KABALE– President Yoweri Museveni has called on Ugandans—citizens, manufacturers, and stakeholders—to harness the country’s natural resources to develop alternative packaging materials as a solution to the growing plastic pollution crisis.
His message was delivered by State Minister for Trade, David Bahati, who represented him at the national World Environment Day (WED) celebrations held at Kigezi High School playground in Kabale. The event, originally set for June 5th, was postponed due to other pressing national engagements.
Speaking at the occasion, the President also reiterated the NRM government’s commitment to wealth and job creation, emphasizing environmental sustainability as a key pillar.
This year’s theme, “United Against Plastic Pollution,” reflects Uganda’s urgent need to address plastic waste. The country generates approximately 600 metric tonnes of plastic waste daily—180 tonnes of which come from Kampala alone. However, only 30% is collected, and a mere 9% is recycled. The majority—about 79%—ends up in landfills or the natural environment, according to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
World Environment Day, established in 1972 by the UN General Assembly, is the United Nations’ leading platform for environmental advocacy. Globally coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), its national implementation in Uganda is led by NEMA.
The objectives of this year’s commemoration include raising public awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution, mobilizing multi-sectoral action, and fostering partnerships among government, private sector, civil society, and communities.
