Save Our Future: Plastic-Free & Forest Safe Uganda

Project Goal:

To raise funds for initiatives that tackle plastic waste management, halt deforestation, and promote climate resilience through reforestation, waste reduction, and community-based climate action programs.

Project Summary:

Uganda’s environment is facing two major threats: plastic pollution and deforestation. Plastic waste is choking our landfills, waterways, and wildlife, while rapid deforestation is contributing to climate change and loss of biodiversity. Our project aims to combat these issues through waste management, reforestation programs, community education, and policy advocacy. We need your support to protect Uganda’s future.

Key Objectives:

1. Plastic Waste Reduction:

• Uganda produces over 600,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, and only 30% is recycled (Uganda National Environment Management Authority, 2021).
• Launch awareness campaigns in schools and communities about reducing plastic usage.
• Establish plastic waste collection centers and recycling hubs in urban areas.
• Provide reusable alternatives (e.g., cloth bags, reusable bottles) to 50,000 households, helping reduce plastic consumption.

2. Forest Conservation & Reforestation:

• Uganda loses over 200,000 hectares of forest cover annually due to deforestation (Uganda Forest Authority, 2020).
• Plant 500,000 trees in high-risk areas, restoring degraded lands and forests.
• Empower local communities with knowledge and tools to sustainably manage forests.
• Create “Green Zones” in urban and rural areas to increase tree cover and prevent deforestation.

3. Climate Action Programs:

• Implement eco-friendly agriculture practices to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable land use.
• Promote renewable energy solutions (e.g., solar power) to reduce reliance on wood for fuel, which contributes to 80% of energy consumption in Uganda.
• Advocate for stronger policies to protect the environment, focusing on plastic bans and forest protection laws, aiming to reduce plastic waste by 50% over the next five years.

Personal Story:

I Peter Odama grew up in rural area of Uganda, surrounded by lush forests and pristine landscapes. However, as I’ve watched over the years, these precious resources have been disappearing at an alarming rate. The forests where I once played have been replaced with barren land, and the rivers I swam in are now filled with plastic waste. It's heartbreaking to see how much we've lost. But the real tragedy is that the communities I care about people who depend on nature for food, water, and livelihoods are suffering the most.

For example, in Terego District, where I work, local farmers struggle with increasingly erratic weather patterns and poor soil quality due to deforestation and climate change. The plastic waste they have to live with is not just unsightly; it's choking the environment, making life even harder. These people deserve better. They deserve clean rivers, fertile lands, and an environment where they can thrive. This campaign is our chance to make that happen.

It’s not just about statistics it's about lives, communities, and future generations. This project is not only saving our forests; it's creating new hope for our people. Your contribution can make a real difference."