UPDF Troops in Somalia Join Global Effort to Fight Plastic Pollution on World Environment Day

National: The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), together with the United Nations Guard Unit Eleven (UNGU XI), joined the Federal Government of Somalia and the United Nations in marking World Environment Day.

The main event was held at Aden Abdulle International Airport in Mogadishu under the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution,” with a slogan “Restore the Land, Revive the Earth” and sub-theme “Heal the Soil, Review the Future” on June 6.

The event brought together officials from the Federal Government of Somalia, AUSSOM, the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), and the United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS). Activities included exhibitions on environmental protection and tree planting within the UNSOS compound.

The Acting Head of UNSOS, Qurat-Al-Ain Sadozai, appreciated the teamwork shown during the celebration and highlighted the dangers of plastic waste.

She said that 11 million tons of plastic enter ecosystems each year, causing economic losses of up to \$600 billion. She praised Somalia’s efforts to reduce plastic use and mentioned ongoing UN projects such as reforestation and coastal clean-up.

The Acting Special Representative of the African Union Commission for AUSSOM, Adebayo Kareem called for unity in protecting the environment. He noted Somalia’s climate challenges like droughts and changing rainfall, urging strong policies and behavior change to protect nature.

Somalia’s Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Lt Gen Bashir Mohamed Jama, used the day to emphasize the importance of sustainability. He spoke about how plastic pollution affects people’s lives and shared the government’s plans for better waste management, promoting eco-friendly materials, and public awareness.

AUSSOM Force Commander, Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, said environmental damage can lead to conflict and instability. He called for urgent action to fight plastic pollution and protect natural resources.

The UNGU XI troops, led by Commanding Officer Lt Col Peter Ruyogoza Barigye, also planted trees in their compound. Lt Col Barigye said the tree planting was a step toward a greener and more peaceful Somalia. “Let’s continue to nurture and protect Somalia’s natural beauty for generations to come,” he added.

The event was attended by senior officials from the UN, Somali government representatives, AUSSOM, and other partner organizations.