By Reagan Musinguzi
Crown Beverages Limited has launched a PET plastic collection centre in Fort Portal as part of efforts to strengthen plastic waste management and promote environmental sustainability.
The facility, located in Kitumba, was established in partnership with WastePays through its recycling arm, Ecoplastile. The initiative aims to improve the collection and recycling of plastic waste while creating income opportunities for local waste collectors.
According to Frank Kamugisha, the Chief Executive Officer of Eco Pastile WastePays, the partnership with Crown Beverages is expected to enhance recycling efficiency and expand economic opportunities for agents involved in plastic waste collection. He noted that the support will help ensure that more plastic waste is collected and converted into useful products instead of polluting the environment.
Pearl Elisabeth Kitimbo, Brand and Communications Manager at Crown Beverages, said the Fort Portal centre is part of the company’s broader commitment to responsible plastic waste management. She explained that with similar PET collection hubs already operating in Gulu, Jinja, Hoima and Kasese, the Fort Portal facility becomes another site aimed at strengthening the circular economy and improving plastic recycling efforts across the country.
Kenneth Kaliba, Deputy Mayor of Central Division in Fort Portal, welcomed the initiative and said it would help address the growing challenge of plastic waste in the city. He expressed optimism that the facility would play an important role in reducing the widespread littering of plastic waste and contribute to keeping the city clean.
Also speaking at the launch, Peter Kyomuhendo, representing the Fort Portal City Town Clerk, said plastic waste remains one of the major environmental challenges facing the city. He observed that although several companies and organisations had previously presented similar proposals, many had not gone beyond the planning stage. He commended Crown Beverages and WastePays for taking practical action by establishing the facility.
The PET collection centre is expected to serve as an aggregation point for plastic waste in the region, contributing to improved recycling systems, cleaner communities and new income opportunities for waste collectors.