Uganda, through the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), will commemorate the World Environment Day (WED) 2025 on Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 at Kigezi High Primary School grounds in Kabale District.
President Yoweri Museveni is expected to grace the celebrations as Chief Guest.
National commemorations for WED, which usually happen on June 5th, were postponed to allow for other equally important national commitments.
WED 2025 will run under the national theme: “United Against Plastic Pollution.”
Happening is the general clean up of kabale Municipality ahead of National celebrations.
Flagged off by Mr Francis Ogwal senior manager Environment planning and Coordination at National Environment Management Authority.
- Advertisement -
World Environment Day, established in 1972 by the United Nations General Assembly, is the UN’s principal platform for encouraging global awareness and action to protect the environment. It is led globally by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and in Uganda, NEMA is the lead agency mandated to coordinate its national celebrations.
This year’s global theme, “End Plastic Pollution,” is a resounding call to humanity to urgently tackle the escalating plastic waste crisis. The Republic of Korea hosted the global WED celebrations in Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, which is pioneering a plastic-free future.
In Uganda, the issue of plastic pollution is particularly concerning. The country generates about 600 metric tonnes of plastic waste daily, with Kampala City alone accounting for approximately 180 tonnes. Only about 30% is collected. The uncollected waste pollutes drainage channels, lakes, and rivers, creating health hazards, blocking waterways, and degrading ecosystems.
Research by NEMA indicates that globally, only 9% of plastic waste has been recycled, while 79% ends up in landfills or the natural environment. With plastic pollution threatening Uganda’s natural resources, public health, agriculture, and blue economy, WED 2025 will amplify calls for a nationwide shift towards sustainable plastic management.
The objectives of this year’s commemoration include: Raising public awareness on the dangers of plastic pollution; inspiring multi-stakeholder action across sectors; and, promoting partnerships between government, private sector, civil society, and communities.
To this end, NEMA, with support from partners, has already rolled out a series of activities as a build-up to the celebrations. These include:
Tree planting and clean-up drives across the Kigezi sub-region;
National and regional dialogues on plastics policy;
Music, dance and drama, and debates in primary and secondary schools;
Social media campaigns, radio and TV talk shows;
Production of documentaries and IEC materials.
The celebrations are expected to engage more than five million Ugandans through physical attendance, media coverage, and digital platforms. A comprehensive communication and media plan is in place, including live broadcasts, press supplements, influencer engagement, and a national magazine.
NEMA calls upon all Ugandans: policy makers, manufacturers, local governments, communities, and youth to rise as one and take action against plastic pollution. Together, we can protect our environment, preserve our biodiversity, and secure a sustainable future.
According to Naome Karenkaho the Head of corporate communications unit at NEMA, the official ceremony will feature a grand procession, speeches from dignitaries, and exhibitions with a focus on plastic alternatives, recycling, and innovations. Education institutions will present skits, songs, and poetry on environmental themes. Outstanding schools will be awarded for their role in environmental conservation.
