Lake Victoria gets clean-up to combat plastic pollution

The initiative hoped to address the ongoing challenge of plastic waste pollution in the region is spearheaded by beverages company Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda in collaboration with Uganda Junior Rangers.

It covered various Lake Victoria landing sites, with a particular focus on areas around Murchison Bay, including Ggaba, Makindye, and Nakawa Division coastal zones. 

Additionally, island communities situated near the Lake Victoria watershed, including informal settlements adjacent to the Nakivubo Channel and Entebbe Municipality in Nakiwogo Bay, were reached in the cleanup activities.

Underlining its commitment to environmental responsibility, CCBU's Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability Director, Kirunda Magoola, explained the company's ambitious goals for the future. 

By 2030, he said, the company aims to make 25% of its packaging materials reusable and achieve a 100% collection rate for recycling. 

“These goals are part of CCBU's local adaptation of The Coca-Cola Company's global strategy, "World Without Waste," carried out through its Plastic Recycling Initiative,” he said.

Magoola emphasized the importance of this initiative, which not only addresses the plastic waste issue but also provides a platform for community engagement in effective plastic waste management. 

He expressed his belief that initiatives like the "Community Empowerment for a Plastic-Free Lake Victoria-Luzira Landing Site" will play a pivotal role in consolidating progress and mitigating the environmental impact of plastic waste.

Magoola emphasized the collaborative aspect of these efforts, stating that it's not something that CCBU can achieve alone. 

“We work closely with various stakeholders, nonprofits, communities, governments, and industry peers to promote a cleaner environment. The company is actively engaged in community education programs, consumer campaigns, on-package messaging, and more to raise awareness about recycling and create a healthier environment for all.”

The company, he said, was working toward these solutions to create a circular economy that benefits society and works for our business.