Greenpeace Africa commends Uganda’s commitment to ending single-use plastic carriers bags

The Ugandan’s government has just announced that they are planning to ban single-use plastic carrier bags. The information was released on May 7th by the Executive Director of the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA). This decision marks a significant step towards addressing plastic pollution in Uganda as well as protecting the environment and the wellbeing of our communities. 

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 implementation of the ban across different stakeholders. Improved monitoring to assess compliance including in small scale and informal businesses will be critical in ensuring compliance.”

In Kampala, the country’s capital, 100 metric tons of plastic are produced per day. A situation which represents a risk for the population’s wellbeing and health. 

“Uganda’s announcement comes at a time when world leaders are gearing up for the second round of the Fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee meeting (INC 5.2) talks in Geneva. Greenpeace Africa urges Uganda to shun the petrochemical industry and support an ambitious treaty that prioritises cuts in plastics 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 who have taken the lead in instituting similar regulations. “ Micro plastics are everywhere in the environment. In the food we eat, in the water we drink, in 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.

May 12, 2025