The European Union (EU) Delegation to Uganda in partnership with the Jinja Municipal Council last Friday, September 27, conducted a beach clean-up exercise on the shores of Lake Victoria at Masese Landing Site in Jinja District.
The activity was joined by over 230 volunteers, including Masese community representatives, members of EU Member States and other diplomatic missions based in Kampala, civil society organisations and personnel from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.
Led by EU’s ambassador Attilio Pacifici, the delegation emphasized the avoidance of single-use plastics while explaining that everyone holds the responsibility of keeping the planet clean.
“We share a love for our blue planet, and we all hold responsibility for making and keeping it healthy – through avoiding single-use plastics as well as ensuring g that our waste does not become someone else’s problem. I am overwhelmed with the number of partners who wanted to join us for this action. It shows that when we act together, we can bring about the change we all seek.” Said Ambassador Attilio Pacifici.
Also present at the clean-up exercise was the Jinja Municipality Mayor Majid Batambuze who noted that plastic pollution in the lakes is a matter that affects everyone regardless of their age.
“Jinja Municipal Council is delighted to have hosted the European Union as we clean-up Masese landing site. Plastic pollution in our lakes is a matter that affects all of us, no matter how young or old. We pledge to continue contributing to keeping our lake cleaner and healthier.” Batambuze said.
The #EUBeachCleanup campaign is held worldwide as part of activities to mark the International Coastal Clean-up Day. In 2018, over 70 actions and nearly 3,000 people participated in the #EUBeachCleanup campaign globally. Last year in Uganda, the EU Delegation cleaned up Kigungu landing site in Entebbe.