Lira City Youths Turn Plastic Waste into Climate-Smart Livelihoods

18 November 2025, 7:35 pm

By Oyugi Emmanuel and Odota Adubango Mourine

A section of youths in Lira City are increasingly embracing plastic collection as a climate-smart source of income, helping curb pollution while improving their livelihoods.

Ongom Junior, a resident of Kakoge B, Lira City West, said he ventured into plastic collection to sustain his livelihood.

Ongom noted that proceeds from the activity have enabled him to buy goats and support his family members.

He emphasized that irresponsible plastic disposal heightens toxic pollution, warning that plastic waste left to accumulate in the open contributes to environmental degradation and climate-related risks.

He urged the public to adopt better plastic waste management practices to safeguard the environment.

Okol Felix, who buys plastics at a collection point near Lira Regional Referral Hospital, said he purchases about a ton of plastic every month for delivery to a recycling plant in Kampala.

Okol explained that he joined the business in 2021 to contribute to improved sanitation and hygiene in Lira City, while reducing harmful emissions associated with burning or dumping plastics.

He added that the initiative also supports improved youth livelihoods by offering them a ready market for the plastics they collect.

According to Awor Judith Ruth, the Business Development Officer at Global Forum for Development (GLOFORD), their project “Wealth from Waste” aims to empower youths financially while enhancing climate-resilient waste management systems in Lira City.

She said 120 youths have already been identified to receive grants to support their waste-management initiatives, while 40 entrepreneurs involved in plastic waste management will benefit from affordable loans to expand their plastic collection ventures.

Awor added that under the project, youths will receive loans with a 10% interest rate to boost their waste-management projects.

Lira City Environment Officer, Otika Leonard, explained that improper plastic disposal contributes to drainage blockage, reduces soil fertility, and destroys soil organisms, worsening environmental and climate vulnerabilities.

Otika said they have been sensitizing the public on proper plastic management and warned that the city will enforce its waste-management ordinance to curb poor disposal practices.

He added that in 2020, the city partnered with Global Livingstone Limited, Mukwano Company, and several smaller companies to enhance plastic recycling efforts in Lira City.