The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has launched the second edition of the National Environment Sustainability Awards to recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability in Uganda.
The initiative seeks to honour individuals, organisations, and communities that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to protecting and preserving the environment.
Section 5 of the National Environment Act, Cap 181, mandates NEMA to ensure that environmental management principles are upheld, considering the finite nature of non-renewable resources and the productivity of available renewable resources. These principles include promoting green growth in environmental planning and adopting a circular economy approach to maximise production efficiency while conserving natural resources.
Speaking at the launch on Wednesday at their offices, NEMA Executive Director Dr. Akankwasah Barirega stated that the second edition of the awards aims to endorse and recognise best environmental practices that enhance resource productivity and reduce environmental pollution.
“Recognising these initiatives will provide incentives for their continued expansion and replication in other sectors across the country. It will also support and promote applied research on best environmental practices for improved resource productivity and pollution reduction,” he noted.
The second edition follows the successful inaugural National Environment Sustainability Awards, held on June 28, 2024, at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala. The event saw winners recognised across five sectors: Manufacturing, Waste Management, Petroleum, Non-State Actors, Lead Agencies, and Media Groups.
According to Naomi Karekaho, the Principal Corporate Communications Officer for NEMA, a total of 20 awardees received accolades, while all nominees were presented with certificates of recognition. The ceremony attracted over 300 guests, including government officials, media representatives, company executives, NEMA staff, and other invited stakeholders.
Award Categories
The awards will consider nominees in the following categories:
• Circularity: Recognising entities that embrace circular economy principles beyond waste reduction and recycling.
• Resource Efficiency: Highlighting the adoption of green technologies that optimise the use of water, energy, and materials while minimising waste.
• Innovation: Supporting research and the adoption of new technologies for environmental sustainability, including circular economy models and non-toxic solutions.
• Cross-Cutting Issues: Encouraging environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, top management commitment to sustainability, and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Application Process
Nominated enterprises from selected sectors will be invited to submit applications for a detailed evaluation. The application window will be open from March 24 to the end of April 2025.
The selection process will involve:
• A thorough review of existing compliance audit reports.
• A comprehensive technical analysis of applications submitted by nominated enterprises.
• A verification process to confirm compliance and implementation of sustainability initiatives.
Karekaho urged enterprises, institutions, and individuals to actively participate in this prestigious initiative to foster environmental sustainability across Uganda.
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