China's exported plastic problem to Uganda

Uganda is experiencing an increasing plastic problem that if not acted upon, we are set for serious trouble not only to manage this waste but the cost will be too much yet we partly don’t contribute to it. Neither does our environment need to be littered and stuffed with plastics which can “never” decompose. I’ve kept a little message for my self always as a guardian angel, it goes “Nature says, we should love her gifts” Protect and preserve them.

Foreign manufactured plastic products continue to come from China, USA, UK, Europe and other countries. However Chinese goods are flooding the Ugandan market more than other countries. Chinese exporters are joined by several Ugandan business with capacity to trade in Chinese commodities. It is unfortunate that non of these companies are operating mindful of the effect of these products they put on the Ugandan market.

Using an ITC Market Analysis tool the Trade Map (www.trademap.org), I collected and analyzed data for Product Category 39 – Plastics and thereof. It features 21 product sub categories all items made and imported from China or a company in China directly exported here. A total sum of 20.4million dollars as the US brought in goods worthy 16.2 million dollars. Some of the items plastic packaging of goods like stoppers, lids and caps. Kitchenware and toilet articles of plastics among many other products.

In the fight to #EndPlasticPollution companies have to step up and work towards a sustainable future. Pledges and commitments are not enough, there has to be a change of the system and the business perspective on taking responsibility for every environmental damage they cause. Large companies that are able to sale to foreign market must maintain same environmental standards crossboader, this has to be along the entire product life and after use.

For Uganda it is worse, drainage systems and important water ways clogged up with plastics increasing health risks with frequent flooding and dirty running water more so in urban slum areas Kampala. Now this plastic garbage has been washed down the famous “Nalubaale” by also partly clogged Nakivubo drainage channel.

In Uganda Plastics are fueling the oil business to make worse the government is promising access to PVC for local plastics manufactures got from Uganda oil. This will boost their production since the PVC has been imported. It is estimated that emissions from the plastics lifecycle are to be equivalent to 255 coal plants by 2050. This will continue to breakdown our climate and cause disastrous effects.

In 2019, China exported over 2,162 tons of plastics (product heading 3901 – 3941) valued at 5,772,000 million dollars with an annual growth value of 5% p.a between 2015 – 2019. Yet non of these products com from Uganda goes to China, in this case we a dumping site for Chinese plastics.

We must demand companies to #EndPlasticPollution and stop them from blaming us for a problem they actually sit on its start of the problem chain. It’s is important to emphasize that through Innovation, collaboration, good regulation and technological exchanges, a new without the burden of plastics is possible. The green packaging economy is growing and consumer education will help to inform and influence individual behavior. But companies must take the lead to this pathway.