By Flavia Ajok
Oil companies operating in Bunyoro sub region have been tasked to ensure appropriate environmental protection as oil activities boom.
Speaking during the belated World Environmental Day celebrations for oil and gas sector held at Kabalega Resort Hotel in Hoima City on Tuesday under the theme “stop plastic pollution today and protect nature”, Phillip Katahoire, the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Minister for External Affairs says the protection, promotion and conservation of environment in the Albertine region and the country at large is very crucial as the oil and gas activities flourish in the region.
Katahoire adds that there is need for critical policies to be put in place by the oil companies, government and Bunyoro kitara kingdom to ensure that Ugandans do not pollute the environment.
He stressed that much focus should be put on plastic pollution that is currently a threat to environment saying proper disposal of plastics should be ensured if environment is to be protected.
Sylvia Nalumaga the hoima city deputy mayor revealed that 80% of the garbage collected in hoima city are plastics. Nalumaga says their dream of making organic manure out of the garbage collected from the city is still a challenge because of plastic pollution.
Nalumaga says the issue of plastic pollution is a complex one that requires a multi-faceted approach involving government, businesses, and individuals. By working together, it is possible to reduce the amount of plastic waste in Hoima City and protect the environment for future generations.
Wany Hai Youg form CNOOC Uganda explained that as CNOOC, they mind about environment and have put in place a number of avenues to ensure environment is protected in their areas of operation.
Benson Chiche the Acting LCV hoima, has spoken out against people who are responsible for degrading the environment saying that some know its dangers but do it intentionally.
The situation in Hoima and other parts of the world is a reminder of the urgent need to address environmental degradation and its impact on human life.
Isaac Ntuju, the head of oil and gas at National Environmental Management Authority -NEMA calls for pro-activeness in saving the environment.
Ntuju says a circular economy is an economic system that aims to eliminate waste and promote the continual use of resources by keeping them in use for as long as possible.
He says the adoption of a circular economy to manage plastics is an important step towards reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable waste management practices.
