Lira City bans use of polythene bags in schools

29 January 2026, 18:55

By Winnie Auma

Lira City officials have banned the use of polythene bags, commonly known as “kaveera,” in schools as part of efforts to preserve the environment.

The initiative, according to the City Education Officer, Canon Jane Obeny, was announced during a recent meeting with the City’s Environment team.

Obeny said they will liaise with school headteachers and proprietors to ensure the initiative is implemented, particularly in primary schools, so that learners become environmental ambassadors in their communities.

Leonard Otika, the Lira City Environment Officer, noted that the use of polythene bags poses multiple risks to both people’s health and the environment.

He cited dangers such as soil infertility, destruction of living organisms, and blockage of drainage systems, which often lead to flooding. He added that smoke from burning polythene bags causes health complications and also warned against using them to cover food while cooking, as this can lead to cancer over time.

Comparing the present to the past, Otika noted that people used to carry items in baskets and reusable bags, which were far less harmful to both health and the environment.

He added that in Uganda, the law banning the use of polythene bags has evolved through several attempts, with current regulations primarily targeting, but struggling to fully enforce, a ban on plastic bags below 30 microns.

Otika therefore stated that, as leaders in Lira City, they will not only focus on banning polythene bags in schools but will also extend the ban to offices and markets to better protect the environment.