Uganda: In a significant stride for Uganda’s faith-led environmental movement, Catholic institutions and faith-based organizations have pledged to eliminate single-use plastics from all their events, services, and public religious functions.
The commitment was announced during a two-day summit in Kampala marking the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ groundbreaking encyclical on ecological responsibility. Held at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Munyonyo, the gathering convened 17 organizations under a newly formed consortium dedicated to ecological justice and sustainable living.
"We must no longer allow Uganda to be defined by its growing plastic addiction,” the final statement from the consortium read. “The time for decisive action is now. Each of us must embrace sustainability—from rejecting disposable bottles to holding our institutions accountable."
Participants included the Kampala Archdiocese, the Association of Religious in Uganda, CARITAS Kampala, Radio Maria Uganda, the Laudato Si’ Movement, and several youth and grassroots organizations. Under the guidance of Fr. Ambrose Bwangatto, Pastoral Coordinator for Kampala Archdiocese, the forum examined the moral dimensions of ecological degradation and reaffirmed the theological call to care for creation.
In a practical move, attendees agreed to permanently replace plastic bottles with personal dispensers and reusable containers at all future gatherings. This gesture, they emphasized, goes beyond symbolism—serving as a moral stance and a tangible step toward healing the planet.
“As a network, we’ve demonstrated today—and will continue to demonstrate—that a plastic-free Uganda is possible,” one speaker said during the declaration. “In every meeting moving forward, we will bring our own water bottles and stand against plastic waste.”
The Catholic Church in Uganda has previously taken steps against plastic pollution. The Uganda Episcopal Conference has long discouraged plastic use at major religious events, especially during the annual Uganda Martyrs Day pilgrimage—one of East Africa’s largest Christian gatherings. This new initiative expands that ethos, embedding sustainability into everyday church operations and faith-based activities.
The renewed pledge also aligns with Uganda’s broader national push to curb plastic use. The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has intensified enforcement against polythene bags and is reviewing stronger laws to tackle plastic pollution.
Throughout the two-day event, participants revisited the core teachings of Laudato Si’, emphasizing that climate justice requires both theological reflection and practical application. Speakers critiqued traditional misinterpretations of “dominion over the earth” and called for a shift toward stewardship rooted in responsibility, justice, and love.
“The message of Laudato Si’ is more than theological—it is deeply practical,” said Fr. Bwangatto. “It challenges us to rethink our habits, policies, and how we relate to God’s creation and to one another.”
As the summit concluded, the attending groups committed to forming a long-term alliance for environmental justice. Plans are underway for coordinated campaigns, policy advocacy, and educational initiatives at both community and national levels.
In his homily at the closing Mass, Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere of Kampala praised the initiative as a critical awakening. “Thank you for what you are doing to wake us up,” he told the gathering. “Through your efforts, and in the spirit of Pope Francis’ encyclical, you are reigniting hope for climate justice.”