We teamed up with #ZeroWasteUg and other key stakeholders in the #BecomeATrashChanger campaign aimed at promoting proper waste management in public areas and communities, consequently protecting the environment. These include Uganda Prisons, Centenary Foundation, SCANIA, NEMA, Balimwezo Foundation and Uganda Junior Rangers.
In his opening remarks, Emmanuel Njuki, NBL Legal and Corporate Affairs Lead highlighted how this initiative aligns with the recently celebrated World Environment which was under the theme of beating plastic pollution. ” We are brewers and beer is 90% water. It’s important to us that the water in the communities is clean because it easily affects our business. Therefore, we have to keep the water sources clean, and also the environment around us,” he said.
Representing Hon. Balimwezo Ronald, Member of Parliament for Nakawa East, Mr Ali Iduma shared that the campaign has come at the right time when the Portbell area is facing a challenge of waste collection. “You couldn’t have chosen a better time for the campaign because it is in line with some of the local campaigns that have been recently organized like procurement of a garbage truck which will be used today,” he said.
As part of the #BecomeATrashChanger campaign launch, the teams participated in a clean-up of Port Bell market and clearing waste along the shores of L.Victoria in Port Bell and surrounding areas. Among the participants were officers from Uganda Prisons led by the Assistant Commander of Prisons – Alex Magola, who expressed his gratitude for being part of the campaign and called upon the public to join the initiative to separate the waste that is polluting the water bodies.
The campaign is not just about donating cleaning equipment but also promoting sustainable waste management solutions tailored to the local context. Speaking on behalf of #ZeroWasteUg, Pamela Adong, the project lead, went on to explain the main objectives of this campaign. “Our core objective is not to give out the items today, rather it is to make sure everyone understands the importance of separating waste from the source. We need people to know that they have to separate their rubbish and place plastic differently from organic waste. Plastic nowadays makes money, and part of the reason why #ZeroWasteUg exists is for us to teach you how to make money from plastics,” she elaborated.
The campaign is expected to spread to other parts of the country. It will include demonstrating proper waste disposal methods and information sessions about the impact of poor waste management on the environment and public health. #NBLSustainability