NEMA to Celebrate 30 Years of Environmental Stewardship Next Month

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has announced that its long-awaited 30th anniversary celebration, initially set for 16th December, 2025, has been postponed to January 2026. The Organising Committee says the new timing will allow for more thorough preparations to ensure the event fully reflects the institution’s three-decade journey of safeguarding Uganda’s environment.

The NEMA@30 celebration is expected to be a landmark occasion, and an opportunity to look back at Uganda’s environmental progress since 1995, spotlight major achievements, recognise the pioneers who shaped the Authority, and reflect on the evolving national priorities in environmental protection. The milestone arrives at a time when Uganda faces increasing environmental pressures from climate change, wetland degradation, biodiversity loss, and waste pollution. This makes the 30-year celebration not only historical but also deeply symbolic.

With the extra preparation time, the public and NEMA staff can expect a more enriched and engaging programme. The event will feature exhibitions documenting NEMA’s interventions and impacts over the years, multimedia showcases of landmark restoration activities such as the Lubigi Wetland recovery, panel discussions on the future of environmental governance, and recognition sessions honouring individuals and institutions that have championed environmental protection. The celebration will also highlight emerging priorities such as climate resilience, environmental justice, and nature-based solutions.

The participation of all staff is essential in making NEMA@30 meaningful. Every department and field office contributes to the Authority’s mission; from enforcement officers in wetlands and forests to educators, scientists, communicators, administrators, planners, finance teams and support staff who keep the institution functioning. Their collective presence will not only symbolise unity but also affirm the shared responsibility that has sustained NEMA’s work for 30 years.

In addition, strong participation enhances the Authority’s public image. It sends a clear message of institutional cohesion, readiness for the future, and a deep sense of pride in the environmental milestones achieved. As Uganda prepares for a more climate-stressed future, this celebration becomes a platform to rally staff and stakeholders around the next chapter of environmental leadership.

A new date for the celebration will be communicated soon. The Organising Committee encourages the general public to be ready to be part of this occasion when NEMA marks this historic moment.

 Mr. Lubuulwa is the Senior Public Relations Officer at NEMA.