Dear All,
The recent tragic dumpsite slides in Kampala, where lives were lost and homes destroyed, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action on sustainable waste management. It’s time to put an end to the blame game and start taking concrete steps to prevent such disasters in the future.
To begin with, I want to us reflect on the advice of our Holy Father in his encylical Laudato Si’, while addressing the point on Eco-Citizenship.
LS, 211. Pope Francis advises us to practice persistent behaviors and virtues in our daily lives in order to be ecological citizens and care for the planet. Garbage sorting is one of the many activities the Holy Father suggested.
As members of the Laudato Youth Initiative (LYI), inspired by the encyclical Laudato Si, we urge you to join us in prioritizing recycling, reusing materials, generating energy from waste, and responsibly managing waste through incineration. These actions are crucial in avoiding similar tragedies and creating a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future for all.
Recycling materials such as plastic, paper, glass, and metal can help reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills. Reusing items like containers and packaging can significantly decrease waste generation. Generating energy from waste through processes like incineration not only creates renewable energy sources but also reduces the volume of waste needing disposal.
We understand concerns about incineration and air pollution, but modern facilities are equipped with advanced technology to minimize emissions and ensure safe operation. By embracing these sustainable waste management practices, we can work towards a better future for ourselves and future generations.
Our hearts go out to the families affected by the Kiteezi landfill tragedy in Kampala. Let their pain serve as a wake-up call for us all. Let’s not wait for more tragedies to occur before taking action. It’s time to come together, prioritize sustainable waste management, and prevent future disasters.
Join us in this call to action. Together, we can make a difference and be a source of hope for people of Kiteezi and many other areas threatened by material waste. Let’s not be a danger to ourselves.
Sincerely,
Br. Adolf Mugume, CSC
Laudato Youth Initiative (LYI) Mentor
Augustine
Thanks Br. Adolf. The images in the article bring into sharp focus the critical conversation about SINGLE-USE PLASTICS that probably make up over 50% of Uganda’s gabbage piles. The 3Rs are certainly one way of reducing plastics in our gabbage, but even more sustainably, government needs to implement the legislation on plastic bags, like many of our East African neighbours.