National Environmental Management Policy Implementation Mechanisms and Solid Waste Management in Urban Centres in Eastern Uganda

Purpose: This paper analyzed the role played by the implementation of environmental management policies on Solid Waste Managemnt practices in urban centres of Eastern Uganda. Methodology: A mixed method cross-sectional design was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 326 employees of urban centres and 16 key informants. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and interview guide and analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, regression and content analysis Findings: It was revealed that policy management and coordination positively predicted (β =.24, p<.05) SWM management. Urban centres had insufficient policy enforcement, monitoring and financing, which decreased the effectiveness of SWM. Subsequently communities perceived urban authorities as not being responsive to the needs of the people and pursuing their own agenda. Unique Contribution to theory, practice and policy: For the National Environmental Management Policy to contribite to better Solid Waste Managemnt, Urban authorities should promote active participation of residents in policy formulation, enforcement and operations. They should allow a high degree of organized representation, accessibility and openness for all categories of stakeholders in SWM.