Uganda is stepping up efforts to track and curb plastic pollution in its waterways amid growing concerns over the impact of poorly managed plastic waste on the environment and human health.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has launched a new initiative targeting plastic pollution hotspots, with particular focus on Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono districts.
The project will monitor plastic pollution in rivers and lakes while assessing the health risks associated with poorly managed plastic waste.
NEMA Head of Corporate Communications Naomi Karekaho said the initiative is intended to help Uganda turn information about plastic pollution into concrete action.
“For NEMA, this initiative is an important step towards moving from data to action. Better information will help Uganda strengthen policy and regulation, improve waste management and create opportunities for investment in sustainable and circular products,” Karekaho said.
The initiative will strengthen the collection and use of data on plastic pollution while supporting improvements in regulations and standards governing plastic waste management.
It will also promote alternatives to the traditional use-and-dispose model through reuse, refill, recovery and recycling, while encouraging investment in circular products.
NEMA said particular emphasis will be placed on preventing plastic waste from reaching drainage channels, wetlands, rivers and lakes, where it can contribute to environmental degradation and expose communities to associated risks.
Karekaho called for collective action from manufacturers, businesses, local governments, waste handlers and communities to address the problem.
“Preventing plastics from entering drainage channels, wetlands, rivers and lakes is a shared responsibility,” she said.
The initiative will also draw lessons from approaches used to reduce single-use plastics and expand reuse and refill systems, alongside investment in improved waste management.
The project is being implemented with support from stakeholders, including the Embassy of Japan in Uganda, and is expected to strengthen Uganda’s ability to use evidence to guide environmental policy, enforcement and investment in sustainable waste management.
NEMA said the ultimate goal is not only to improve how plastic waste is managed but also to encourage the development of businesses and products that keep materials in use for longer and reduce the amount of plastic entering the environment.
