The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has today launched discussions on a new initiative aimed at strengthening Uganda’s response to plastic pollution and promoting investment in circular products. The project, “Addressing Plastic Pollution through Impact Monitoring and Implementing Requirements _ and Standards t Catalyse Investment in Circular Products in Uganda, has kicked off at a stakeholder meeting at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
The kick-off meeting brings together NEMA, UNEP, the Embassy of Japan in Uganda and other stakeholders committed to advancing practical solutions to plastic pollution. The initiative aims to strengthen the collection and use of data on plastic pollution, support improvements in the regulatory framework and promote practical solutions that reduce plastic waste. while encouraging reuse, refill, recovery and recycling.
Particular attention will be given to plastic waste management challenges in Kampala, Mukono and Wakiso, monitoring plastic pollution in rivers and lakes, and assessing the impacts of mismanaged plastic waste on human health.
The project will also draw lessons from practical approaches to reducing single-use plastics, reuse and refill systems, and investment in improved waste management. For NEMA, the initiative is an important step towards moving from data to action. Better information will help Uganda strengthen policy and regulation, improve waste management and create opportunities for investment in sustainable and circular products.
NEMA calls upon manufacturers, businesses, local governments, waste handlers, communities and the public to support efforts to reduce plastic pollution. Preventing plastics from entering drainage channels, wetlands, rivers and lakes is a shared responsibility.
