Minister denies NEMA is to pay sh40b to kaveera makers

The minister of state for water and environment Flavia Munaba on Tuesday dismissed claims that the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) was ordered to pay sh40b, as is currently being announced in a certain radio station.

"This is not true and court is yet to hear and determine the case," Munaba said.

She was issuing a statement to journalists at the Uganda Media Centre to clarify the matters on plastic bags and the case between Uganda Plastic Manufacturers and NEMA.

On 27 January this year, Uganda Plastic Manufacturers and Recyclers Association Ltd (UPMRA) filed a suit against the enforcement activities by NEMA in relation to the banned plastics commonly known as Kaveera.

Two days later, the manufacturers obtained an expert Interim Injunction against the environment body, restraining it from arbitrarily closing the manufacturers' factories until an application for the interim injunction which was scheduled for 9 February was heard.

However last month, the application for temporary injunction was heard before lady justice Oumo Oguli, dismissing the application and awarding costs to NEMA the respondent.

In her ruling, Oguli stated that economic gain should not override the right to a clean and healthy environment. This affirms that the law remains in force and NEMA as mandated will continue with the enforcement on the ban on the manufacture, distribution, sale, and use of Kaveera as stipulated in the Finance Act, 2009 and the Finance (Permitted Plastic Bags and other plastics for exceptional use), Regulations 2010.

"NEMA encourages the public to continue embracing alternatives and calls upon the wholesalers, retailers and manufacturers to abide by the law and stop manufacturing, selling, distribution and use of the banned products. If in doubt, consult to avoid inconveniences," Munaba said.

The minister commended supermarkets and other outlets that have sought for alternatives other than the use of plastic bags, saying it is a milestone in addressing the problem of Kaveera in the country.

"Our approach of public awareness and education has led the public to appreciating the need for the ban of plastic carrier bags as they are a danger to public health, the environment, animal husbandry, blockading drainage systems which have an impact on our economy," Munaba added.

Meanwhile the minister's remarks did not go well for Moses Ategeka, the UPMRA spokesperson who attended the media briefing.

During the Question and Answer session, Ategeka attempted to protest the minister's remarks but was quickly hushed by one of the Media Centre staff who was coordinating the briefing.

He was later on sent away by police which prompted him to address the press outside the media centre offices.

"The minister is confusing us. We are not happy. We want Government to get an independent body that will ascertain facts in these industries. If they are going to ban the Kaveera, our industries must be compensated," Ategeka said, adding that many orphans, widows, youth earn a living from these factories.