As the world marked this year’s 2025 World Environment Day, with a spotlight on the urgent need to combat global plastic pollution, Uganda has delivered a truly invaluable gift to Kenya. Its renewed commitment to tackling single-use plastic bags could very well be the golden key that Kenya has been needing to succeed in ending the flow of bags into the country.

This follows a recent announcement by Uganda’s National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) that they are getting serious about enforcing their ban on single-use plastics after six years of failed attempts.  

While Kenya made international headlines for enacting one of the toughest plastic bag bans in 2017, enforcement has faltered and regional cooperation has lagged, exposing a glaring loophole, particularly cross-border smuggling as the bags continue to infiltrate Kenyan markets from neighboring countries, with Uganda being a key conduit. Now, Uganda’s promise to get serious with enforcement could mark a critical shift in regional momentum and offer Kenya a real shot at making its plastic-free vision a reality.

Though Uganda introduced its own ban six years ago, it has been riddled with exemptions and weak enforcement, allowing manufacturers to continue producing plastic bags, which has undermined Kenya’s efforts and turned its porous border points into backdoors for plastic contraband.

The Uganda National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is promising that this time, it is not going to be business as usual as they are proposing changes to the NEMA Act to not only prohibit those plastic bags but also to harmonize regulations across the East African region, signaling a new seriousness that could finally bring alignment across borders.

While Uganda is taking a commendable step forward, good intentions alone will not save the day, as only tangible actions will do the trick. Uganda’s previous ban on single-use plastics has yielded little more than empty promises, and even the Ugandan government has occasionally wavered in its support for the ban.

For Uganda to truly turn the tide this time, it must not only enforce the ban but also implement robust deterrent measures to ensure compliance among all stakeholders, especially small-scale and informal businesses, who are the real champions of single-use plastic packaging. It also needs to motivate businesses, manufacturers and producers to provide affordable, accessible, circular and sustainable alternatives to consumers.

For Kenya, Uganda’s shift represents more than just good news — it’s an environmental lifeline. Plastic pollution doesn’t respect borders. Rivers like the Sio and Malaba that crisscross the two countries routinely carry plastic debris downstream into Lake Victoria, affecting biodiversity, fisheries, and human health alike.

With Uganda promise to join the effort in earnest, Kenya’s authorities may finally find the regional support they need to make their ban truly effective. Coordinated policies could improve border surveillance, reduce smuggling, and standardize penalties. Most importantly, it could help foster a culture shift across East Africa that prioritizes sustainable alternatives over short-term convenience.

But policies alone won’t fix the plastic problem. Both countries need stronger incentives for innovation in the private sector—especially among packaging companies, retailers, and local manufacturers. A synchronized regional ban could unlock economies of scale for biodegradable alternatives and reusable packaging, making them more affordable and widely available.

Public education is equally vital. Many consumers continue to use plastic bags out of habit or lack of alternatives. A shared media campaign among East African Community (EAC) member states could amplify awareness, highlighting not only the dangers of plastic pollution but also celebrating local entrepreneurs who are pioneering sustainable solutions.

Environmental crises demand collective action. Uganda’s renewed commitment is a rare chance for regional synchronization in policy and practice. It provides a critical window for Kenya to reinforce its ban, not in isolation, but in partnership. If all EAC countries can align their enforcement strategies, support innovation, and engage their citizens, the region could become a global model in the fight against plastic waste.