Written by Kaziro Douglas and Nyakahuma Edward.
On 20th August 2024, Bio Vision Africa (BiVA), in collaboration with Caritas Uganda, the National Environment
Management Authority (NEMA), and the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), hosted a National Multi-
Stakeholders’ Information Exchange Workshop on the Inter-Governmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on the Global
Plastics treaty. This session aimed at informing stakeholders on the progress made so far on the negotiations for an
internationally binding plastics treaty to address plastic pollution, which is a pressing global issue. The meeting was
held at the Skyz Hotel Naguru in Kampala, and brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government
officials, members of parliament, civil society organizations, waste pickers, the media, representatives from the private
sector and cultural institutions.
The workshop focused on providing updates and insights into the ongoing Global Plastics Treaty negotiations, which
seeks to address the entire lifecycle of plastics—from production to disposal. Uganda, through NEMA and various civil
society organizations, has been actively involved in these negotiations, contributing to the global efforts to craft a legally
binding treaty to curb the rising plastic waste crisis. According to NEMA, Uganda generates over 135,804 tons of plastic
waste annually in the Kampala Metropolitan Area alone. Of this, the uncollected waste constitutes 42% of the total
wastes which means that a significant portion of the wastes remain uncollected. Several challenges persist regarding
recycling and proper disposal of plastic wastes.
During the workshop, it was noted that, the country was faced with the challenge of an increasing production and use
of single-use plastics, inadequate legislation which is poorly enforced and the lack of formal recognition for waste
pickers who play a critical role in the waste management sector. The discussions also highlighted the need for greater
public awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution and the importance of engaging all stakeholders throughout
the plastic lifecycle.
As a way forward, the workshop participants identified several key actions:
- Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement: A comprehensive mapping and continuous engagement of stakeholders across the entire plastic lifecycle is essential. This includes all phases from production, consumption and waste management.
- Public Awareness and Education: There is an urgent need for sustained public awareness campaigns to educate the general public about the dangers of plastic pollution. Special attention should be given to the risks associated with single-use plastics and the importance of proper waste disposal practices.
- Recognition of Waste Pickers: Waste pickers, who play an indispensable role in waste management, need to be formally recognized and their roles institutionalized. This would improve their working conditions and contribute to more efficient waste collection and recycling efforts.
- Stricter Enforcement of Regulations: There is a need for an effective enforcement of existing plastic regulations, including section 76 of the National Environment Act 2019, which bans the manufacture and use of single-use plastic bags with thickness of less than 30 microns.
- Promotion of Sustainable Alternatives: Building capacity and encouraging a mindset shift towards alternatives to plastic is crucial. This includes promoting research and the development of environmentally friendly innovations to reduce dependency on plastics.
- Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships: The workshop underscored the importance of embracing public-private partnerships in managing plastic waste. These partnerships can help develop infrastructure and promote sustainable waste management practices.
- Popularizing the Global Plastics Treaty: Finally, there is a need to popularize the Global Plastics Treaty through various media channels and demonstrate how it aligns with Uganda’s national laws and regulations. This will ensure that the public and relevant stakeholders are informed and engaged in the treaty process.
Implementing these actions, Uganda aims to bolster its efforts in combating plastic pollution and contribute significantly
to shaping the Global Plastics Treaty. This initiative is seen as a critical step in addressing the escalating challenges
of plastic waste, both within Uganda and globally.
ENDS.
