As Uganda commemorates World Environment Day today, citizens have issued a renewed call for a complete ban on the production of single-use plastics, urging the government to take decisive action against factories and manufacturers involved in their production.
The demand was raised during a public dialogue held in Kabale on the eve of the national celebrations, which are being hosted at Kigezi High Primary School grounds under the theme “United Against Plastic Pollution.”
Participants at the event expressed frustration over the continued environmental degradation caused by plastic waste, particularly the proliferation of polythene bags and other non-biodegradable materials, despite previous regulations aimed at controlling their use.
“This is no longer just about sensitization. We want government to shut down factories that are producing single-use plastics. If not, we are just recycling speeches every year,” said one participant during the dialogue.
The event, organized by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), comes weeks after the global observance of World Environment Day on June 5th. Uganda delayed its national commemorations to accommodate other pressing state matters.
NEMA officials are expected to use today’s ceremony to reiterate their commitment to stricter enforcement of plastic regulations and to unveil community-driven initiatives to tackle pollution.
World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 and remains the UN’s primary platform for raising awareness and mobilizing global action for environmental protection. This year’s focus globally is also on eliminating plastic pollution, a threat that continues to plague ecosystems across the world.
Environmental advocates in Uganda say without a total ban and strict implementation, the country risks reversing the gains made in environmental conservation over the past decade.
