NEMA Inaugurates 9th Board of Directors

Prof. James Okot Okumu has been reappointed as chairperson of the 9th board of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

The 10-member board was inaugurated on Thursday evening by the Minister of State for Environment, Hon. Beatrice Anywar Atim, at the NEMA head offices in Kampala.

The other board members include Dr. John Ekure, Dr. Callist Tindimugaya, Hon. Eng. Katwiremu Yorokamu Bategana, Hajjat Aphwa Kawaase Sebyala, Mr. Can Amos Lapenga, Mr. Chemonges Jimmy Kuka, Ms. Sarah Kagingo, Ms. Nasur Lokeris Modester, and Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, the Board Secretary.

In his speech, the NEMA Executive Director, Barirega Akankwasah (PhD), highlighted the need to recognize the pressing environmental challenges that persist.

He informed the minister that the country continues to face several challenges related to weather changes caused by human activities, which have led to deforestation, encroachment on lakes and rivers, poor waste management, air pollution, sanitation issues, and the significant challenge of climate change.

He explained that his agency has made considerable efforts to address these challenges with limited resources, yet they still remain. However, he expressed confidence that with the new board in place, they will be even more effective in tackling them.

“With the ninth board, we pledge, Honourable Minister, to continue the battle against degradation, littering, deforestation, illegal charcoal trade, and industrial pollution, while facilitating the economic transformation of our country,” said Barirega.

He stated that NEMA is a regulatory institution that bridges the gap between environmental management and development.

“I want to assure you, Honourable Minister, that we will perform our regulatory role to the best of our abilities. We have made efforts to improve our business processes. We have automated our business processes; environmental and social impact assessments, as well as environmental auditing, are now conducted online. Applications are submitted online, payments are processed online, and certificates are issued online. Therefore, we are phasing out paper from this institution. Additionally, we have eliminated plastics within this institution. We do not permit plastic water bottles or plastic carrier bags on these premises. We strive to lead by example.

He urged the government, private sector, civil society organizations, and all Ugandans to collaborate in preserving the environment, cautioning that failure to do so will result in significant future consequences.

Prof. Okumu, who was the 8th board chairperson, expressed gratitude to the Minister for his reappointment and promised to work alongside the rest of the team to ensure NEMA’s success.

He also thanked the members of the 8th board for their dedicated leadership and service. 

“I want to acknowledge the members of the 8th board for the skills they exhibited during the transformation and growth of the National Environment Management Authority. I confirm that your contributions have been invaluable. Thank you.”

“I’ve been entrusted with the responsibility to lead a new team of directors of NEMA for the next three years. This is, of course, part of the ongoing efforts to enhance environmental management for sustainable development in Uganda. As chairman of the ninth board, I aim to see NEMA function as an efficient institution—one that effectively supports people in sustainable development,” added Prof. Okumu.

Minister Anywar urged the board to bear the substantial responsibilities that accompany their office and to prioritize climate change, which is a global concern, while providing strategic direction to the authority.

She commended NEMA’s enforcement team for their efforts in evicting individuals encroaching on wetlands like Lubigi and promised to continue supporting them.

The new board is set to serve for three years.