Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has directed households across the country to stop using kaveera and other plastic materials in food preparation, warning that the practice could expose communities to harmful substances and contribute to deliberate food poisoning.
Nabbanja issued the directive on August 29, 2026, during the National Cleaning Exercise at Kyaliwajala UMEA Primary School in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District.
The directive followed a report by the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr Diana Atwine, after she conducted a house-to-house cleaning exercise in communities around Kyaliwajala.
Atwine expressed concern after finding that several residents had locked themselves inside their homes during the cleaning exercise instead of participating in the community activity.
She also reported finding some residents cooking food while it was covered with kaveera, warning that the practice could contaminate food and pose a serious health risk.
Atwine further reported that some residents were secretly burning plastic materials in open spaces, exposing the wider community to toxic substances.
She said the government had finalised a draft policy proposing tougher penalties for people who burn kaveera and other plastic materials in communities. Under the proposed measures, offenders could face up to three months in prison or be required to perform community service.
Following the report, Nabbanja directed district and local authorities across the country to enforce measures against the burning and misuse of plastic materials.
She warned that people found violating the directive would face prosecution, saying the measures are intended to protect communities from health risks associated with improper use and disposal of plastics.
Nabbanja Orders Railway Encroachers to Vacate
Later, Nabbanja met traders belonging to the Kireka Farmers Market Vendors Association operating along the railway line, following an eviction notice issued by the Uganda Railways Corporation (URC).
The traders were ordered to vacate the railway reserve by Monday, August 31, 2026, ahead of the planned demolition of structures considered illegal.
The railway reserve extends 10 metres on either side of the railway line, and authorities said all encroachers must leave the area.
The traders’ chairperson, Magumba Robert, told Nabbanja that President Museveni had previously pledged to compensate the affected traders before their relocation to a new market site, but said the pledge had not yet been fulfilled.
Following consultations with railway authorities, Nabbanja was informed that the traders must vacate the area because construction works for the new Standard Gauge Railway line are expected to commence soon.
Authorities also warned that continued occupation of the railway reserve poses a security risk to the planned project.
Nabbanja subsequently directed all traders and other people operating within the 10-metre railway reserve to voluntarily vacate the area before they are forcibly evicted.
Leaders Inspect Namboole Stadium
Earlier in the day, Nabbanja, accompanied by Vice President Jessica Alupo, Minister of Health Dr Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Dr Monica Musenero, Health Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine, Wakiso District Woman Member of Parliament Betty Ethel Naluyima and Wakiso District LC5 Chairperson Eng. Ian Kyeyune, among other leaders, visited Namboole National Stadium.
The delegation inspected ongoing works at the stadium and engaged with surrounding communities ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
