The stakes have never been higher, with Uganda grappling with a mounting plastic waste crisis that reflects a broader global catastrophe.
A Thousand-Year Problem
Some plastics can take up to a thousand years to decompose, and even then, they persist as microplastics, infiltrating every corner of the planet. These particles clog urban drainage systems, contaminate water bodies, and devastate ecosystems.
According to Inger Andersen, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Executive Director, the unchecked growth of plastic production is not only fueling pollution but also exacerbating climate change, emitting greenhouse gases that push the planet closer to disaster.
In Uganda, the impact of plastic waste is alarmingly visible. Kampala alone generates 600 metric tons of plastic waste daily, with over 60% left uncollected, and much of it ends up in and around Lake Victoria.
According to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). Much of this waste ends up in wetlands, drainage channels, and public spaces, triggering floods, harming wildlife, and contaminating ecosystems.
Barirega Akankwasah, NEMA’s Executive Director, underscores the urgency: "Plastic pollution is suffocating our wetlands, threatening biodiversity, and compromising public health. The lack of proper waste management systems is exacerbating the problem, and we must act before it’s too late," he remarked.
Globally, over 300 million tons of plastic are produced annually, with 8 million tons entering oceans. These plastics form floating garbage patches, such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which now spans over 1.6 million square kilometers.
Marine ecosystems are bearing the brunt, with plastic debris killing an estimated 100,000 marine mammals and over a million seabirds every year.
Children, like 11-year-old Myles Kariuki from Kenya, are raising their voices. His letter to UNEP highlights the human toll of plastic pollution: "Since this plastic pollution spreads, we will not have food. Fish are eating plastic. Our parents won’t have money to pay our school fees. Please help us."
Local Challenges and Global Solutions
In Uganda, rapid urbanization and a throwaway culture have intensified the plastic waste crisis. Single-use plastics, which account for two-thirds of the waste, are emblematic of a global issue requiring both local and international solutions.
Dr. John Bosco Isunju from Makerere University’s School of Public Health points to lax enforcement of environmental laws as a key issue: "The regulations exist, but without strict enforcement and public compliance, we cannot tackle this crisis. Communities must re-engage in environmental conservation efforts."
Despite the challenges, initiatives such as Plastics Recycling Industries (PRI) and Yo-Waste are making strides. These companies collect and recycle plastics, transforming waste into new products such as building materials. However, they face an uphill battle against the sheer volume of waste generated daily.
At the INC-5, Andersen called for bold action to finalize a treaty by the end of the year, emphasizing three critical areas: Banning Harmful Plastics and Chemicals by addressing single-use plastics and toxic additives that pollute ecosystems and harm human health, Sustainable Production and Consumption by adopting a lifecycle approach to plastics, inspired by Sustainable Development Goal 12 and Establishing a financial mechanism to support treaty implementation, particularly for low-income countries.
What Do The UNEP Proposed Principles Mean to Uganda?
In Uganda, these principles could translate into better waste management infrastructure, stricter enforcement of plastic bans, and increased public awareness campaigns.
Akankwasah emphasizes the need for a cultural shift:
"We cannot rely solely on enforcement. People must take responsibility for their waste. Recycling and self-compliance are critical steps toward sustainability," he warned.
As the INC-5 negotiations unfold, the world watches with hope and urgency. Andersen’s message resonates:
"Not a single person wants plastic litter in green spaces, on their streets, or in their bloodstreams. This is our chance to craft an instrument for the ages, one that delivers thousands of years free from plastic pollution."
The fight against plastic pollution is a shared responsibility that transcends borders. From Kampala’s clogged drainage systems to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the evidence is clear: urgent action is needed.
With collective will and decisive leadership, a future free from plastic pollution is possible—one where ecosystems thrive, health risks diminish, and communities flourish.