During the 2nd Edition of the Uganda Environment Forum, organized by Taasa Obutonde and implemented by Zero Waste Africa, Ben Mwine, Head of Corporate Affairs and Partnerships at Next Media, emphasized the urgent need for Ugandans to take personal responsibility for waste management under the campaign theme “My Waste, My Responsibility.”
Addressing participants at the Next Media Park and viewers following the event on NBS TV and AfroMobile, Mwine reaffirmed Next Media’s commitment to using its platforms to drive meaningful national conversations that inspire transformation. He noted that through initiatives such as the UG Economic Forum, NBS Housing Baraza, State of the Digital Economy, and State of Ugandan Sport, among others, the company continues to encourage dialogue that contributes to Uganda’s development agenda. The Uganda Environment Forum, he said, aligns with this mission of informing to transform the nation.
He highlighted that patriotism and optimism lie at the heart of Next Media’s culture, guided by four key principles—loving, celebrating, exploring, and inspiring Uganda. These values, he explained, extend beyond the organization to all Ugandans, urging them to take ownership of their country’s well-being.
Reflecting on Next Media’s environmental journey, Mwine traced the evolution from the Tuve Ku Kaveera campaign, which sought to reduce plastic pollution, to Taasa Obutonde, a broader movement advocating for environmental preservation through the 3Rs(Reuse, Reduce, and recycle). He also referenced the ongoing 15 Million Trees Campaign, which pushes for a National Tree Planting Day as a public holiday to encourage every Ugandan to plant a tree each year as part of a national culture of sustainability.
Focusing on waste management, Mwine underscored that the biggest challenge lies not in enforcement but in behavior change. He noted the irony of individuals in affluent settings still engaging in irresponsible waste disposal, a reflection of how deeply entrenched poor waste habits have become. The My Waste, My Responsibility campaign, he explained, aims to shift this mindset by promoting accountability at the individual level.
In closing, Mwine called for collective action where every Ugandan takes charge of their waste and contributes to creating a cleaner, safer environment. The Uganda Environment Forum, he added, continues to serve as a platform for stakeholders to collaborate in finding practical solutions that drive sustainability and environmental responsibility across the country.
