Story by Obed Kankiriho
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged Ugandans, manufacturers, and key stakeholders to embrace environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic packaging, as the country faces a growing plastic pollution crisis.
Speaking through the State Minister for Trade, Hon. David Bahati Kwesiga, during the World Environment Day celebrations held in Kabale District, President Museveni expressed deep concern over the increasing volume of plastic waste, highlighting its harmful impact on ecosystems, rivers, and wetlands.
This year’s global theme, “United Against Plastics,” underscored the urgency for collective action, particularly in reducing plastic bags and bottles.
The president revealed that Uganda produces around 7,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste annually, equivalent to approximately 3 billion plastic bags.
A single metric tonne of polythene, he noted, can yield up to 450,000 plastic shopping bags, placing immense pressure on the country’s environment.
Museveni called on communities and manufacturers to revive traditional, sustainable practices used before the rise of plastics and encouraged a shift from subsistence farming to more economically viable and eco-conscious agriculture.
Environmental experts echoed his sentiments. Achilles Byaruhanga emphasized the need for urgent measures to curb single-use plastics, warning of potentially irreversible environmental damage if action is not taken.
Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), stressed the importance of enforcing environmental laws more strictly.
Kabale District Woman MP, Hon. Catherine Atwakiire Ndamira, also appealed to citizens to take personal responsibility in protecting the environment.
The event featured the official launch of the National State of the Environment Report 2024 and the National Environment Research Agenda 2024/25–2028/29, which will guide research and policy over the next five years to ensure a greener, more sustainable Uganda.
