Polythene bags (kaveera) are the most used grocery shopping bags by many Ugandans. One of
the reasons for this is because they are cheap and easily accessible. Although their use is
convenient for man, it comes with a huge cost on the environment.
The disposal of the polythene bags, most times, is not in a responsible manner, hence resulting
in pollution of both water and soil.
When it enters the soil, kaveera can block useful nutrients from reaching plants, as well as
releases toxic chemicals into the soil. They oftentimes clog drainage channels, leading to floods,
especially in cities.
People who have realised the negative effects of kaveera to the environment have teamed up
to collect them from the environment and sell them to companies that recycle them. One such
group is of women living in Banda, a Kampala suburb. Through their group, the Twezimbe
Women Group, they started collecting kaveera, which they sell to recycling companies. Their
group chairperson, Mama Sam, says they gave themselves a task of collecting and washing
100kg of kaveera per day. This earns them sh100,000 per day, since a kilogramme goes for
sh1,000.
Mama Sam says every member receives sh5,000 each day they sell and the rest is saved in the
group account, to be shared among themselves at the end of the year. She says the income
they get from the business has enabled them improve their lives.

By

Nasifu M. Abdallah

Community Journalist