Ugandan Catholic Institutions Make Historic Commitment to Eliminate Single-Use Plastics
In a groundbreaking move, Ugandan Catholic institutions and faith-based organizations have united in a pledge to eradicate single-use plastics from all their activities, gatherings, and public religious events. This marks a significant leap forward in the country’s burgeoning faith-led environmental movement.
Christopher Kisekka – Kampala
The decision was made during a special two-day event in Kampala commemorating the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ influential encyclical on environmental stewardship.
Commemorating 10 Years of Laudato Si’
Held at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Munyonyo, Kampala, the gathering brought together 17 organizations forming a new consortium dedicated to ecological justice and sustainability.
“We are initiating change by recognizing Uganda’s need to reduce plastic use. It is time for us to take action and embrace sustainable practices, starting from rejecting disposable plastic bottles to holding our institutions accountable,” stated the consortium’s final declaration.
The consortium comprises the Kampala Archdiocese, the Association of Religious in Uganda, the Laudato Si’ Movement, CARITAS Kampala, Radio Maria Uganda, as well as various religious, youth-led, and grassroots organizations.
Embracing Care, Justice, and Responsibility
Under the guidance of Fr. Ambrose Bwangatto, the Kampala Archdiocese Pastoral Coordinator, participants reflected on the teachings of Pope Francis, emphasizing the importance of care, justice, and responsibility towards our common home.
In a symbolic gesture, the group agreed to use personal water dispensers and reusable bottles at all future gatherings, highlighting the encyclical’s central message that “everything is connected” and individual actions can make a difference in healing our planet.
“Today, we have shown that a plastic-free Uganda is achievable. We commit to carrying our own water dispensers and bottles to reduce littering at all our meetings and events,” the consortium affirmed.
A Broader National Effort on Single-Use Plastics
This initiative aligns with broader national efforts to eliminate single-use plastics in Uganda. The country’s National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is intensifying enforcement of regulations against plastic bags and exploring new legislation to combat plastic pollution more effectively.
Laudato Si’ is Practical
Throughout the event, participants revisited key teachings from Laudato Si’, underscoring the dangers of environmental apathy and the need for climate justice. They emphasized the shift from dominion over the earth to stewardship based on justice and care.
“Laudato Si’ is not just a theological concept—it is practical. It challenges us to rethink our daily choices, policies, and relationships with creation and each other,” said Fr. Ambrose Bwangatto.
As the gathering concluded, attendees committed to forming an ongoing alliance for environmental justice, with plans for regular dialogue, joint campaigns, and advocacy at local and national levels.
Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, praised the Laudato Si’ movement for inspiring renewed action and awareness on climate justice within church communities and society at large.
“Thank you for awakening us. Your commitment to climate justice, in line with Pope Francis’ encyclical, gives us hope for a sustainable future,” Archbishop Ssemogerere remarked.
