The fact that plastics take a long period to decompose creates persistent environmental challenges.

Faith Aweko, an environmentalist, says plastics take between 20 to 500 years to decompose.

"The unselective disposal of plastics leads to congested drainage systems, hence worsening the risk of flooding during rainy seasons. Three-quarters of unrecycled plastics get into the environment, polluting water bodies and causing damage to the ecosystem," she said.

Some of the bags made from recycled plastics by Reform Africa.

​She said the effects of poor plastic waste disposal can be reduced by developing sustainable alternatives such as using re-usable bags, biodegradable packaging, re-usable water bottles, stainless steel straws, reducing plastic usage, recycling plastic waste, and implementing laws and regulations on plastic disposal.

Aweko appealed to organisations to join the campaign of recycling plastics so as to fight plastic pollution.

She was presenting a paper on plastic pollution and recycling at Namirembe Synod Hall in Kampala during a Namirembe Youth Leaders seminar on climate change on August 27, 2023. 

Tefeero Lule, the Namirembe Diocesan youth co-ordinator called upon the Government to stop the industries that manufacture toxic chemical additives and pollutants used in plastics. 

He said such chemicals cause cancer or changing hormone activity which can lead to reproductive, growth and cognitive impairment.

Officiating at the function, the Rev Canon Jonathan Kisawuzi, the Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe, said the youth are the leaders of tomorrow so they need to be knowledgeable in conserving the environment.