Ugandan Lawmakers Urged to Act on Plastic Crisis as Activists Demand Stronger Regulations

The petitioners urged lawmakers to introduce strict regulations and raise public awareness about the environmental and health risks posed by plastic waste.

On Wednesday, 12 February 2025, anti-plastic activists from Plawaste petitioned the Committee on Health, calling for urgent measures to tackle Uganda's growing plastic pollution crisis. The petitioners urged lawmakers to introduce strict regulations and raise public awareness about the environmental and health risks posed by plastic waste.

Leading the petitioners, Plawaste Managing Director and waste management consultant Kenneth Tumusiime emphasized the importance of awareness campaigns to stop harmful practices like plastic burning in residential areas. He warned that plastic combustion releases toxic chemicals that endanger public health. Tumusiime also called on the government to subsidize recycling programs and implement the National Strategy for the Management of Plastic Pollution (2023-2028).

Committee Chairperson, Hon. Joseph Ruyonga, praised the activists and advocated for research into alternative packaging options, such as glass bottles. He also suggested that water bottling companies should add warning labels highlighting the health risks of prolonged plastic exposure to sunlight.

Hon. Samuel Acuti Opio (Indep., Kole North) proposed introducing bylaws to penalize littering and emphasized the importance of public education on proper waste disposal.

Hon. Victor Nekesa (UPDF) raised concerns about plastic contamination in agricultural soils, which has caused Ugandan exports to be rejected by European markets due to microplastic contamination. She urged Plawaste to conduct research on the impact of plastics on soil health to help Uganda meet international standards.

The committee pledged to review the proposals and explore policy interventions to curb plastic pollution in Uganda.