Uganda conservationists combat plastic waste to protect wildlife

In Uganda, community-led initiatives and youth organizations are working to mitigate the environmental impact of plastic waste on wildlife. Dr. Gladys Kalema Zikusoka, CEO of Conservation Through Public Health, has warned that ingested plastics can block the digestive systems of animals such as elephants, leading to silent deaths among endangered species.

To combat this, the Uganda Wildlife Authority is collaborating with local communities to collect discarded plastics and polythene bags. Additionally, the organization WastePlus, led by Sinan Kitagenda, is utilizing recycling technology to transform plastic waste into valuable resources. This initiative aims to establish a circular economy by having young workers sort, wash, and crush plastic into manufactured products.