The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has called on manufacturers, local governments, waste handlers, and communities to strengthen efforts to reduce plastic pollution across Uganda.

The call was made by Naome N. Kare-kaho, NEMA’s Head of Corporate Communications, during the launch of a new initiative by NEMA in partnership with the United Nations at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala.

The initiative seeks to strengthen Uganda’s response to plastic pollution while promoting investment in circular economy products and solutions.

According to Kare-kaho, the project will address plastic pollution through impact monitoring and the implementation of requirements and standards aimed at encouraging investment in circular economy products in Uganda.

She said the initiative will also draw lessons from practical approaches to reducing single-use plastics, including reuse and refill systems, alongside investment in improved waste management.

The initiative will prioritise addressing plastic waste management challenges in Kampala, Mukono, and Wakiso, while also monitoring plastic pollution in rivers and lakes.

It will further assess the impact of poorly managed plastic waste on human health, with the findings expected to inform interventions to tackle the growing plastic pollution problem.

By Charles Katabalwa