NEMA @30: Three Decades of Protecting Uganda’s Natural Heritage

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has marked its 30th anniversary, describing it as a major milestone in environmental protection and the social well-being of Ugandans.

Speaking during celebrations held at the Sheraton Hotel on Wednesday evening, NEMA Executive Director, Dr Akankwasah Barirega, said the anniversary reflects three decades of environmental stewardship in Uganda. He highlighted efforts to protect wetlands that shield communities from floods, safeguard forests that regulate ecosystems, and defend lakes, rivers, and soils that sustain millions of livelihoods.

“This anniversary is not simply about NEMA as an institution. It is about our country, our people, and the natural systems that sustain life itself. For me personally, it is a moment of pride, reflection, and renewed responsibility,” he said.

Dr. Barirega thanked the Government of Uganda for its continued commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. He also appreciated the Minister of Water and Environment, as well as past and present NEMA boards, for their strategic oversight over the years.

He noted that NEMA has significantly expanded its capacity, growing staff numbers from 100 to 500 in just four years. The authority has also extended its presence to regional offices in Lira, Mbarara, Hoima, and Mbale, with plans to open more across the country.

NEMA has further established the Environment Protection Force as an in-house enforcement mechanism, working alongside agencies such as the police and the army.

“We have strengthened the criminal justice system for environmental protection. In 2021, only 69 cases were prosecuted in a year. Last year, we prosecuted 606 cases of environmental degradation, and we continue to widen the net. As development progresses, environmental laws must be respected,” he said.

Dr. Barirega added that the authority has embraced digital transformation, with most services now automated. Applicants can submit environmental audits, apply for certification, make payments, and track progress online without physically visiting NEMA offices.

He revealed that NEMA now receives about 6,000 applications annually, reflecting a sharp rise in development activities. Environmental and social impact assessments increased from 1,478 in 2021 to 4,529 in 2025, a 210 percent growth. Environmental audits rose from 521 in 2021 to 5,360 in 2025, marking a 900 percent increase, largely driven by automation.

Despite these achievements, Dr. Barirega acknowledged that environmental challenges persist but emphasized the authority’s readiness to address them and turn them into opportunities.

Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Water and Environment, who represented Minister Sam Cheptoris, said Uganda has made significant progress in integrating environmental sustainability into national development, largely due to NEMA’s work over the past three decades.

He noted that thousands of inspections conducted nationwide have improved compliance, with over 70 percent of medium and large-scale industries now implementing waste management and pollution control measures.

Uganda has also made progress in wetland restoration, with an estimated 20 percent of degraded wetlands restored over the past decade through coordinated efforts.

However, he highlighted ongoing challenges, including the loss of about 90,000 hectares of forest cover annually, continued wetland encroachment, and poor solid waste management in urban areas, which generate over 2,500 tons of waste daily.

“Climate change impacts are increasing, affecting livelihoods and infrastructure. These realities call for accelerated action,” he said.

The ministry, he added, is scaling up ecosystem restoration efforts to meet the national target of restoring over 2.5 million hectares of degraded landscapes by 2030, while also promoting sustainable water resource management, climate adaptation, and green financing.

He emphasized that enforcement remains a top priority, with government working closely with NEMA to strengthen monitoring systems, leverage technology, and enhance institutional capacity.

Dr. Okidi called on the private sector to invest in cleaner production technologies and urged local governments to prioritize environmental management in planning and budgeting. He also appealed to communities to protect wetlands, forests, and water sources.

In a speech read by State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said the anniversary is a celebration of vision, leadership, and tangible progress in safeguarding Uganda’s natural heritage.

“Thirty years ago, Uganda took a bold step by establishing NEMA to regulate, coordinate, monitor, and supervise environmental management. That decision has proven both timely and transformative,” she noted.

She said efforts over the years have improved adherence to environmental standards, with many industries adopting cleaner production methods. Wetland conservation has also recorded gains, with coverage recovering from previous declines to about 13 per cent, closer to the original 15 percent.

However, she warned that challenges such as wetland encroachment, land degradation, and the growing impacts of climate change, including droughts and floods, continue to threaten livelihoods and economic stability.

“This calls for renewed commitment and scaled-up action,” she said.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening environmental governance by supporting NEMA in enforcement, improving monitoring systems, and leveraging technology for better environmental management.