KAMPALA, UGANDA – Airtel Uganda, a leading telecommunications company, reaffirmed its commitment to environmental conservation on World Environment Day by engaging students nationwide in a virtual dialogue focused on sustainable practices, ending plastic pollution and tree planting.

During a Zoom session on June 4, Charity Rwabutomize, lead of Corporate Social Responsibility at Airtel Uganda, addressed students and teachers from schools across Uganda, encouraging them to take action for the environment. More than 300 students from participating schools tuned in, including Agoro Seed School in Lamwo District, Padibe Girls Comprehensive SSS in Lamwo District, Spire Road Primary School in Jinja, Lolochat Seed SSS in Napak District and St. Mary’s Assumpta Girls School.

The session centered on Airtel Africa’s “UnPlasticAfrica” campaign, which aims to end plastic pollution across the continent.

“Uganda faces a significant challenge with plastic waste management, generating over 600,000 kilograms of plastic waste daily. Unfortunately, our country lacks sufficient infrastructure to effectively manage this waste,” Rwabutomize said. She added that the issue is compounded by a culture of overconsumption and a lack of appreciation for the environmental impact of single-use plastics on water, soil and overall well-being.

Rwabutomize called on schools to take a proactive role in promoting responsible plastic management practices, including establishing designated spaces for responsible plastic waste disposal and exploring creative ways to repurpose plastic materials, such as using them as flower vases. She emphasized the importance of deliberately rejecting single-use plastics and finding alternative uses for existing plastics to foster a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

As part of Airtel’s sustainability strategy, Rwabutomize also encouraged schools and the wider public to embrace e-SIM technology as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic SIM cards.

“Using an e-SIM reduces the demand for plastic production and disposal. It’s a simple but impactful way we can reduce our plastic footprint,” she said.

In a symbolic call to action, she invited all students in the participating schools to plant at least one tree in their compounds as a practical step toward restoring Uganda’s environment and building resilience against the effects of climate change.

The students expressed excitement and commitment toward environmental conservation, pledging to implement what they learned in their respective schools and communities.

This initiative is part of Airtel Uganda’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility mission to support education, environmental sustainability and community well-being. Through programs like this, Airtel continues to empower young Ugandans to become agents of positive change.