Crown Beverages launches PET Collection Hub in Oyam to curb Plastic Pollution

22 May 2026, 6:13 pm

By Oboke Michael

Crown Beverages Limited has launched its eighth PET plastic collection hub in Oyam District in partnership with The Network Girl Tech Initiative Uganda, strengthening efforts to improve plastic waste management while creating economic opportunities for women and girls.

The new collection center, officially unveiled on Thursday, is part of Crown Beverages’ nationwide campaign to promote responsible plastic disposal and support Uganda’s economy through recycling initiatives under its “Twayambe” project.

Speaking at the launch, Brand and Communications Manager at Crown Beverages Limited, Paula Elizabeth Kitimbo, said the company launched the initiative in response to growing environmental concerns caused by poor plastic waste disposal and increasing plastic pollution in communities.

She noted that under this partnership, The Network Girl Tech Initiative Uganda will operate the hub using a baler machine and a try-cycle supplied by Crown Beverages, allowing women and girls who collect plastic waste to exchange it for money to support themselves and their families while contributing to environmental conservation.

Kitimbo clarified that Crown Beverages does not directly buy back used plastic bottles from consumers but instead supports collection partners who supply the materials to recycling companies.

Speaking during the launch, Executive Director of The Network Girl Tech Initiative Uganda, Vivian Nantambi, described the new recycling initiative as both an environmental and social empowerment project.

She explained that women and girls will be able to sell collected plastic waste to the center at a rate of Shs2,000 per kilogram, while schoolgirls may receive books, pens, pencils, and reusable sanitary pads in exchange.

Nantambi noted that menstrual health remains a major challenge for many rural girls, adding that providing reusable sanitary pads will help keep them in school and reduce dropout rates.

LC1 Chairperson of Nora Village, Ocen Patrick Max, noted that the area has been experiencing low agricultural yields due to irresponsible disposal of plastic waste, which compromises soil fertility.

He applauded the initiative brought to the area by Crown Beverages through its partnership with The Network Girl Tech Initiative Uganda, describing it as a game changer for women, girls, and environmental protection.

One of the beneficiaries of the project, Ajam Jamila, expressed hope that the initiative will help address school dropout among girls and domestic violence linked to financial hardships faced by women.

Crown Beverages has been operating seven other PET collection hubs in Gulu, Kasese, Fort Portal, Jinja, Hoima, Kyengera, and Mbale, with plans to establish more centers across Uganda.

The company aims to collect at least 800 tonnes of plastic waste for baling every three months through each partner hub.