By Shamim Saad
When Uganda’s oil and gas exploration activities began generating large volumes of hazardous waste more than a decade ago, there was no local company equipped to manage it. Waste from exploration sites was being stored in temporary consolidation areas, with limited options for treatment and disposal within the country.
What many saw as a challenge, EnviroServ (U) Limited saw as an opportunity.
Today, the company stands as one of Uganda’s most significant environmental infrastructure investments, providing specialized waste treatment and disposal services that support the country’s growing oil and gas industry while creating jobs, transferring skills, and investing in local communities.
Located in Nyamasoga Village, Kabaale Sub-County in Hoima District, EnviroServ’s journey demonstrates how strategic investment in a niche sector can generate both economic and environmental value.
Investing in an untapped sector
Established in 2013 as a joint venture between Green Albertine Uganda Limited and EnviroServ Waste Management of South Africa, the company was created to fill a critical gap in Uganda’s industrial and hazardous waste management sector.
According to Peter Odil, Facility Operation Manager at EnviroServ Uganda, the investment was driven by a clear market need during the early stages of oil exploration in the Albertine Graben.
“There was no company that could manage the waste generated from exploration activities. We saw this as an opportunity because we had the land, the expertise, and the technology. Waste management was a grey area in Uganda, and we believed it had enormous potential,” Odil explains.
That vision led to the development of the Nyamasoga Waste Treatment and Disposal Facility, one of the country’s first specialized facilities designed to safely handle hazardous and industrial waste.
Following environmental and social impact assessments in 2013, construction began in 2014, and operations officially commenced later that year.
Building a multi-million-dollar environmental infrastructure
Over the years, EnviroServ has invested heavily in developing world-class waste management infrastructure.
The initial investment established an engineered landfill, treatment facilities, laboratories, workshops, offices, and supporting operational infrastructure.
As Uganda’s oil and gas sector advanced, the company continued expanding its capacity through investments in additional landfill cells, thermal treatment technologies, stormwater management systems, and new waste treatment plants.
The arrival of the Tilenga Project further accelerated the company’s growth trajectory.
“We set up the business after securing our first contract. Growth was gradual during the early years, but the Tilenga Project significantly boosted our operations and revenue. It has enabled us to expand and plan for even greater diversification in the future,” says Odil.
Today, EnviroServ forms a critical part of the waste management value chain supporting Uganda’s petroleum sector.
Creating jobs and building Ugandan expertise
Beyond infrastructure, the investment has delivered substantial benefits through employment and skills development.
When operations began during the exploration phase, the company employed approximately 67 workers. As industry activity slowed, staffing levels reduced temporarily. However, the resurgence of drilling activities created new opportunities for growth.
Today, EnviroServ employs more than 124 Ugandans and only one expatriate, reflecting the company’s commitment to local content development.
Many of these employees come directly from communities within the Albertine region.
“One of the reasons we invested was to create opportunities for Ugandans. Today, we have over 124 Ugandans working with us, and that number continues to grow as our operations expand,” Odil says.
He adds that knowledge transfer has been central to the company’s strategy.
“When I joined, waste management was completely new to me. Through support from our sister companies and years of practical experience, I gained expertise in the field. Today, I am able to pass on that knowledge to other Ugandans who will continue building the industry in the future.”
Innovation driving sustainable growth
As waste streams from the oil and gas sector have evolved, EnviroServ has continuously invested in innovation and technology.
One notable development is the installation of a Thermal Desorption Unit, which enables the recovery of oil from drilling waste for reuse, reducing environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency.
The company has also significantly expanded its waste treatment capacity, increasing processing volumes from approximately 100 cubic metres per day to more than 450 cubic metres daily.
“Innovation is critical in this industry because waste streams continue to change. We constantly invest in research and technology to ensure we are prepared for future challenges and can provide the most effective solutions,” Odil explains.
Investing beyond business
EnviroServ’s impact extends far beyond its operational footprint.
Through corporate social responsibility initiatives, the company has supported education, road safety campaigns, cultural heritage activities, and community infrastructure projects.
One of its flagship initiatives is the Nyamasoga Water Project, a €75,000 investment aimed at improving access to clean and safe water for more than 2,000 residents in the community.
Implemented in partnership with Aquassistance Foundation and supported by SUEZ, the project addresses a long-standing challenge that had affected households for years.
The company has also supported schools through the donation of scholastic materials and contributed to road safety awareness campaigns across the region.
Navigating challenges while sustaining growth
Like many pioneering investments, EnviroServ’s journey has not been without challenges. Operating in a highly regulated and capital-intensive sector requires continuous engagement with evolving policies, regulatory frameworks, and compliance requirements.
According to James Juuko, Finance Manager at EnviroServ Uganda, the company remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance while working closely with relevant authorities to address emerging issues.
“As a responsible investor, we have always prioritized compliance and transparency in all our operations. While there have been areas requiring clarification and engagement with regulatory institutions, we remain confident that constructive dialogue will continue to strengthen the business environment and provide certainty for investors,” says Juuko.
He emphasizes that Uganda continues to offer significant opportunities for long-term investment, particularly in emerging sectors that support industrialization and sustainable development.
“We remain optimistic about Uganda’s future and are committed to growing our investment footprint in the country. The opportunities ahead are substantial, and we believe that through collaboration between the private sector and government, an even stronger environment for investment can be created,” he adds.
Despite the challenges that come with operating in a growing economy, EnviroServ continues to invest in new infrastructure, expand its operations, and contribute to Uganda’s industrial and environmental development, reflecting the company’s confidence in the country’s long-term growth prospects.
Looking ahead
Far from slowing down, EnviroServ is positioning itself for further expansion.
The company is currently developing a new hazardous waste disposal cell valued at approximately US$1.5 million and is exploring opportunities in waste-to-energy solutions, recycling initiatives, and municipal waste management.
With only a fraction of its available land currently developed, management sees significant potential for future growth.
“We have only utilized about five percent of our land. As new opportunities emerge, we plan to expand into recycling, waste-to-energy projects, and other environmental services that will create even more value from waste,” Odil says.
The company is also preparing to support waste management requirements during Uganda’s oil production phase, which is expected to span more than two decades.
A model for purpose-driven investment
EnviroServ Uganda’s story demonstrates how investing in an underserved sector can unlock both commercial success and national development benefits.
From creating jobs and building local expertise to protecting the environment and supporting strategic industries, the company has transformed what was once considered a neglected area into a thriving business opportunity.
As Uganda’s industrial and energy sectors continue to grow, EnviroServ’s journey serves as a powerful example of how visionary investment can turn complex challenges into sustainable opportunities for generations to come.
ENDS.
