State of Plastics in Uganda

Overview

Uganda faces a growing challenge with plastic pollution, particularly from single-use plastics. The country imports significant volumes of plastic products annually, much of which ends up in the environment due to limited recycling infrastructure and poor waste management practices.

Plastic Inflow and Environmental Impact

• Annual Plastic Imports: Uganda imports approximately 150,000 metric tons of plastic products each year.
• Environmental Leakage: An estimated 40% of plastic waste ends up in the environment, contributing to flooding, soil degradation, water pollution, and harm to wildlife.

Single-Use Plastics

Single-use plastics—such as carrier bags, straws, and packaging—make up a large portion of the waste stream. Despite previous bans on lightweight plastic bags, enforcement remains inconsistent, and these items continue to circulate widely.

New Policies and Strategic Framework

Uganda has launched the National Strategy for Promoting Plastics Circularity (2023–2028) , led by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). Key components include:

• Three Pillars of Action:
  • Reuse: Promote reusable products to shift away from the throwaway culture.
  • Recycle: Strengthen the recycling market to make it more profitable and scalable.
  • Reorient and Diversify: Encourage sustainable alternatives to plastics that reduce environmental impact.
• Policy Highlights:
  • Strengthened enforcement of existing bans on single-use plastics.
  • Incentives for private sector investment in recycling and alternative materials.
  • Public awareness campaigns and education on plastic pollution.
  • Integration of plastic waste management into local government planning.

Implications

If fully implemented, Uganda’s strategy could reduce plastic pollution by up to 37% by 2040, combining reuse, recycling, and substitution efforts. However, success hinges on strong enforcement, public participation, and investment in infrastructure.