World Environment Day 2025; Uganda to join the rest of the world to End Plastic Pollution

By Tony Achidria

When the United Nations declared June 5 as World Environment Day (WED) back in 1972, it marked a defining moment for global environmental consciousness. Every year since, this day has encouraged countries worldwide to pause, reflect, and take action to protect our shared home. Managed globally by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and locally in Uganda by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), WED has grown into a vibrant platform for inspiring change. It’s more than just an event to mark on our calendars; it is a day when humanity reflects on how best we can work together for our planet.

This year, WED will shed a spotlight on a critical issue; plastic pollution. The 2025 global WED celebrations will be hosted by the Republic of Korea, in the province of Jeju. Jeju better known for its innovative environmental policies, such as the introduction of a disposable cup deposit system and a bold vision to be plastic-free by 2040, will deservedly host the Global celebrations. 

Why the fight against plastic pollution? Globally, we’re producing a staggering 430 million tons of plastic every year, much of which ends up polluting our oceans and even entering our food chains. Research from NEMA paints an even grimmer picture: only 9% of the 8.3 billion tons of plastic waste produced so far has been recycled. If this trend continues, over 12 billion tons of plastic waste could clog our planet by 2050. Africa alone generated 19 million tons of plastic waste in 2015, with most of it mismanaged. These numbers are a wake-up call. The world, the continent, the county and all of us, in our capacities, must act—and fast.

Uganda’s national theme for WED 2025 is “United Against Plastic Pollution.” The theme couldn’t be more fitting, why? The country generates about 600 metric tons of plastic waste every day, with Kampala alone contributing 180 tons. Unfortunately, only 30% of this waste is collected, leaving heaps of plastic to clog drainage channels, pollute the environment, and harm human health.

Plastics have their uses, but their rampant misuse and poor disposal methods, like open burning and indiscriminate dumping, are wreaking havoc. Open burning, widely practiced, contributes to air pollution, which claims over 1.2 million lives annually across Africa. Worse still, microplastics are sneaking into our food chains, creating long-term health risks.

To tackle this, Uganda needs a mix of strict regulations, sustainable alternatives, and improved recycling. It’s also clear that everyone—from policymakers and manufacturers to recyclers and everyday citizens—must join forces to tackle this pressing issue.

This year, Uganda’s WED celebrations will take place in the Kigezi sub-region, famously nicknamed the “Switzerland of Africa.” With its rolling hills, cool climate, and attractions like Lake Bunyonyi and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kigezi is a jewel of Uganda. However, even this pristine region is grappling with environmental challenges such as deforestation, wetland degradation, and poor waste management.

After a competitive selection process, Kabale District was chosen to host the national celebrations. This is an opportunity to shine a light on the region’s challenges and solutions while celebrating its natural beauty.

The road to June 5, 2025 will have impactful activities designed to create awareness and build momentum. The official launch will see government officials and environmental leaders kick off the celebrations with a powerful call to action. Tree planting initiatives will aim to restore Kigezi’s bare hills and improve climate resilience. Community clean-ups will mobilize locals to tackle waste in urban centers, while educational campaigns will engage schools through debates, quizzes, and environment-themed lessons. Media engagements related to the national theme, including radio and TV shows, webinars, and social media campaigns, will amplify the message far and wide to inspire all stakeholders to unite against plastic pollution.

On June 5, 2025 Kabale will host a series of vibrant and meaningful activities. Exhibitions will showcase innovations in plastic management, with a focus on recycling and sustainable alternatives. Thought leaders and development partners will share insights and inspiration through keynote speeches. Schools and organizations making significant contributions to environmental protection will be recognized with awards. The celebrations will culminate in a powerful call to action, urging every Ugandan to take personal responsibility in the fight against plastic pollution. Whether it’s reducing single-use plastics, supporting recycling efforts, or advocating for policy changes, everyone has a role to play.

WED 2025 is an opportunity for Uganda to lead by example and NEMA calls upon all stakeholders in the plastics value chain to come together to combat the vice of plastic pollution. By addressing plastic pollution and inspiring collective action, the country can contribute meaningfully to global environmental goals. And with Kigezi as the host region, this year’s celebrations promise to be both impactful and unforgettable.

As the world comes together for WED 2025, let’s remember: change starts with us. By uniting against plastic pollution, we can create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future—for Uganda and the planet.

Tony Achidria is a Senior Environment Awareness Officer at the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)