Occasionally, when I’m commuting or working on photo and video edits, I treat myself to some sweet mints or chewing gum. These are usually wrapped in ‘kaveera’ (a local term in Uganda and East Africa for a plastic bag) or paper. After unwrapping the mint or gum, there’s this overwhelming urge to toss the wrapper onto the road, a feeling that often competes with my more logical impulse to find a nearby trash bin. ‘Kaveera’ is derived from the word “cover,” and typically refers to plastic bags made from low-density polyethylene, commonly used for carrying goods in Uganda and other parts of East Africa.
More often than not, after unwrapping the mint or gum, I catch myself playing with the wrapper, rolling it between my fingers until it forms a small ball. By the time the wrapper has taken on a spherical shape, the temptation to throw it onto the road takes over, especially if I’m riding on a ‘boda boda’ or in the car. A ‘boda boda’ is a term used in East Africa to describe a motorcycle or bicycle taxi. The term is believed to come from the phrase “border to border,” referring to the transport of people and goods between countries like Uganda and Kenya by bicycle or motorcycle.
This moment often sparks a mental tug-of-war between two voices. One voice urges me to throw the small ball of ‘kaveera’ onto the road, seeking the brief satisfaction of watching it bounce off the ground, similar to the thrill of skipping stones on water or throwing ice to hear it crack. The other voice, however, counters with logic and reason, reminding me:
“Yonna, that’s not right. You’re littering. You’re not setting a good example for others. That momentary satisfaction won’t be worth it. The effects of that plastic could last for centuries, as it’s not biodegradable.”
In these moments, I always choose to listen to the voice of reason. My eyes scan the environment for a trash bin. If I can’t find one nearby, I usually put the wrapper in my pocket or bag, or keep it in the car until I can dispose of it properly. I’ll admit, there are times when the temptation to toss it gets the best of me, and I end up throwing it. The guilt that follows is always painful. But in most cases, I stick with the voice of reason.
This morning, for instance, I picked up three mints at a Shell station while riding a ‘Safeboda’ on my way to All Saints Church for ministry training. True to habit, I found myself rolling the ‘kaveera’ into a ball, just as you can see in the pictures. For over 4 kilometers, the two voices in my head waged a battle, each trying to control my actions. Environmental responsibility, lessons I learned as a child of God, my parents’ teachings, and the principles I’ve followed in my work with organizations like UNHCR and Rotary all flashed through my mind. Ultimately, my decision was clear: I would keep the wrapper with me until I found a dustbin.
In Uganda, we drive on the left side of the road, while pedestrians typically walk on the right. Still, the temptation to throw the wrapper across the road, imagining it landing like a basketball dunk, lingered. But I resisted.
When I finally arrived at church, I still had the ball of ‘kaveera’ in my pocket. I walked through security and, without hesitation, dropped it into the nearest trash bin.
This simple action reminded me of how important it is to protect the environment. Small steps like this can make a big difference in preserving the earth for future generations. Don’t let temporary, fleeting satisfaction lead to littering or harm the environment. We all have a responsibility to dispose of our waste properly. Let’s work together for cleaner homes, cities, and thriving ecosystems. And most importantly, let’s listen to the voice of reason.
The End.
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Tukundane Yonna 
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