National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is leading the latest battle against polythene bags (kavera) pushing for the amendment of the National Environment Act to enforce a total ban on plastic bags production, sale and use across Uganda.
This proposed outright ban aims to bring Uganda in line with other East African Community (EAC) member states including Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania which have already outlawed single use plastics.
Currently, the law allows for the importation, manufacturing and use of polythene bags that are 30 microns and above and when the law is enforced, the move would see plastic bags disappear from markets, supermarkets and shops forcing businesses and consumers to adopt eco-friendly alternatives.
While the campaign is nationwide, the biggest impact will likely be felt in urban areas like Kampala where polythene bags are widely used and discarded, clogging drainage systems and contributing to flooding and pollution.
This push is happening now, but this is not Uganda’s first attempt at banning kavera. Despite previous regulations, enforcement has been weak and plastic bags continue to dominate the market.
This time, NEMA insists there will be no turning back.
Uganda’s plastic pollution problem is out of control. Kavera is blamed for environmental degradation, soil infertility and flooding particularly in Kampala where plastic-clogged drainage systems make the city flood during heavy rains.
By banning kavera, NEMA hopes to curb pollution, protect its natural resources and align with regional environmental policies.
NEMA plans to work with Parliament, law enforcement agencies and businesses to ensure compliance. Penalties and strict enforcement measures will be put in place to ensure that manufacturers, importers and users of plastic bags do not bypass the law.
Uganda has been here before. In 2009, the government announced a ban on polythene bags. The same happened in 2015. Both times, the plastic industry fought back hard and enforcement collapsed.
Uganda generates approximately 600 metric tonnes of plastic waste daily yet only 6% is recycled. The rest ends up in drainage channels, rivers and even Lake Victoria posing a serious threat to wildlife and public health.
Uganda’s plastic manufacturers and importers have consistently opposed the ban citing job losses, economic impact and lack of alternatives.
The plastic industry is worth billions, with thousands of jobs tied to manufacturing, importation and distribution. A total ban means factories closing down, massive job cuts, and losses for businesses that rely on cheap plastic packaging.
On the law enforcement side, with previous bans some government agencies secretly allowed plastic manufacturers to operate as long as they pay the right people. Without strict enforcement, this ban risks becoming another empty law.
For Uganda to successfully eliminate kavera, enforcement must be firm and uncompromising.
