Green human resource management and green housing a solution Kampala floods

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OPINION

By Ivan Bakaki

Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) is still in its early stages in Kampala, yet the city continues to face serious environmental challenges due to rapid urbanization and development. The existing infrastructure has struggled to keep up with the fast-growing population, resulting in environmental degradation.

Approximately 40% of Kampala’s residents live in informal settlements that lack adequate water, sanitation, and waste management services, placing immense pressure on the city’s natural resources, including wetlands and green spaces. This inadequate infrastructure has made the adoption of green initiatives difficult.

Research indicates that organizations that implement Electronic Human Resource Management (e-HRM) or Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) can reduce paper consumption by more than 70% (Jabbour, 2019). In line with global sustainability trends, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has started digitizing HR processes, such as online payroll management, digital leave applications, and e-recruitment. A similar initiative in South Africa’s municipal HR departments resulted in a 60% reduction in operational costs and environmental impact through digitization (Makamu & Mello, 2019).

National and municipal bodies, including KCCA, are currently undertaking projects focused on waste management, flood control, and urban planning, which could support the transition to greener HR practices.

By integrating GHRM, organizations in Kampala can promote eco-friendly workplace behaviours, such as waste reduction, resource conservation, and environmental responsibility. This approach could help align business operations with sustainability goals, including reducing carbon footprints, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing waste management systems. However, achieving these objectives requires strong institutional support and significant infrastructure improvements.

According to a 2021 report by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Kampala generates approximately 1,500 tons of waste daily, but only 40% of this is collected and transported to the Kiteezi landfill, which has served as the city’s primary waste disposal site since 1996. Of the collected waste, only 10% is recycled, leaving around 50% uncollected, illegally dumped, burned, or scattered throughout the city.

Largest employers in Kampala, their human resource functions rely heavily on paper-based processes, contributing significantly to the city’s waste problem. This unmanaged waste has severe environmental consequences, particularly in informal settlements and slum areas where illegal dumping is widespread. Despite this, KCCA currently lacks a direct policy on waste management and reduction.

Kampala's rapid urbanization has led to significant challenges, including inadequate waste management, frequent flooding, and inefficient energy use. Implementing green housing strategies can play a crucial role in mitigating these problems by fostering sustainable urban development, optimizing resource utilization, and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Empirical studies highlight the benefits of green housing initiatives. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP, 2020), buildings account for nearly 40% of global energy consumption and 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. By integrating green construction methods such as energy-efficient designs, solar energy adoption, and rainwater harvesting cities can significantly reduce their environmental impact. A study by Darko et al. (2017) found that green building practices in developing cities contributed to a 30–50% reduction in energy consumption and a 20% decrease in construction waste.

In the context of Kampala, research by the Uganda National Bureau of Statistics (UBOS, 2021) shows that 60% of households rely on unsustainable energy sources, such as charcoal and firewood, which contribute to deforestation and air pollution. Introducing incentives for solar power adoption and energy-efficient housing could lower dependence on non-renewable energy sources.

Additionally, a World Bank report (2022) indicates that 45% of Kampala’s annual floods are linked to poor drainage and unregulated construction on wetlands. Enforcing green building regulations such as permeable pavement, green roofing, and proper drainage systems could significantly reduce flooding and environmental degradation.

Encouraging the transition to eco-friendly housing requires government intervention through policy frameworks, tax incentives for sustainable construction, and increased public awareness. A case study from Nairobi, Kenya (Mwangi & Wekesa, 2019), demonstrated that tax rebates and financial incentives for developers adopting green building principles led to a 25% increase in the construction of energy-efficient homes over five years. Similarly, Kampala could benefit from such policies to drive sustainable housing development and long-term urban resilience.

The writer is a PhD (HRM) Candidate Maseno University Kenya, Lecturer King Ceasor University