Govt develops guidelines to regulate chemical waste

WAKISO - In an effort to minimise risks associated with hazardous chemicals, the Government, through the Ministry of Water and Environment, has developed national guidelines to operationalise regulations for consumer and industrial chemicals.

The guidelines developed include chemical risk assessment and reduction, guidelines for Prior Informed Consent (PIC) for imports/Exports of chemicals and guidelines for sound management of chemicals and associated waste.

Assistant commissioner Maureen Anino in the Department of Environment Sector Support Services at the water ministry, says these guidelines will provide a comprehensive framework for the management of hazardous chemicals throughout their entire life cycle, encompassing their classification, handling, use and disposal.

“You are all aware that these chemicals are hazardous to both the environment and human beings. As a country, we need to be able to assess the level of risk for us to come up with mitigation measures to safeguard the lives of people and also the environment,” Anino says.

Recognising the potential risks associated with chemicals, Anino adds that these guidelines will provide a comprehensive framework for the management of hazardous chemicals throughout their entire life cycle, encompassing their classification, handling, use, and disposal.

According to Anino, these guidelines will also promote the adoption of internationally recognised systems, including the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), to ensure consistency and harmonisation.

“These guidelines will outline stringent measures for safe storage, labelling, packaging and transportation. Besides that, they will prioritise preventive measures to minimise accidents and establish comprehensive emergency response plans to address spills, leaks, or other chemical incidents,” Anino says.

She made the remarks on Thursday during the stakeholders’ workshop about validating draft documents held at Esella Country Hotel in Najjera Kira.

The meeting that attracted stakeholders from the private sector, academia and ministries, departments and agencies focused on ensuring that these documents are usable, practical and relevant to improve on the sound management of chemicals and associated wastes.

With support from the UN Environment programme on chemicals, the ministry, in collaboration with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), is implementing a three-year project on strengthening the national capacity for the sound management of chemicals and associated wastes.

“As a country, we have been having regulations that manage the use of agricultural and health related chemicals. However, when it comes to industrial and consumer chemicals, we have not been having proper regulation, and yet all of us use chemicals every day. The toothpaste, soap, Vaseline, cleaning detergent that you use, all these products have chemicals,” Anino said.

Since NEMA developed the national regulation for the sound management of hazardous consumer and industrial chemicals, Anino stated that the guidelines developed will operationalise those regulations.

In line with international obligations, Anino explained that these guidelines will emphasise compliance with agreements on the transboundary movement of chemicals and ensure that prior informed consent procedures are followed.

Maureen Anino, Water ministry Assistant Commissioner in the Department of Environment Sector Support Services addressing stakeholders about guidelines during a workshop at Esella Country Hotel in Najjera Kira. (Credit: Juliet Kasirye)

"They will also address the specific challenges associated with managing chemical products and articles containing hazardous chemicals, establishing guidance to support regulations and protect consumer safety and the environment,” Anino noted.

By working collaboratively and adhering to National Guidelines for the Sound Management of Chemicals and Associated Wastes in Uganda, the ministry says it will create a safer, healthier and more sustainable environment for present and future generations.

NEMA executive director Dr Barirega Akankwasah said though chemicals and waste management are a critical and national priority as reflected in the National Development Action plan, it also emphasises sustainable industrialisation, environmental protection, climate resilience and improved human capital development.

“Chemicals form a backbone to industrial growth, agricultural productivity, healthcare, energy development and infrastructural expansion, and yet when poorly managed, they pose serious risks to public health, the environment ecosystem and economic resilience,” Akankwasah said.

Akankwasah’s remarks were contained in his speech delivered by the senior manager of Environment Compliance at NEMA, Leila Akello Gonasa.

Effects of chemicals to people

During the meeting, Gonasa said although NEMA has a regulation on waste management, managing industry waste remains a significant challenge.

According to her, management of waste should be the responsibility of the generator.
“The challenge with chemicals is their long-term impact, and their effects vary from minor effects to severe corrosive effects. It is what we call slow death. When you get exposed, you may feel a headache, dizzy, nauseated and sometimes vomit. But in the long run, depending on the chemical you are exposed to, your liver, kidneys, brain, among others, will be affected,” Gonasa said.

Anthony Kamugisha from Euroflex Limited also said chemical interactions pose health hazards and environmental risks.

“While chemicals are an unnecessary evil, it is crucial to establish mechanisms, procedures and guidelines for their safe use and sustainable disposal. These guidelines will shape our industrial practices, especially with new factories emerging,” Kamugisha said.