The Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) is proactively championing a culture of self-regulation and sustainability, arguing that the responsible use and disposal of materials like plastic is the key to a green industrial future.
Appearing on NBS TV’s "Spotlight UG" roundtable, UMA Executive Director Dr. Ezra Rubanda addressed the growing tension between industry and the environment. Host Mildred Tuhaise asked him to speak on the very critical issue of balancing the need for plastic packaging with environmental concerns and new ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) conversations.
Dr. Rubanda responded by stating that a sustainable industry is a core function of UMA. "Two years ago, we came up with the green industry agenda; the aspiration is that within ourselves, we create practices and a culture of looking at sustainable industry as one of our goals."
This proactive approach, he noted, has fundamentally changed the association's relationship with regulators. "NEMA, who used to be pushing us for compliance, is simply guiding us that this is the technology to use, these are the frameworks to use." Dr. Rubanda made his stance clear: "Plastic is not necessarily bad. It is when it is misused."
He detailed UMA's multi-pronged action plan, which includes:
1. Innovation: Developing new methods for recycling plastic.
2. Consumer Education: Launching campaigns to teach consumers responsible disposal. "We are now talking to our consumers and say, once you use plastic, this is how you dispose of plastic."
3. Producer Responsibility: Working with manufacturers to phase out non-recyclable materials.
4. Youth Engagement: Using the ‘industrial education pavilion’ at the annual trade fair to teach the next generation about sustainable practices.
Dr. Rubanda concluded with a confident prediction: "I want to assure you in the next five years, the generation will not be disposing plastics the way I and you may be doing it now."