Fridays for Future Uganda a youth-led and -organized global climate strike movement based in Uganda launched the Save Lake Victoria Campaign on Fridays 13th January 2024 at Gaba landing site.
The campaign was launched by commissioning a post “TOSUULA KASASIRO MU MAZZI” meaning “ NO DUMPING IN THE LAKE”.
The activists, equipped with gloves, garbage bags, and an unwavering dedication to conservation, worked tirelessly as early as 9 am to clear the shores of debris and plastic waste that had accumulated over time. They were led by Hilda Flavia Nakabuye, the Fridays for Future team lead in Uganda. The goal of the cleanup effort was to allay growing worries about pollution harming the Lake Victoria’s fragile ecosystem.
The team, comprised of passionate individuals, meticulously combed through the shores, collecting plastic bottles, wrappers, and other non-biodegradable materials that posed a threat to the lake’s biodiversity.
Hilda Flavia Nakabuye emphasized the significance of the Save Lake Victoria campaign in an interview with the Climate Post.
“Over 14 million people depend on Lake Victoria for their livelihood, we have to protect this water resource that’s why we launched the campaign today , we are planning to carry out these cleans up twice in every month”. She said.
“This is our fifth year for carrying out these cleanups and shall be an engaging the community and sensitizing them about the dangers of dumping in the lake and about the importance of keeping the water clean and safe. We’ve sensitized the public about the uses of the rubbish we collect from relics such as the biodegradable waste, that it can be used to make alternative sources of energy such as briquettes”. Said Hilda.
Among the people who were involved in the cleanup was a local fisherman Serugya Peter who stressed about the challenges they face
“People on the lake shores are money oriented, when they see me helping activist with these lake clean ups they think am earning millions of shillings for such activities, it’s very difficult for someone to leave their jobs and come and join in the cleanup not knowing that its for their own good “
Serugya Peter on behalf of the people at Gaba landing site , requested for Fridays for Future Uganda to help and educate the people about the importance of these lake cleanups and also help them donate bulky waste containers that will be used for collecting rubbish.
Their efforts not only restored the natural beauty of the area but also sent a powerful message about the importance of individual and collective action in preserving our precious natural resources.
The lake Clean up not only rejuvenates the natural beauty of the area but also underscores the urgent need for ongoing efforts to protect our environment for future generations. The environmental activists have set a precedent for community-driven conservation, and their impactful endeavor serves as an inspiration for similar initiatives worldwide