MBALE, Uganda — The Chinese-run Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park has invested roughly $2.5 million in advanced water treatment systems, a move officials say is significantly combating water pollution and enhancing the environmental footprint of the expansive hub. The substantial investment aims to ensure industrial wastewater is rigorously treated and reused, mitigating its impact on surrounding communities and local water bodies.
Park Pours $2.5M Into Water Treatment to Halt Pollution
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Dan Akampulira, Head of the Health, Safety & Environment department at Tian Tang Group, which oversees operations at the park, provided extensive details on the commitment.
“So far, we’ve invested approximately $2.5 million specifically into this water treatment system,” Akampulira stated. “Our goal is that in a few years, all wastewater generated within this park will be treated and reused internally, with no discharge outside. We even aim to treat and reuse wastewater from the neighboring community in the future.”
Akampulira elaborated on the park’s sophisticated wastewater management protocols. He explained that all water generated from various production processes undergoes rigorous treatment before any release or reuse. One of the key facilities, located at Nile Textiles, a component of the park, boasts more than seven treatment tanks. Each tank has a capacity of at least 2 million liters, collectively capable of treating over 14 million liters of water.
“Within approximately three days, the water is fully treated within these high-technology, environmentally friendly tanks and then re-used back in the factory for production and other purposes,” Akampulira said. He stressed that “most of the water is either treated before discharge or, more often, recycled for internal use,” significantly reducing the park’s environmental footprint. Beyond water, Akampulira added that the park implements comprehensive solid waste management, including segregation and disposal by licensed handlers, and repurposes textile factory off-cuts into new products like pillows. Industrial chemical waste is managed through dedicated sumps. He also highlighted the importance of daily awareness and training campaigns for both workers and management to reinforce environmental best practices.
James Kutosi, Mbale City Senior Public Relations Officer, praised the industrial park’s environmental evolution. “Initially, there were a number of issues between the park and the community, particularly regarding environmental concerns,” Kutosi said. “However, over time, especially following the floods that occurred, there have been substantial developments within the industrial park. Environmental concerns have been addressed so thoroughly that we now view the park not as a problem, but rather as a solution for our communities.” Kutosi emphasized the park’s alignment with global sustainability goals, including SDGs 12 and 13.
Jacob Wataka, a Local Council One Chairperson for Nsambya Cell in the Industrial City Division of Mbale City, affirmed the positive changes. “We haven’t experienced any significant environmental issues, particularly within the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park,” Wataka noted. He credited the park’s management for “proactive measures to prevent environmental degradation, such as digging proper water channels and establishing a green belt.” Wataka also reported a lack of air pollution, attributing it to the factories’ “high-level technology machines that minimize emissions.”
Abdallah Hasango, the Labour Officer for the Industrial City Division of Mbale City, corroborated the improvements from an occupational safety and health perspective. “Based on our ongoing inspections and movements — including recent visits with the environmental officer — we have observed significant improvements,” Hasango stated. He noted that the entire water cycle within the park, from source to treatment and reuse, is now visible and effective, ensuring no negative impact on the community. “Initially, when operations began, there were environmental challenges. However, the situation has dramatically improved,” Hasango confirmed, adding that community complaints have significantly decreased.
The Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park produces a variety of goods including steel, glass, textiles, household detergents, mobile phones, smart televisions, baby diapers, clothes, LED bulbs, tubes, electric meters and stockings. It employs over 15,000 Ugandans.
This year’s national World Environment Day celebrations are set to take place in Kabale District on June 5. The annual commemoration, organized by the United Nations, focuses on raising global awareness and encouraging action for the environment. The 2025 national theme, “United Against Plastic Pollution,” underscores the urgent need to address plastic waste.
Tony Achidria, Senior Environment Awareness Officer at the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), highlighted the adverse impacts of plastic pollution on human health, the environment, and Uganda’s blue economy, particularly in agricultural and aquatic sectors. Achidria also pointed out unsustainable plastic disposal methods in Uganda, including open burning, indiscriminate dumping, and burial. He noted open burning contributes to air pollution, which is responsible for over 1.2 million deaths annually in Africa.
NEMA research indicates that globally, 8.3 billion tons of plastic have been produced to date, generating 6.3 billion tons of plastic waste. Only 9% is recycled, with 12% incinerated and 79% accumulating in landfills. In Uganda, approximately 600 metric tons of plastic waste are generated daily, with Kampala alone accounting for 180 metric tons. However, the Kampala Capital City Authority collects only about 30% of this waste.
World Environment Day, established by the United Nations Conference in Stockholm in 1972, is the UN’s principal tool for promoting environmental awareness and action. It is observed annually on June 5 in over 150 countries. This year, the Republic of Korea will host the international celebrations in Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, focusing on ending plastic pollution.
