Uganda announces plan to ban single-use plastic bags. Now we need action, then we need the rest of Africa to join them.

Nairobi, 8 May 2025 –The Ugandan government has just announced that they are planning to ban single-use plastic carrier bags.  This decision marks a significant step towards addressing plastic pollution in Uganda – protecting the environment and the wellbeing of our communities. 

Hellen Kahaso Dena, Project Lead for the Pan-African Plastic Project at Greenpeace Africa said: 

“This is a step in the right direction for Uganda, but good intentions do not bring change: only concrete actions do. We urge the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) to ensure effective enforcement of the ban and to incentivise businesses, manufacturers and producers to provide affordable, accessible, circular and sustainable alternatives to consumers. NEMA must also monitor implementation of the ban. Improved monitoring to assess compliance including in small scale and informal businesses will be critical.”

In Kampala, the country’s capital, 100 metric tons of plastic are produced per day. It is time to turn the tide against this plastic menace and African countries can and should lead the way.

“Uganda’s announcement comes at a time when world leaders are gearing up for the further Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee meetings (INC 5.2) talks in Geneva. They will be discussing a Global Plastics Treaty which, if properly drawn up and enforced, could end the era of plastic. Greenpeace Africa urges Uganda to shun the petrochemical industry and support an ambitious treaty that prioritises cuts in plastics production and embraces solutions like refill and reuse for a future free from the devastating impacts of plastic pollution.” added Hellen

Uganda joins other East African countries like Kenya and Rwanda who have taken the lead in putting in place similar regulations. 

“Microplastics are everywhere. In the food we eat, in the water we drink, in the air we breathe. We urge other African governments to follow this example. Plastic is a poison and is doing a lot of damage to our cities” – Hellen Dena.

Notes to the editor:

According to NEMA, Uganda produces 600 metric tonnes of plastic waste everyday with less than 40% being properly collected and managed.

Contacts Medias 

Luchelle Feukeng, Communication and Storytelling Manager, [email protected]

Hellen Kahaso Dena, Project Lead,  Pan-African Plastic Project Lead, Email: [email protected], Tel: 254 717 104 144‬