Transforming Waste Governance Through Law, Policy, and Community Power
We build legal and policy frameworks, champion environmental justice, and empower communities to lead Africa’s transition to inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient waste systems.
About us
Who We Are.
The African Initiative for Law and Policy on Waste Management (ALPWAM) is a registered non-profit organization based in Kampala, Uganda. We work across Africa to address one of the region’s most urgent but overlooked development challenges—unregulated and inequitable waste management.
Our mission is to transform how waste is governed through bold legal reform, progressive environmental policies, and empowered grassroots leadership. We champion a rights-based, climate-smart approach that places communities, especially women and youth, at the heart of sustainable waste solutions.
Our Mission
To advocate for and support the development of sound legal and policy frameworks that promote sustainable waste management, strengthen environmental protection, and uphold community rights across Africa.
Our Vision
An Africa where effective legal frameworks and inclusive policies guarantee responsible waste management, environmental health, and sustainable development for current and future generation
🔍 What We Do
We deliver impact through five integrated program pillars:
1. Legal and Policy Reform
- Legal gap analysis and model law development
- Policy briefs and regulatory advisory for national and municipal governments
- Advocacy for climate-aligned, enforceable waste governance frameworks
2. Environmental Justice & Human Rights
- Legal empowerment for communities affected by environmental degradation
- Strategic litigation in defense of wetlands, informal waste workers, and the urban poor
- Capacity building for legal professionals, activists, and traditional leaders
3. Plastic & E-Waste Regulation
- Research on toxic waste flows and informal recycling networks
- Campaigns for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and e-waste policy enforcement
- Youth-led digital reporting tools for urban waste hotspots
4. Urban Sanitation & Solid Waste Services
- Support to local governments for inclusive sanitation planning
Advocacy for dignity-centered, gender-sensitive urban waste solutions - Partnerships with utilities to scale circular sanitation models
5. Circular Economy & Climate Resilience
- Policy development for waste-to-value systems
- Piloting of circular economy enterprises with youth and women
- Integration of waste governance in climate change adaptation plans
📊 Our Impact (2024–2025)
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1 legal toolkit and 2 model laws published and adopted by local authorities
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stakeholders trained in environmental law, waste regulation, and governance
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community forums held across Uganda on environmental rights and waste justice
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youth and women-led social enterprises incubated in circular waste economy
🤝 Our Partners
We collaborate with a broad network of institutions across governance, civil society, academia, and philanthropy:
National & Local Partners
