WasteAid Hosts Stakeholder Consultation for Uganda Circular Textiles Project

On Tuesday 21st January WasteAid, in collaboration with the Management Training and Advisory Centre (MTAC) and the Uganda Tailors Association (UTA), held a stakeholder consultation in Kampala. The event aimed to discuss and validate findings from research conducted into the second-hand clothing trade, centred around Owino Market, in Kampala, Uganda as part of the Uganda Circular Textiles Project.

The Uganda Circular Textiles Project, funded by UK International Development through the Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution (SMEP) Programme, focuses on the identification, management, and innovative diversion and reuse options for second-hand clothing and other textile waste in Owino Market, Kampala. This initiative aims to reduce environmental impact, support local industries, and promote a more sustainable economy in Uganda.

During the consultation, attendees received a full briefing on the project’s objectives and key findings from the Owino Market study. The research highlighted the significant role of Owino Market in Uganda’s second-hand clothing trade, contributing to both economic growth and environmental challenges due to textile waste.

Key findings from the study include:

• Around 800,000 kg of waste is generated during the unbaling and sorting of second-hand clothing – representing up to 1% items from each bale opened.
• More than half of second-hand clothes traders are still left with items that cannot be sold, even with inventory management strategies – and these are typically disposed of as waste.
• Informal textile waste collectors work with formal waste collectors to manage the market’s waste. They collect up to 880,000 kgs of clean textile waste, primarily offcuts, per annum.

Read a summary of the report

Also on display was a range of products crafted from upcycled textile waste. These innovative items, created by UTA members, showcased the potential for waste textiles to be transformed into valuable products, contributing to both environmental sustainability and economic opportunities.

The consultation attracted a diverse group of stakeholders reflecting the broad interest and support for advancing circular economy initiatives in Uganda. This included representatives from civil society organisations, the private sector, government bodies, and academia. Participants engaged in discussions, sharing their insights and experiences related to second-hand clothing management. Representatives from the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the Project Management Agent of the SMEP Programme were also in attendance.

Following the validation of the research findings, WasteAid is pleased to announce the publication of the full report, “A Study of Textile Waste at Owino Market, Kampala.” This comprehensive document offers in-depth analysis and actionable recommendations to foster sustainable practices within Uganda’s textile sector.

Read the full report, A Study of Textile Waste at Owino Market, Kampala

The Uganda Circular Textiles Project is jointly implemented by WasteAid, MTAC and UTA. The consortium has been awarded a grant by the UK Government through UK International Development to address critical challenges within the second-hand clothing supply chain in Uganda. The grant has been provided through the Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution (SMEP) Programme. The SMEP Programme is funded by the UK Government and is implemented in partnership with UNCTAD. The grant has been awarded until 31st March 2026.