Kabale — The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) spearheaded a comprehensive cleanup exercise in Kabale town and Katuna Town Council as part of pre-World Environment Day activities.
The initiative, carried out in partnership with organizations including Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), Towerco of Africa (TOA), Total Energies, and Nature Uganda, targeted areas heavily polluted with plastic waste.
The cleanup began at the Kabale Municipal Council headquarters and focused on key sites such as Kabale town streets, Kabale Central Market, and the Kabale abattoir, aiming to rid these hotspots of plastic debris.
Francis Ogwal, NEMA’s Senior Manager of Environment Planning and Coordination, emphasized the importance of the initiative in fostering responsible plastic disposal and better waste management practices.
“I urge Ugandans to adopt sustainable habits and organize community clean-up initiatives to eliminate plastic pollution and create a cleaner environment,” Ogwal said.
He further stressed the need for public education on the harmful effects of plastic pollution and the critical role proper waste management plays in driving a mindset shift towards sustainability.
“There is a need for collective community action to remove plastic waste from our surroundings,” Ogwal added.
Towerco of Africa’s Chief Commercial Officer, Harold Luzinda, called on citizens to hold one another accountable for environmental cleanliness and encouraged the reduction of single-use plastics such as bags, straws, and bottles by choosing reusable alternatives.
Ahead of the main World Environment Day event scheduled for tomorrow, several activities have been organized to deepen environmental consciousness among youth in Kabale.
These include tree planting in schools, inter-school debating competitions for secondary students, and drama contests for primary pupils.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to attend the World Environment Day celebrations, where he will plant a memorial tree at the host school, symbolizing the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
His participation highlights the urgency of addressing plastic pollution nationwide.
World Environment Day, established by the United Nations in 1972, is observed annually to promote environmental awareness and collective action.
The 2025 theme, “United Against Plastic Pollution,” calls for coordinated efforts among governments, industries, and communities to combat plastic waste through innovation, policy reforms, and behavioral change.