Turning plastic waste into building solutions: Uganda’s fight against plastic pollution

By George George Idowu

As the fight against waste continues, in Uganda, a remarkable initiative is underway to combat the pervasive issue of plastic waste. Discarded plastic water bottles, once a menace clogging drainage channels and littering the landscape, are being transformed into “eco-bottle bricks” that serve a dual purpose of waste reduction and community development.

Local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are leading the charge, harnessing the creativity of residents to repurpose plastic waste into functional structures. These eco-bricks are now being used to construct vital water tanks, addressing a pressing need for clean water in the community.

This endeavour is part of Uganda’s broader strategy to tackle single-use plastics, aligning with regional and global efforts to curb plastic pollution. The recent discussions at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution, held in Canada, underscore the urgency of implementing measures to limit plastic production worldwide.

While some African nations like Rwanda, Kenya, and Somalia have already banned single-use plastics, Uganda grapples with substantial plastic waste generation. The capital city, Kampala, alone churns out over 13,000 tonnes of plastic annually, with much of it ending up improperly disposed of or unrecycled.

In Kayunga, organizations like the Ghetto Research Lab are pivotal in driving change. Founder Patrick Majuzi emphasizes the importance of educating and empowering women in slums, teaching them innovative ways to manage plastic waste effectively. By repurposing plastic bottles into building materials, the community not only cleans up its environment but also gains essential infrastructure like water tanks.

Lydia Nakalembe, a resident of Kayunga, highlights the transformative impact of these efforts. Formerly littered with plastic waste, the town is now cleaner and more sustainable. “Our gardens are no longer littered with plastic,” she remarks, noting the detrimental effects of plastic on soil health.

Despite these strides, environmentalists stress the need for increased awareness. Onesmus Mugyenyi from the Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment emphasizes the importance of educating citizens about the dangers of plastic waste on both the environment and human health.

As Uganda and other African nations continue their fight against plastic pollution, initiatives like the eco-bottle bricks in Kayunga exemplify the transformative potential of community-driven solutions. With global momentum building towards a treaty on plastic pollution, these local efforts stand as beacons of innovation and sustainability in the fight against waste.