In honour of Earth Day, WePlanet Africa, a grassroots movement dedicated to combating climate change, spearheaded a successful city cleanup initiative, focusing on collecting plastic bottles and planting trees in Kasubi, a suburb of Kampala, Uganda.
Aligned with this year’s theme, ‘Plastic vs. Planet,’ the initiative aimed to raise awareness about the pressing issue of plastic pollution and its adverse effects on the local ecosystem, including waterway blockages, wildlife endangerment, and soil degradation.
The event involved the manual removal of plastic waste and debris from various community sites, including roads and clogged drainage systems.
WePlanet Africa’s community mobiliser, Perez Mweine expressed astonishment at the volume of plastic waste collected within a short period. “This clearly illustrates the pervasive nature of plastic pollution in our community and the urgent need to address this issue,” he emphasised.
During the cleanup, polyethene, a common packaging material for food items in Uganda, emerged as the primary source of litter, worsening the problem.
In addition to the cleanup efforts, the event featured a tree-planting initiative, with students from St. Peter Claver Primary School in Mugema Zone, Kasubi, actively participating. Perez highlighted that fifth-grade pupils in the school were tasked with caring for the planted trees, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship among the youth.
“Over the next three years, as these pupils progress through their primary education, they will nurture these trees, ensuring their growth and vitality in the environment. This initiative marks a significant step towards biodiversity restoration and community greening,” Perez remarked.
He emphasised that the tree-planting activity aimed not only to beautify the environment but also to invest in the community’s future and empower the next generation of environmental leaders.
The plastic waste collected during the event was handed over to local garbage collectors for proper disposal in coordination with the authorities. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of community engagement and responsible waste management in addressing plastic pollution.
“We are delighted to have been part of this impactful event,” Perez expressed. “Through collaboration with local leaders and active community involvement, especially among the youth, we are taking concrete steps towards fostering a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable environment for everyone.”
WePlanet Africa’s commitment to raising awareness and taking tangible actions underscores its dedication to preserving the planet for future generations.
Director of WePlanet Africa, Patricia Nanteza highlighted the event’s significance, emphasizing how community-driven efforts can effectively combat global challenges like plastic pollution.
The event attracted 26 participants, including local community leaders, reflecting the strong community engagement and commitment to environmental sustainability.
