of the optimal feeding rate and stocking density were performed.  The study revealed that pre-composting reduced the moisture content (28.8%), VOC (10.3%), and increased the pH (56.8%) which was helpful in waste stabilization as well as in the mass reduction of the waste. Vermicomposting after pre- composting increased the bulk density (92.3%), ash content (25.4%), pH (10%), EC (14.3%), total phosphorus (20.9%) and total potassium (28.4%) but decreased the moisture content (29.1%), VOC (11.8%), organic carbon (81.4%), total nitrogen (21.3%) and the C:N ratio (76.4%) of the pineapple waste hence giving a more stabilized and mineralized vermicompost. The study further revealed an optimal feeding rate of 2 kg feeds/kg worms and a stocking density of 1 kg worms/m2 for complete nitrogen mineralization of the pineapple waste and 1 kg feeds/kg worms and 0.5 kg worms/m2 for higher phosphorus concentrations. The degradation of the pineapple waste by earthworms demonstrated the practicability of vermicomposting as a simple and low-cost technology of converting pineapple waste into an effective nutrient rich soil amendment.

A critical analysis of physiochemical properties influencing pit latrine emptying and feacal sludge disposal in Kampala Slums, Uganda

Inadequate information on physiochemical properties of faecal sludge leads to inappropriate design of pit emptying devices and poor faecal sludge disposal contributing to environmental pollution. This study undertook a critical analysis of physiochemical properties of feacal sludge that influence design and performance of pit emptying devices and faecal sludge disposal for improved faecal sludge management in urban slums. The physiochemical properties determined were; Moisture content (MC), ash content (AC), total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K) and pH. Samples were collected from 55 unlined pits at depths of 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 m from pit surface. The unlined pits in this study were purposively selected from slums in Kampala. A sample of 300 g was sucked from each depth using a manual sampling tool and emptied into a plastic container. The container was then wrapped in a black plastic bag and transported in cooler boxes to the lab for analysis. The properties were subjected to Principal Component Analysis to isolate the critical parameters that affect pit emptying and faecal sludge disposal. The mean results were: MC of 86 ± 8.37%; TS of 0.14 ± 0.08 g/g wet sample; VS of 0.73 ± 0.32 g/g dry sample; pH of 8.0 ± 1.5; AC of 0.35± 0.18 g/g dry sample; TN of 3.5 ± 0.08%; K of 2.2± 0.13% and P of 1.4± 0.05%. It was concluded that physiochemical properties in Ugandan pits are comparable to those of global pits except for the acidic conditions at top surface in some pits, and higher moisture content in pits due to the high water table. PCA results showed that moisture content and total solids affected pit emptying techniques while fractional content of N, P and pH affect most choice of faecal sludge disposal technique.Key words: Pit latrine, faecal sludge management, developing countries, physiochemical properties, pit emptying

Uganda's experience in Ebola virus disease outbreak preparedness, 2018-2019.

BACKGROUND: Since the declaration of the 10th Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in DRC on 1st Aug 2018, several neighboring countries have been developing and implementing preparedness efforts to prevent EVD cross-border transmission to enable timely detection, investigation, and response in the event of a confirmed EVD outbreak in the country. We describe Uganda's experience in EVD preparedness. RESULTS: On 4 August 2018, the Uganda Ministry of Health (MoH) activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) and the National Task Force (NTF) for public health emergencies to plan, guide, and coordinate EVD preparedness in the country. The NTF selected an Incident Management Team (IMT), constituting a National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) that supported activation of the District Task Forces (DTFs) and District Rapid Response Teams (DRRTs) that jointly assessed levels of preparedness in 30 designated high-risk districts representing category 1 (20 districts) and category 2 (10 districts). The MoH, with technical guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO), led EVD preparedness activities and worked together with other ministries and partner organisations to enhance community-based surveillance systems, develop and disseminate risk communication messages, engage communities, reinforce EVD screening and infection prevention measures at Points of Entry (PoEs) and in high-risk health facilities, construct and equip EVD isolation and treatment units, and establish coordination and procurement mechanisms. CONCLUSION: As of 31 May 2019, there was no confirmed case of EVD as Uganda has continued to make significant and verifiable progress in EVD preparedness. There is a need to sustain these efforts, not only in EVD preparedness but also across the entire spectrum of a multi-hazard framework. These efforts strengthen country capacity and compel the country to avail resources for preparedness and management of incidents at the source while effectively cutting costs of using a "fire-fighting" approach during public health emergencies

Marburg virus disease outbreak in Kween District Uganda, 2017: Epidemiological and laboratory findings.

INTRODUCTION: In October 2017, a blood sample from a resident of Kween District, Eastern Uganda, tested positive for Marburg virus. Within 24 hour of confirmation, a rapid outbreak response was initiated. Here, we present results of epidemiological and laboratory investigations. METHODS: A district task force was activated consisting of specialised teams to conduct case finding, case management and isolation, contact listing and follow up, sample collection and testing, and community engagement. An ecological investigation was also carried out to identify the potential source of infection. Virus isolation and Next Generation sequencing were performed to identify the strain of Marburg virus. RESULTS: Seventy individuals (34 MVD suspected cases and 36 close contacts of confirmed cases) were epidemiologically investigated, with blood samples tested for MVD. Only four cases met the MVD case definition; one was categorized as a probable case while the other three were confirmed cases. A total of 299 contacts were identified; during follow- up, two were confirmed as MVD. Of the four confirmed and probable MVD cases, three died, yielding a case fatality rate of 75%. All four cases belonged to a single family and 50% (2/4) of the MVD cases were female. All confirmed cases had clinical symptoms of fever, vomiting, abdominal pain and bleeding from body orifices. Viral sequences indicated that the Marburg virus strain responsible for this outbreak was closely related to virus strains previously shown to be circulating in Uganda. CONCLUSION: This outbreak of MVD occurred as a family cluster with no additional transmission outside of the four related cases. Rapid case detection, prompt laboratory testing at the Uganda National VHF Reference Laboratory and presence of pre-trained, well-prepared national and district rapid response teams facilitated the containment and control of this outbreak within one month, preventing nationwide and global transmission of the disease

Occurrence and survival of pathogens at different sludge depths in unlined pit latrines in Kampala slums

Occurrence and survival of pathogens in faecal sludge was investigated in unlined  pit latrines at varying depths in peri-urban areas of Kampala city, Uganda. A total of 55 unlined pit latrines, 7 private and 8 rental unlined pit latrines were sampled in thefirst and second phases (representing the rainy season) and 40 pits in the third  phase (representing dry season), and analysed for indicator organisms and  pathogens from 4 pit latrine sludge layers, at depths of 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m,  following APHA standard methods. Physico-chemical parameters of the faecal  sludge were also measured. Three sampling phases were  undertaken to determine the effect of seasonal variation. Results indicate that the mean temperature and pH were 25.4 ± 1.14°C and 8.0 ± 1.5, respectively; and moisture content increased with pit sludge depth, except between Depths 3 and 4. Average moisture content was 86.3 ± 3%. The measured parameters varied significantly (P > 0.05) between seasons. The mean reduction in total coliforms, thermo-tolerant coliforms, E. coli, and faecal enterococci with sludge depth was significant at all depths (P < 0.05), but the least significant difference was not significant at depth levels of 1.0 m and 1.5 m. Salmonella was only detected at the top layer of faecal sludge in 60% of Phase 2 samples and in only 20% of the samples in Phase 3. About 200–4 100 eggs/g of strongyles were found in 98% of the samples and 100–1 600 eggs/g of ascarids in 55% of the samples. Temperature, pH and moisture content did not show a significant correlation with observed reductions of indicators and pathogens. With extrapolation of the generated regression models, a pit of 8 m can be recommended for reduction of bacteria. It is recommended that protective field gear be used during pit emptying and that faecal sludge treatment should be done to reduce pathogens before disposal into the environment.Keywords: pathogens, indicator organisms, faecal sludge, unlined pit latrine, water contaminatio

Determinants of male involvement in antenatal care at Palabek Refugee Settlement, Lamwo district, Northern Uganda

Abstract Background In 2014, Uganda launched the National Male Involvement Strategy in Maternal and Child Health. In 2020, the District Health Management Information System report for Lamwo district, where Palabek Refugee Settlement is located, indicated a 10% male involvement in antenatal care (ANC) at the settlement. We investigated determinants of male involvement in ANC in Palabek Refugee Settlement to inform programs on improvement of male involvement in ANC in a refugee setting. Methodology We conducted a community-based cross-sectional analytical study among a proportionate sample of mothers in Palabek Refugee Settlement from October-December 2021. Using a standardized questionnaire, we collected information on demographics and the constructs of the socio-ecological model where consent was given. We summarized data in tables and figures. We used Pearson chi-square test to determine significance of independent variables at bivariate level. A multivariable logistic regression model was run for all variables found significant at bivariate analysis to determine association between the different independent variables and male involvement in ANC. Results We interviewed 423 mothers. The mean age of their male partners was 31 years, SD 7. 81% (343/423) of male partners had formal education, with 13% (55/423) having a source of income and 61% (257/423) having access to ANC information during their pregnancy. The level of male involvement in ANC in Palabek Refugee Settlement was 39% (164/423). Male involvement in ANC was positively associated with access to information on ANC (AOR 3.0; 95%Cl: 1.7–5.4) and frequent couple discussion on ANC (AOR 10.1; 95%Cl: 5.6–18.0). However, it was negatively associated with distance ≥ 3 km to the health facility (AOR 0.6 ;95%Cl: 0.4-1.0). Conclusions Approximately one in three male partners in Palabek Refugee Settlement were involved in ANC. Male partners who had access to information during ANC and those who had frequent discussions were more likely to get involved in ANC. Men who lived ≥ 3 km from the health facility were less likely to be involved in ANC. We recommend intensified awareness creation on importance of male involvement in ANC and implementation of integrated community outreaches to reduce distance to the health facility

Comparative Performance of Organic Fertilizers in Maize (Zea mays L.) Growth, Yield, and Economic Results

Maize is a major crop grown and consumed in Uganda and it requires a high fertilizer input. However, the existing inorganic fertilizers in the market are often not affordable especially to small scale farmers, which results in decreased maize yields in the country. On the other hand, there is an abundance of unutilized animal manure, which, when treated, can be used to increase maize yields. This study evaluated the response of maize to products of different cattle manure treatment methods as well as inorganic fertilizer. The treatments such as cattle manure stored under shade (T), cattle manure stored in the open (M), cattle manure slurry digestate (S), vermicompost (V), and an inorganic fertilizer, DAP (D) were all applied in completely randomized block plots at an equal application rate of 50 kg N ha−1 with four replications per treatment. Control plots (C) where no fertilizer was applied were also considered. The experiment was done for two planting seasons in 2018. Number of leaves, plant height, cob, and grain yields were used to evaluate the performance of different fertilizer treatments. Economic assessment of all the six treatments was also carried out to determine the economic viability of applying these fertilizers on maize. Maize growth parameters and yields were all significantly increased (p < 0.05) with an application of both organic and inorganic fertilizers when compared with the control. However, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the maize yields under the different fertilizer treatments. Vermicomposting was the most economically viable manure treatment method due to low operating costs and higher returns on investment that are supplemented with the production of chicken fodder (earthworm biomass) and, thus, can be recommended to farmers for production of a fertilizer that increases maize yields with assurance of economic returns

Potential for Use of Pineapple Waste to Enhance Soil Fertility on Smallholder Organic Farming in Kayunga District, Uganda

Soil exhaustion and nutrient depletion are major constraints to pineapple farming in Uganda. This study explored potential for using on-farm waste from pineapple farming to conserve soil fertility and enhance agricultural productivity. Data collection was done using key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and a semi structured survey questionnaire administered to 109 randomly selected pineapple farmers and processors. The data was analysed in SPSS to generate descriptive statistics for selected variables followed by cross tabulation to explore linkages between the variables. Results indicate that farmers engaged in pineapple farming, have diverse socioeconomic backgrounds but activities engaged in are not significantly associated with socioeconomic variables examined except farming experience and gender. The major challenges faced by the farmers included soil exhaustion, lack of appropriate technologies, inappropriate pineapple waste management and decline in yield. It was noted that strategies used by farmers employing use of on-farm waste have not yielded significant contribution and as such farmers resort to use of off-farm manure which is expensive and increasingly hard to secure. It was recommended that a sustainable technology harnessing the abundant but underutilised on-farm biomass waste be developed to produce a highly nutrient-rich soil conditioner to enhance pineapple yield and as such empower the farmers

Assessment of a Cattle Manure Vermicomposting System Using Material Flow Analysis : A Case Study from Uganda

Growth in cattle population is associated with increased manure generation whose current management in low-income countries is associated with health and environmental problems as well as low utilization rates. This trend can be reversed by promoting better manure management technologies. This study assessed vermicomposting as one of the technologies to manage organic wastes, using the case study in Uganda. A vermicomposting system using cattle manure and earthworms (Eudrilus euginea) was monitored for one year with the harvesting of products (compost, earthworm biomass) after every three months. Vermicompost samples from the beginning of the experiment and after every harvest were analyzed for the following parameters: pH, ash content, volatile and total solids, nutrients N, P, K, and C. Emissions of CO2, CH4, NH3, and N2O were also measured. Material flow analysis was used to determine the flows and retention of nutrients within the system. Results showed that total solids, ash, N, P, and K content significantly increased, while contents of volatile solids and C, as well as the pH, significantly decreased over time. Of the materials that entered the vermicomposting system, 46% went to vermicompost, 2% into earthworms, and 52% was lost to the atmosphere. Substance flow analysis showed that 30% of C went to vermicompost, 69% was emitted to the atmosphere, and 2% ended up in earthworms while 75% of N was transferred to vermicompost, 7% went to earthworms, and 18% escaped into the atmosphere. The cumulative emissions were 102 g CO2 kg−1 waste, 7.6 g CH4 kg−1 waste, and 3.943 × 10−5 g N2O kg−1 waste on a dry basis, while NH3 was not detected throughout the measurement time. Compared to other manure management methods, vermicomposting demonstrated good potential in conserving nutrients as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions. View Full-TextAustrian Development Cooperation (ADC