Lira City gears up for World Environmental Day celebration focused on plastic pollution

24 June 2025, 5:55 pm

By Agilo Agnes

Lira City is set to commemorate the belated World Environment Day tomorrow, the 25th of June, at the Lira Mayor’s Gardens.

Addressing the press today, Leonard Otika, the Lira City Environment Officer, explained that while World Environment Day is officially celebrated on June 5th each year but was postponed as in coincided with the Budget speech. He confirmed that the city’s commemoration will be held tomorrow, while the national celebration will take place at Kabale Municipality.

Otika emphasized that the city will use the day to tackle the issue of plastic pollution, which has been identified as a major environmental challenge.

He also revealed that the Resident City Commissioner, Lawrence Egole, will be the chief guest. Key activities will include a citywide cleaning exercise to boost the “Keep Lira Clean” campaign, as well as tree planting and other community actions.

In addition, Otika noted that the event is being organized in collaboration with Lira Diocese, which has joined efforts to protect and conserve the environment. He commended the Church for actively promoting messages on environmental stewardship, saying faith institutions are vital pillars in society.

On her part, Dinah Apio, the Project Coordinator for Lira Diocese, said the Diocese is playing a leading role in this year’s celebration, guided by their ongoing programs inspired by Laudato Si’, a publication by the late Pope Francis in 2015.

She explained that the Pope highlighted the threats of environmental degradation and global warming, urging Christians and people worldwide to take collective action to safeguard the planet.

Drawing from this, the Diocese decided to partner with the City Council and other stakeholders for this year’s commemoration.

Apio added that they have mobilized various partners, including the city and district authorities, and encouraged the public to turn up for the event, which will start at 9 am with a march around the city to raise awareness under the theme “United Against Plastic Pollution.”

This year’s global theme is Beat Plastic Pollution, while the national theme is Stop Plastic Pollution.