dfcu Bank, Serena Golf Resort Lead Push Against Plastic Waste
Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa, in partnership with dfcu Bank, has launched a plastic-free initiative aimed at reducing single-use plastics on the golf course. The initiative, unveiled during a golf event at the lakeside facility, seeks to eliminate disposable plastic bottles and promote sustainable practices among golfers. Uganda generates approximately 600 metric tonnes […] The post dfcu Bank, Serena Golf Resort Lead Push Against Plastic Waste appeared first on Daily Star.
Black News 
Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa, in partnership with dfcu Bank, has launched a plastic-free initiative aimed at reducing single-use plastics on the golf course.
The initiative, unveiled during a golf event at the lakeside facility, seeks to eliminate disposable plastic bottles and promote sustainable practices among golfers.
Uganda generates approximately 600 metric tonnes of plastic waste daily, translating to more than 219,000 tonnes annually, with Greater Kampala alone contributing between 100 and 150 tonnes each day.
The Director of Golf at Lake Victoria Serena, Theodor Van Rooyen, said the initiative is part of a broader sustainability agenda being implemented across Serena Group properties.
“Today’s golf day is about the plastic-free initiative, which we are implementing in partnership with dfcu Bank. This is part of our commitment to sustainability and reducing single-use plastics across our properties,” Van Rooyen said.
He noted that Serena has already phased out plastic bottles in hotel rooms, conference facilities and other outlets, leaving the golf course as the final frontier.
“The golf course was the last area. We identified single-use plastic bottles as one of the biggest sources of waste, and we wanted to play our part in reducing that,” he said.
Under the initiative, golfers will receive reusable aluminium bottles co-branded by Serena and dfcu Bank, which they can refill at designated water stations across the course.
“Every golfer will receive an aluminium bottle, which is not only practical during the game but also serves as a souvenir. Water stations have been installed across the course to ensure players stay hydrated without relying on disposable plastics,” Van Rooyen said.
He pointed to the environmental significance of the initiative, noting the growing threat of plastic pollution, particularly along the shores of Lake Victoria.
“We are located on the shores of Lake Victoria, and we see firsthand the impact of plastic waste. This is our contribution to protecting the environment,” he said.
dfcu Bank’s Head of Corporate and Investment Banking, Kate K Kizza, said sustainability is driven by individual responsibility and collective action.
“Sustainability is about lifestyle, hearts and minds. It starts with you and me taking responsibility for our actions and influencing others to do the same,” Kiza said.
She noted that the partnership with Serena Golf Club marks the beginning of a long-term journey aimed at reducing plastic waste.
“One of the biggest challenges in Uganda is plastic waste that clogs drainage systems and ends up in our lakes. Through this partnership, we are encouraging the use of reusable bottles while maintaining healthy habits like drinking water,” she explained.
Kiza revealed that the initiative is part of a three-year sustainability plan, with a focus on gradually eliminating single-use plastics from the golf course.
She said that golf events typically generate significant plastic waste, but said the initiative has already demonstrated positive results.
“Normally after a golf tournament, the course is littered with plastic bottles. Today, we are proud to say we have held a clean and environmentally friendly event,” she said.
Kiza said the ultimate goal is to reduce waste generation rather than merely managing it.
“The first step in controlling waste is reducing what we generate. This is just the beginning of a broader journey towards sustainability,” she added.
Both Serena and dfcu expressed hope that the initiative will inspire similar efforts across other golf clubs and institutions in Uganda.
“This is a journey. It may extend to other clubs and sectors as more people embrace responsible practices,” Kiza noted.
The post dfcu Bank, Serena Golf Resort Lead Push Against Plastic Waste appeared first on Daily Star.
