Greenpeace Africa Commends Uganda’s Commitment to Ending Single-Use Plastic Carrier Bags

Nairobi, 8 May 2025 — The Ugandan government has been commended for its move to ban single-use plastic carrier bags.

The commendation from Greenpeace Africa follows an announcement by Akankwasah Barirega, the Executive Director of the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), during a press conference on May 7th at the Uganda Media Centre, announcing the World Environment Day (WED) 2025 celebrations.

This decision marks a significant step towards addressing plastic pollution in Uganda and protecting the environment and the well-being of communities.

This year’s global theme for WED is “Taking Action Towards Ending Plastic Pollution.” In Uganda, national celebrations will be held in Kabale District under the local theme “United Against Plastic Pollution.”

Hellen Kahaso Dena, Project Lead for the Pan-African Plastic Project at Greenpeace Africa, said:
“This is a step in the right direction for Uganda, but good intentions do not bring change—only concrete actions do. We urge NEMA to ensure effective enforcement of the ban and to incentivise businesses, manufacturers, and producers to provide affordable, accessible, circular, and sustainable alternatives to consumers. NEMA must also monitor the implementation of the ban across different stakeholders. Improved monitoring to assess compliance, including in small-scale and informal businesses, will be critical in ensuring success.”

According to Barirega, Uganda generates approximately 600 metric tons of plastic waste each day, with less than 40% properly collected. The remaining 60% ends up in the environment, especially in urban centres like Kampala, which alone produces 180 metric tons daily.

“These numbers are concerning. Inadequate waste management in urban areas like Kampala, Mbarara, Mbale, and Jinja continues to escalate the problem,” Barirega noted.

Uganda’s announcement comes as world leaders prepare for the second round of the Fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee meeting (INC 5.2) in Geneva.

“Greenpeace Africa urges Uganda to shun the petrochemical industry and support an ambitious treaty that prioritises cuts in plastic production and embraces solutions like refill and reuse for a future free from the devastating impacts of plastic pollution,” added Hellen.

Uganda now joins other East African countries, such as Kenya and Rwanda, that have taken the lead in instituting similar regulations.

To address the crisis, NEMA is proposing an amendment to the National Environment Act (CAP 181) to enforce a total ban on single-use plastics.

“The proposed legal reform is a crucial step towards eliminating the root of the problem. We need to move away from the use-and-throw culture and embrace sustainable alternatives,” said Barirega.

“Microplastics are everywhere—in the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. We urge other African governments to follow this example. Plastic is a poison and is doing a lot of damage to our cities,” concluded Hellen.