Uganda marks World Environment Day with strong call to ban plastics

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As the world marked World Environment Day 2025 under the theme “United Against Plastics,” Uganda held its national celebrations at Kigezi High School's lower grounds in Kabale Municipality on Wednesday, June 25, spotlighting one of the country’s most urgent environmental challenges: plastic pollution.

Government officials, conservationists, students, civil society actors, and concerned citizens gathered to show solidarity and advocate for transformative policies, including the banning of single-use plastics and efforts to restore environmental integrity.

The event, organised by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in collaboration with Kabale District Local Government and environmental partners, was officiated by David Bahati, the State Minister for Trade, Industries and Cooperatives (Industries), who represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

Presidential call to action

Delivering the President’s message, Bahati highlighted the alarming scale of plastic waste generated in Uganda and its long-term effects on agriculture, ecosystems, and human health.

State Minister for Trade David Bahati with other guests inspecting one of the stalls during the World Environment Day celebrations in Kabale on Wednesday. (Photo by Job Namanya)

“Plastic pollution is undermining the quality of our environment, including the soil, thus affecting agricultural production and food security,” the message read.

President Museveni noted that Uganda produces approximately 7,000 metric tonnes of plastic annually, about three billion plastic carrier bags. Of the 600 metric tonnes of polythene waste generated daily, only 6% (36 metric tonnes) is recycled, while the remaining 94% (564 metric tonnes) ends up in the environment, contaminating water bodies, clogging drainage systems, and degrading arable land.

“Polythene takes a very long time to degrade. Plastic carrier bags take between 20 and 1,000 years to decompose. Plastic bottles last up to 450 years. Microplastics persist for centuries, threatening both biodiversity and human health,” the President warned.

Conservationists push for total ban

The event was more than a platform for speeches; it also served as a call to action. Achilles Byaruhanga, Executive Director of Nature Uganda, delivered a declaration from the National Public Dialogue on Plastic Pollution held at Kabale University on June 24, 2025.

“After deep reflection and robust engagement, we collectively and unequivocally declare and resolve that there be a total and immediate ban on single-use plastics to safeguard the health of our people, ecosystems, and future generations,” Byaruhanga announced to loud applause.

He noted that scientific evidence and lived experiences show that existing regulations are insufficient. Byaruhanga urged Parliament and the Executive to take urgent legislative action.

Dr Barirega Akankwasah, executive director of NEMA, echoed these concerns. He explained that although the agency has made progress in forest and wetland conservation, enforcement of environmental laws related to plastics remains weak due to limited regulation and political will.

“We have made strides in forest conservation, wetland protection, and environmental restoration, but our progress is being slowed by the plastic menace. These plastics are everywhere—from urban drains to remote farmlands,” he said.

National environmental reports launched

To guide policy, the Ministry of Water and Environment launched two important documents during the event: the National State of the Environment Report 2024 and the National Environment Research Agenda 2024/25 – 2028/29.

The reports outline the severity of plastic pollution and provide a roadmap for scientific research, community engagement, and government intervention over the next five years.

According to NEMA, these publications aim to unify efforts across government ministries, academic institutions, and civil society to reduce Uganda’s environmental footprint and build climate resilience.

Voices from the ground

Beyond the national statistics and policies, it is ordinary citizens, farmers, business owners, and students who feel the impact of plastic pollution most deeply.

Agnes Tindimwebwa, a vegetable farmer from Rwakaraba, said plastic waste is making farming increasingly difficult.

“Every time I dig, I find plastics in the soil. They prevent crops from growing well, and the soil cannot retain water properly. We did not know when we started using kaveera (polythene bags) that they would one day make our land infertile,” she shared.

Ruth Aine, a youth climate activist, expressed frustration at the government’s slow action.

“We have talked about banning plastics for over a decade. Why are we still using them? The youth are ready for alternatives, but we need bold leadership to enforce the change,” she said.

Students join the cause

Several schools in Kabale Municipality took part in exhibitions and performances highlighting the dangers of plastic pollution. Through poems, songs, and skits, students called for urgent behavioural change.

Brian Turyagyenda, a student at Uganda Christian University, Bishop Barham University College, said education should play a larger role in environmental protection.

“We must be taught how to conserve the environment and avoid plastics. Our school has started a recycling club, and we want this model replicated everywhere,” he said.

Activities such as a student-led drama competition, tree-planting drives, and a plastic collection exercise capped off the event, underscoring the growing momentum behind the call for a cleaner, greener Uganda.