On September 27, the EU Delegation to Uganda in partnership with the Jinja Municipal Council conducted a beach clean-up exercise on the shores of Lake Victoria at Masese landing site in Jinja district. The activity was joined by over 250 volunteers, including Masese community representatives, members of EU Member States and other diplomatic missions based in Kampala, civil society organisations and personnel from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. 

“We share a love for our blue planet, and we all hold responsibility for making and keeping it healthy - through avoiding single-use plastics as well as ensuring that our waste does not become someone else's problem," said Ambassador Attilio Pacifici, European Union Head of Delegation to Uganda. "I am overwhelmed with the number of partners who wanted to join us for this action. It shows that when we act together, we can bring about the change we all seek."

"The shores of Lake Victoria, particularly near fishing villages and landing sites, are littered with plastic. We know Jinja municipality has begun to sensitise communities about the dangers of plastic pollution, and we wanted to help them in their work," said Ambassador Pacifici. He also thanked Plastic Recycling Industries (PRI) for joining the initiative, reminding that plastic waste is a valuable resource that can be reused, if recycled properly.

"Jinja Municipal Council is delighted to have hosted the European Union as we clean-up Masese landing site. Plastic pollution in our lakes is a matter that affects all of us, no matter how young or old. We pledge to continue contributing to keeping our lake cleaner and healthier," said Jinja Mayor Mr. Majid Batambuze.

The #EUBeachCleanup campaign is held worldwide as part of activities to mark the International Coastal Clean-up Day. In 2018, over 70 actions and nearly 3,000 people participated to the #EUBeachCleanup campaign globally. Last year in Uganda, the EU Delegation cleaned up Kigungu landing site in Entebbe.