Africa’s largest lake, Victoria, is choking on plastic waste

So far, Kateeba’s initiative has removed more than 20 tonnes of plastic from the East African lake, although he said his efforts are just a drop in the ocean, compared to the steady stream of new waste washed in with every rainfall.

A CITY DROWNING IN PLASTIC

Kampala has for years grappled with a severe littering problem.

Improper disposal of rubbish, particularly plastic – including bags, bottles and packaging – frequently clogs the city’s outdated drainage systems, causing flooding, infrastructure damage and public health hazards.

Despite government bans on single-use plastics and city clean-up efforts, weak enforcement, poor waste management and limited recycling systems continue to worsen the crisis.

Research estimates that at least 10 per cent of plastic waste generated in the capital ends up in Lake Victoria.