Buvera manufacturers must take responsibility for mess they profit from

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OPINION

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Kampala is drowning; not just in rainwater, but in waste. Every rainy season, the city suffers devastating floods, largely caused by clogged drainage systems. A significant culprit? Non-biodegradable plastic bags, locally known as buvera.

These lightweight, single-use items have become a pervasive blight on our environment, choking our drains, littering our green spaces, and filling our streets with debris.  Polythene bags in Uganda remain one of the biggest challenges in waste management as a result of poor handling and disposal habits.

Plastic bags, while convenient, have proven to be a menace to Kampala’s environment. They clog the drainage systems, leading to severe flooding, especially during heavy rains. Streets, green spaces, and waterways are littered with buvera, creating unsightly scenes and posing significant threats to public health and the environment.

The National Environment Act of 2019 prohibits the use, importation, export, and local manufacture of plastic bags or products made of polyethene or polypropylene that are less than 30 microns.

Despite the government’s attempt to ban buvera, implementation has been weak, leaving the city and its residents to deal with the consequences.

Much of the buvera used in Kampala is not recycled, partly because it is scattered across hard-to-reach places or mixed with other waste, making collection and processing challenging.

As a result, taxpayers bear the burden of cleaning up, with significant sums of money spent on clearing clogged drainage systems and cleaning the streets.

Kavera production is big business. Manufacturers reap significant profits from selling these plastics, yet they bear none of the costs of managing their environmental impact. This is unfair to the city, its residents, and taxpayers who spend millions cleaning up the mess.

After the government's failure to implement the ban on the production of polythene bags and taxpayers continue to shoulder the burden of cleaning streets and unclogging drains, it is time for buvera manufacturers to take responsibility for the mess they profit from. 

The time has come to hold buvera manufacturers accountable for the environmental havoc their products cause. Beyond generating profits, these companies must be active participants in cleaning up the mess they have contributed to through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

In the short term, buvera manufacturers should work closely with local authorities and community organizations through CSR initiatives that support citywide cleanups. This could include funding waste management programs, providing resources for cleanup campaigns, or actively participating in efforts to collect and recycle buvera. Such initiatives would not only improve Kampala’s environment but also foster goodwill among the public.

By doing so, these companies can help alleviate the burden on taxpayers while demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship.

While short-term cleanup contributions are crucial, the ultimate goal should be to phase out buvera entirely.

Many countries have successfully banned single-use plastics by introducing strict regulations and promoting alternative packaging materials. Uganda must follow suit, but the government must enforce the ban rigorously and work with manufacturers to transition to sustainable options. 

For instance, manufacturers could shift to producing biodegradable bags or reusable packaging solutions. While this transition may require investment, it is necessary for safeguarding our environment and aligning with global trends toward sustainability. 

Incentives such as tax breaks or subsidies could be offered to companies that adopt sustainable practices, while penalties should be imposed on those that fail to comply.

Shifting to sustainable packaging is not only an environmental necessity but also a business opportunity. As global consumers become increasingly eco-conscious, companies that prioritize sustainability are likely to enjoy greater market appeal and long-term success. By transitioning away from buvera, manufacturers can position themselves as leaders in the fight against environmental degradation.

Kavera manufacturers have a moral obligation to act now. It is unacceptable to continue making profits at the expense of Kampala’s environment and public health. These companies should take the lead in cleanups while the government strengthens and enforces the ban on buvera.

Businesses that contribute to environmental degradation must either become part of the solution or risk losing public support. 

Kampala deserves better. We all do. It is time for buvera manufacturers to step up, not just as business leaders, but as stewards of the environment. If they won’t act willingly, then public demand and government enforcement must ensure they do. Let’s clean up our city, one step at a time, and work towards a future free from the scourge of buvera.

The writer is a communication specialist based in Kampala