Uganda's Sixth Attempt: Total Ban on Single-Use Plastics Proposed Amidst Flooding Crisis

Kampala is once again facing the disruptive force of flooding, and authorities are pointing to choked drainage systems as a major culprit, largely due to rampant plastic pollution. The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has announced a significant legislative push: a draft Bill proposing a total ban on single-use plastic products, commonly known as ‘kaveera’. This initiative is the government’s latest effort to combat the environmental crisis that exacerbates urban flooding, particularly in the capital city.

NEMA’s Executive Director, Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, stated that the proposed Bill is set to be presented to Parliament soon, signaling an end to problematic single-use plastics. The authority is actively promoting eco-friendly alternatives, including fabric bags, craft packaging, and biodegradable products, to facilitate a smooth transition for both businesses and consumers. Dr. Akankwasah is also urging corporations, hotels, and beverage companies to shift away from plastic bottles towards more sustainable options like glass.

The ban will not affect the entire plastic industry, but specifically targets items that are difficult to manage. To support this shift, the government is introducing fiscal incentives, such as excise duty on virgin plastic granules, to make sustainable alternatives more competitive. This approach aims to ensure that while plastics remain a part of modern life, their usage is confined to environmentally safer forms.

Statistics from NEMA reveal a grim reality: Uganda generates over 600 metric tons of plastic waste daily, with less than 40 percent being properly managed. The remaining waste accumulates in drainage systems, wetlands, and water bodies, contributing to the persistent flooding issues. Previous attempts to ban plastics, dating back to 2007, have failed due to weak enforcement and loopholes, such as focusing on specific thickness levels (e.g., below 30 microns) which proved difficult to police. NEMA’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. William Lubuulwa, confirmed that the new Bill’s broader scope – a total ban on single-use plastics – is designed for clearer and more effective enforcement.

Following extensive stakeholder consultations and technical reviews, NEMA is confident that this proposed legislation is robust and practical enough to make a lasting impact on Uganda’s waste crisis, potentially improving climate resilience and protecting the nation’s ecosystems.

Source: Daily Monitor