Kabale District to Host National World Environment Day Celebrations

By Alex Byakatonda,

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER-KABALE.

Kabale District has been selected to host this year’s national World Environment Day celebrations, set to take place on June 5th. The annual commemoration of World Environment Day, organized by the United Nations, focuses on raising global awareness and encouraging action for the environment. The 2025 national theme is “United Against Plastic Pollution”, which underscores the urgent need to address the growing problem of plastic waste. The theme calls on all sectors—policymakers, manufacturers, and local communities—to unite and take collective action against plastic pollution.

Robert Mugabe, the Kabale Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, shared that Kigezi region was chosen to host the national event. Districts within the region were invited to express their interest, and Kabale was selected as the host for this important occasion.

During an inception meeting held earlier today, chaired by Kabale District LCV Chairperson Nelson Nshangabasheija, Wilbert Ikalai, the Manager of Environment Education and Advocacy at the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), highlighted the significance of the event. Ikalai emphasized that World Environment Day serves not only to raise awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution but also to inspire various stakeholders to take action. Additionally, it aims to foster partnerships and collaboration in addressing environmental challenges related to plastic.

Nshangabasheija welcomed the opportunity for Kabale to host the celebrations, noting that the timing is particularly significant. He pointed out that the event would help disseminate critical information to the public about the Presidential directive on the restoration of wetlands, which remains a key environmental priority.

Henry Tumwesigye, the Kabale District Natural Resources Officer, echoed these sentiments, stressing that many residents of Kabale rely heavily on wetlands for their livelihoods. He referred to the challenge of balancing the preservation of these ecosystems with the practical needs of the community as a “thorn in the thigh.” Tumwesigye expressed optimism that the World Environment Day celebrations would provide an opportunity to educate the public on the sustainable use of land and the importance of environmental conservation.

Kabale’s Resident District Commissioner, Godfrey Nyakahuma, voiced his concerns about the lack of implementation of the National Environment Management Act of 2019. This act includes provisions for the ban on the manufacture, importation, sale, and use of certain types of plastic carrier bags. Nyakahuma called for stronger enforcement to address this issue.

Addressing Plastic Pollution: A Growing Concern

Research conducted by NEMA reveals that a staggering 8.3 billion tons of plastic have been produced globally to date, generating 6.3 billion tons of plastic waste. Alarmingly, only 9% of this waste is recycled, with 12% incinerated and 79% accumulating in landfills. If current trends continue, it is estimated that over 12 billion tons of plastic waste will remain in the environment or landfills by 2050. In Uganda alone, approximately 600 metric tons of plastic waste are generated daily, with Kampala city alone accounting for 180 metric tons of this waste. However, the Kampala Capital City Authority collects only about 30% of this waste, contributing to severe environmental pollution. Other urban and semi-urban areas across the country face similar challenges.

Tony Achidria, Senior Environment Awareness Officer at NEMA, highlighted the adverse impacts of plastic pollution on human health, the environment, and Uganda’s blue economy, particularly in agricultural and aquatic sectors such as fishing. Achidria also pointed out the unsustainable plastic disposal methods in Uganda, including open burning, indiscriminate dumping, and burial. Open burning, in particular, contributes to air pollution, which is responsible for over 1.2 million deaths annually in Africa.

Globally, plastic production continues to rise, with over 430 million tons of plastic produced each year, two-thirds of which consist of short-lived products that quickly become waste, entering the oceans and ultimately the human food chain.

A Global Call to Action

World Environment Day, established by the United Nations Conference in Stockholm in 1972, is the UN’s principal tool for promoting environmental awareness and action. It is observed annually on June 5th in over 150 countries. Member states take this opportunity to reflect on their environmental protection efforts and reaffirm their commitment to sustainable management of natural resources.

This year, the Republic of Korea will host the international celebrations of World Environment Day 2025, focusing on ending plastic pollution. The event will take place in Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, which has been a leader in Korea’s efforts to combat plastic pollution. Jeju has introduced the country’s first disposable cup deposit system and has set an ambitious goal to become free of plastic pollution by 2040.

World Environment Day 2025 will serve as a crucial platform for raising awareness and galvanizing global efforts to combat the growing threat of plastic pollution.

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