• Latest
NEMA Pushes for Total Ban on Single-Use Carrier Bags

NEMA Pushes for Total Ban on Single-Use Carrier Bags

May 6, 2025

All the reasons Mitooma voters are calling for Kyarampe to win the Woman MP seat

October 22, 2025

Namirembe Blessious: A New Voice Rising for Western Uganda’s Youth

October 21, 2025
VINAStech Advert
Presidential Advisor rallies local artistes, radio presenters to canvas votes for Museveni

Presidential Advisor rallies local artistes, radio presenters to canvas votes for Museveni

October 20, 2025

Suzan’s Story: A Painful Reminder That HIV Is Still With Us

October 19, 2025
Japan’s Ex-Premiere Dies at 101

Japan’s Ex-Premiere Dies at 101

October 17, 2025
Bridging the Protection Gap in Uganda’s Green and Agricultural Economy

A summit of contradictions: Talking green while financing fossil fuels

October 17, 2025

Empower uganda’s women and youth in the renewable energy transition

October 17, 2025
UNATU Suspends 32-Day Strike to Allow Parliament Probe

UNATU Suspends 32-Day Strike to Allow Parliament Probe

October 17, 2025
Education Must Be Free in Gov’t Schools, SPA/PA Moses Byaruhanga

Why Museveni should be elected President in 2026 polls

October 17, 2025
Because even in the house of God, not everyone who says “Hallelujah” means well

Because even in the house of God, not everyone who says “Hallelujah” means well

October 17, 2025
Men Sucking Women’s Breasts Doesn’t Prevent Cancer, Oncologists

Men Sucking Women’s Breasts Doesn’t Prevent Cancer, Oncologists

October 17, 2025

Ready to eat or ready to waste? Uganda’s food habits in focus

October 16, 2025
  • About Us
  • Internship
  • Contact Us
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Parrots Media
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • News

    Suzan’s Story: A Painful Reminder That HIV Is Still With Us

    Men Sucking Women’s Breasts Doesn’t Prevent Cancer, Oncologists

    Men Sucking Women’s Breasts Doesn’t Prevent Cancer, Oncologists

    Minister Namboozo Calls for Ban on Handshakes Over Health Concerns

    I’m Being Targeted for Politics, Among’s Bukedea Rival Speaks Out 

    I’m Being Targeted for Politics, Among’s Bukedea Rival Speaks Out 

    Rubirizi Dad Held Over Defiling 14-Year-Old Daughter

    Police Nab 60 Suspects in Bushenyi Robbery Crackdown

    Dokolo South MP Okot Touts NRM Achievements, Calls for Sustained Support

    Dokolo South MP Okot Touts NRM Achievements, Calls for Sustained Support

    Trending Tags

  • Climate Change
  • Business
  • Science and Technology
  • Sports and Entertainment
  • Business
  • Others
    • Education
    • Lifestyle
    • Religion
    • Opinions
  • News

    Suzan’s Story: A Painful Reminder That HIV Is Still With Us

    Men Sucking Women’s Breasts Doesn’t Prevent Cancer, Oncologists

    Men Sucking Women’s Breasts Doesn’t Prevent Cancer, Oncologists

    Minister Namboozo Calls for Ban on Handshakes Over Health Concerns

    I’m Being Targeted for Politics, Among’s Bukedea Rival Speaks Out 

    I’m Being Targeted for Politics, Among’s Bukedea Rival Speaks Out 

    Rubirizi Dad Held Over Defiling 14-Year-Old Daughter

    Police Nab 60 Suspects in Bushenyi Robbery Crackdown

    Dokolo South MP Okot Touts NRM Achievements, Calls for Sustained Support

    Dokolo South MP Okot Touts NRM Achievements, Calls for Sustained Support

    Trending Tags

  • Climate Change
  • Business
  • Science and Technology
  • Sports and Entertainment
  • Business
  • Others
    • Education
    • Lifestyle
    • Religion
    • Opinions
No Result
View All Result
Parrots Media
No Result
View All Result
Home CLIMATE ACTION REPORTS

NEMA Pushes for Total Ban on Single-Use Carrier Bags

Plastic Menace: NEMA Pushes for Total Ban on Single-Use Carrier Bags

Leonard Kamugisha Akida by Leonard Kamugisha Akida
May 6, 2025
in CLIMATE ACTION REPORTS, Climate Change, News
0
NEMA Pushes for Total Ban on Single-Use Carrier Bags

Dr. Akankwatsa Barirega, ED NEMA

720
SHARES
1.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on X

By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA

Mounds of plastic waste clogging city drainage channels and littering streets have become a daily sight across Kampala—an environmental crisis that the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) says can no longer be ignored.

READ ALSO

Suzan’s Story: A Painful Reminder That HIV Is Still With Us

Empower uganda’s women and youth in the renewable energy transition

In response to the growing plastic pollution threat, NEMA is proposing a new amendment to the National Environment Act to enforce a total ban on single-use plastic carrier bags less than 30 microns in thickness.

Plastic Waste Products

Speaking at a press conference held Tuesday at the Uganda Media Centre, NEMA Executive Director Dr. Akankwatsa Barirega said the amendment is intended to tackle the country’s escalating waste management crisis.

“We are coming up with an amendment of the NEMA Act, Cap 181, to totally ban single-use plastics. We hope that the media, as our partners in creating awareness, will rally Ugandans to support this cause,” Barirega said.

Uganda generates an estimated 600 metric tonnes of plastic waste daily. Of this, only 40 percent is collected, while the rest remains in the environment—clogging drainage systems, polluting water bodies, and threatening wildlife and human health. Kampala alone contributes approximately 180 metric tonnes per day, making it the country’s top plastic polluter.

Globally, over 430 million tonnes of plastics are produced annually, with two-thirds used for short-lived products that quickly become waste. About 23 million tonnes of plastic end up in the environment—on land, in rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Dr. Akankwatsa Barirega, Executive Director NEMA.

NEMA first proposed a ban on single-use plastic bags in 2019, but the initiative faced resistance from political and economic stakeholders. Industry players and some government actors opposed the move, citing concerns about job losses and reduced tax revenue.

This time, however, NEMA says it has strong backing from both the Cabinet and President Yoweri Museveni.

“Cabinet agreed to amend the law because enforcing the 30-micron threshold is nearly impossible. The human eye can’t tell the difference between 30, 40 or even 100 microns,” Barirega said.

He argued that the cost of inaction outweighs the perceived economic benefits. “If a company pays Shs1 billion in taxes but government spends Shs10 billion on unclogging drains, treating pollution-related illnesses, and managing flooding, who is benefiting?” he posed.

In addition to the legislative changes, NEMA is working with plastic manufacturers to establish the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme for Producer Recycling Organization (PRO). The initiative according to NEMA will require companies to collect and recycle used plastic bottles, reducing their environmental impact.

Smoke coming underneath the waste at Kiteezi.

Barirega emphasized that this approach promotes circular economy practices and helps minimize plastic waste at the source.

A 2024 national survey revealed overwhelming public support for stronger action against plastic pollution, with 96 percent of respondents backing stricter laws on plastics, especially those that are hard to recycle.

Uganda will on June 5, join the rest of the countries to commemorate World Environment Day, 2025. National celebrations will take place in Kabale district, Kigezi region, with a number of activities such as Radio/TV talkshows, community sensitizations and school debates. Barirega said the day will highlight the dangers of plastic pollution and the need for urgent action.

Tags: Dr Akaknkwatsa BariregaKiteeziNEMA EDPlastic pollutionSolid Waste Management CrisisWaste managementWorld Environment Day

Related Posts

FEATURES

Suzan’s Story: A Painful Reminder That HIV Is Still With Us

October 19, 2025
Climate Change

Empower uganda’s women and youth in the renewable energy transition

October 17, 2025
Men Sucking Women’s Breasts Doesn’t Prevent Cancer, Oncologists
Health

Men Sucking Women’s Breasts Doesn’t Prevent Cancer, Oncologists

October 17, 2025
Climate Change

COP30: We need a better strategy to fight climate crisis

October 16, 2025
News

Minister Namboozo Calls for Ban on Handshakes Over Health Concerns

October 15, 2025
Africa Climate Summit 2: More Talk, Less Action
Climate Change

Africa Climate Summit 2: More Talk, Less Action

October 15, 2025
Next Post
Has There Ever Been an African Pope?

Has There Ever Been an African Pope?

POPULAR NEWS

Minister Amongi, Akena Scrapped from EC Voters’ Register Oops

Minister Amongi, Akena Scrapped from EC Voters’ Register Oops

September 3, 2025
Catholic Priest Speaks Out Against Museveni and Son’s Leadership

Catholic Priest Speaks Out Against Museveni and Son’s Leadership

February 16, 2025

“Life Is Scum”: Kabale University Student Leaves Suicide Note, Takes Own Life

July 25, 2025

Former IGP Okoth Ogola Dies

February 14, 2025

CAF Warns Fans Against Obscene and Politically Charged Jerseys at Namboole

August 20, 2025

EDITOR'S PICK

Bizarre profane as Malawian Mum marries own son over spending a lot on his tuition.

March 6, 2020

Parliament to start conducting sessions in Kiswahili

June 30, 2023

Francis Onebe to appear in court today over wife’s murder

September 21, 2021
New report faults KCCA on collapsed Kisenyi building

New report faults KCCA on collapsed Kisenyi building

September 18, 2021
VINAStech advert VINAStech advert VINAStech advert
ADVERTISEMENT

About

Parrots Media

A Public Relations and Media Services Company registered and licensed to operate in Uganda and the Great Lakes Region.

Follow us

Categories

  • Business
  • BUSINESS REPORTS
  • CLIMATE ACTION REPORTS
  • Climate Change
  • COMMUNITY REPORTS
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • FEATURES
  • Health
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • News
  • OBITUARY
  • Obituary
  • Opinions
  • RELIGION
  • Religion
  • Science and Technology
  • Sports
  • Sports and Entertainment
  • TOURISM

Recent Updates

  • All the reasons Mitooma voters are calling for Kyarampe to win the Woman MP seat
  • Namirembe Blessious: A New Voice Rising for Western Uganda’s Youth
  • Presidential Advisor rallies local artistes, radio presenters to canvas votes for Museveni
  • Suzan’s Story: A Painful Reminder That HIV Is Still With Us
October 2025
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
« Sep    
  • About Us
  • Internship
  • Contact Us

© 2025 Parrots Media | Website Designed and Maintained by VINAStech

No Result
View All Result
  • Parrots Media
  • News
  • Business
  • Science and Technology
  • Sports and Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Others
    • Climate Change
    • Education
    • Religion
    • Opinions

© 2025 Parrots Media | Website Designed and Maintained by VINAStech

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

You cannot copy content of this page