Kampala: The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has today launched the NEMA Research and Innovations Grant Scheme to support priority research and practical solutions to Uganda’s emerging environmental challenges.
The Scheme operationalises the National Environment Research Agenda (NERA) 2024/25 – 2028/29, a five-year framework guiding research and innovation on climatk change, pollution and waste management, biodiversity loss, unsustainable land use and natural-resource degradation.
Through the Scheme, ligible researchers, academic institutions and other stakeholders wil receive support to generate evidence for policy, planning, regulation and decision-making, while developing innovations that communities and institutions can adopt or scale up.
The initiative will also strengthen collaboration among NEMA, government institutions, universities, research organisations, development partners, the
private sector, civil society and local governments. It will provide opportunities for young researchers and students to contribute solutions to Uganda’s environmental challenges.
The launch, held at Hotel 360 Degrees Ndejje, off Entebbe Road, marks a major step in advancing sustainable environmental management through science, technology and innovation.
The National Environment Research Agenda 2024/25 – 2028/29, launched in 2025 identifies Uganda’s priority environmental research areas. The NEMA Research and Innovations Grant Scheme is one of its implementation mechanisms, supporting eligible stakeholders to undertake priority research and develop practical, scalable environmental solutions.
Politician and humanitarian Hajjat Hanifah Karadi has hailed the inaugural National Cleaning Day exercise as a success and she is already forward to that one of next month.
This morning, Hajjat Hanifah Karadi joined residents of Kawempe II in Kawempe Division to participate in National Cleaning Day.
“Together, we undertook community clean-up activities to promote environmental health and a cleaner, more liveable Kampala for all citizens. I applaud everyone who participated and already looking forward to the next one,” Hajjat Hanifah Karadi said.
The National Environment Management (NEMA) and its staff joined the rest of the Ugandans today for the National cleaning exercise.
The team was led by the Executive Director NEMA Dr Barirega Akankwasa who joined the company of the Vice President, Prime Minister, Government officials and the general public to support and practically inaugurate the monthly exercise.
In his remarks Dr Barirega highlighted the need to collectively promote a clean environment.
“A clean environment is the first hospital, the first classroom, and the first investment in our economy. Every plastic bottle picked, every drainage channel cleared, and every tree protected is an investment in Uganda’s health, dignity, and prosperity. National Cleaning Day must not be a monthly event—it must become a national culture.” says Dr Akankwasa.
The every last Saturday of the month was declared as a nationwide mandatory monthly community cleaning exercise .
This is aimed at improving sanitation and public health in Uganda.
The Uganda Flowers Exporters Association held a consultative meeting with Dr. Barirega Akankwasah the Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), led by Mrs. Susan K. Muhwezi, Senior Presidential Advisor in the Export Led Growth Strategy Unit (ELGSU).
The discussions focused on: Streamlining regulatory and permitting processes to support timely development and operation of export infrastructure.
Enhancing environmental compliance requirements with better coordination and predictability to minimize operational delays.
Improving efficiency in the processing and approval of certificates.
This engagement underscores the shared commitment to balance environmental protection with Uganda’s urgent national objective of boosting export competitiveness and driving private sector growth.
Kampala: The National Planning Authority (NPA) has issued a Certificate of Compliance for the FY2025/26 Annual Budget. Compliance and alignment with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDPIV) improved to 75.4 percent, up from 65.1 percent in FY2024/25, signalling stronger integration of national planning and budgeting frameworks.
Issued under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Cap 171, the Certificate of Compliance aims to ensure that development planning and budgeting frameworks are aligned towards the achievement of Uganda Vision 2040 and the ten-fold growth strategy, through the National Development Plans.
The assessment framework covers six broad NDPIV levels, including Macroeconomic, National strategic direction, Programme, Ministries, Departments & Agencies (MDAs), Local government, and cross-cutting issues levels.
Charles Musana
NPA attributes the improved compliance and alignment to (i) improved allocative efficiency to Agro-industry Development, Tourism Development, Mineral-based Industrial Development, Oil & Gas, and Science, Technology & Innovation (ATMS), and the enablers, (ii) improved targeting, and (iii) allocation to the key high-impact projects.
Speaking on the findings, Charles Musana, Manager for Information Advocacy and Public Relations at NPA, noted that while progress has been made, greater effort is needed to strengthen compliance further.
“The assessment shows steady improvement in aligning budgets to NDPIV priorities. However, there is a need to further enhance allocative efficiency, particularly at the programme, MDA, and Local Government levels, to fully realise the aspirations of the Tenfold Growth Strategy,” he said.
Joseph Tenywa
At the macroeconomic level, the compliance and alignment of the FY2025/26 Annual Budget with the NDPIV is satisfactory (75.8 percent), supporting economic growth, job creation, and macroeconomic stability. Strategic alignment remains strong, although the rising debt service burden continues to exert pressure on the national budget.
Compliance and alignment of the FY2025/26 Annual Budget to the NDPIV at the Programme, MDA, and Local Government levels is moderately satisfactory, indicating steady progress and providing a basis for further strengthening alignment of plans and budgets with national priorities.
The National Budget Framework Paper FY2026/27 attained satisfactory compliance and alignment to the NDPIV at 76.6 percent, up from 66.7 percent in FY2025/26. This improvement reflects better targeting of resources, increased allocation to priority areas, and stronger alignment between planning and budgeting frameworks.
Commenting on the findings, the Executive Director of NPA, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, emphasised the need to strengthen financing strategies to sustain the implementation of NDPIV. “We must fully implement the domestic revenue mobilisation strategy to sustainably finance NDPIV priorities. At the same time, we must fast-track the completion of key oil infrastructure, particularly the refinery, to unlock the petrochemical value chain and generate first oil revenues critical to financing the Plan,” he said.
Dr. Joseph Muvawala
Dr. Joseph Muvawala further called for accelerated financing and implementation of high-impact projects, including the Standard Gauge Railway, value addition infrastructure, energy and road maintenance, GKMA development, the creative industry and AFCON-related infrastructure, the Uganda Heart Institute, and the capitalisation of the Uganda Development Bank (UDB) and other public financial institutions. He also underscored the need to prioritise concessional borrowing, restructure domestic debt, and leverage alternative financing mechanisms in line with the Public Investment Finance Strategy.
Meanwhile, Dr. Winnie Nabiddo, the Senior Manager for Research and Development Performance at NPA, noted that NPA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, will intensify capacity-building efforts to support Local Governments to prepare compliant plans, budgets, and performance reports.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has flagged off the first cohort of 55 officers under the Environment Protection Force (EPF) for a four-month specialised training programme. The flag-off ceremony was presided over by the Executive Director, Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, at NEMA House in Kampala.
The officers have proceeded to the Police Training School in Kabalye, Masindi District, where they will undergo intensive training to strengthen their capacity to enforce environmental laws and effectively respond to environmental crimes in the country.
The programme will equip officers with practical skills in investigation, evidence handling, compliance monitoring, and community engagement, while emphasisinc discipline, professionalism, and respect for human rights. Additional cohorts willbe trained in phases as part of a broader national strategy to strengthen environmenta governance and promote sustainable development.
EPF was officially launched on 5wh June, 2024, to address persistent gaps in environmental law enforcement amid rising challenges such as wetland degradation, deforestation, illegal resource extraction, and pollution.
As a specialised unit, the EPF supports NEMA in enforcing environmental laws anc safeguarding Uganda’s natural resources. This training marks a significant step toward building a professional, well-coordinated, and effective enforcement force.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), through its Environment Intelligence Unit, has apprehended a suspected conman identified as Robert Tugume following an operation in Kyegegwa District.
The suspect has been posing as a staff member of Global Tower Partners Ltd, e Ntinda-based company; and using forged approval letters and payment schedules tc defraud the public by soliciting money for land approvals and soil inspections.
NEMA warns the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect forged NEMA receipts and fraudulently collected money from unsuspecting victims while posing as an agent handling environmental compliance.
Recovered documents show fake company letterheads, questionable signatures, and inflated payment demands, some amounting to hundreds of millions of shillings.
Naomi N Karekaho Head, Corporate Communications at NEMA says the suspect is currently detained at Kyegegwa Police Post and will be charged in accordance with the law.
NEMA is working closely with the Uganda Police Force to ensure that appropriate legal action is taken and that justice is served.
NEMA warns the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes, emphasizing that it does not authorise individuals to collect cash payments on its behalf for environmental inspections, approvals, or related services. All official payments are made through recognised bank channels and government systems, and any legitimate receipt can be verified through NEMA offices. The public is urged to verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent NEMA or its partners, confirm paymen requests through official channels, and report any suspicious activities immediately to NEMA or the nearest police station.
NEMA remains committed to protecting the public from fraud and upholding integrity in environmental management and compliance processes.
Kampala: Stanbic Bank has once again been recognized for its outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability in Uganda after receiving the prestigious National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Sustainability Award, financial institutions category.
Organized by NEMA, the awards acknowledge and reward organizations and individuals implementing innovative and impactful environmental initiatives.
Stanbic Bank’s Diana Ondoga, Head Corporate Social Investment (CSI) with Cathy Adengo Head Sustainability pose for a photo moments after receiving the prestigious NEMA Award
This year’s ceremony was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, under the theme: ‘Fostering Cleaner Production to Advance Sustainable Development in Uganda’.
On behalf of the bank, Catherine Adengo, Head of Sustainability, and Diana Ondoga, Head of Corporate Social Investment (CSI), jointly accepted the award which reaffirmed Stanbic’s position as a leader in implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.
L-R Dr. Joseph Muvawala Executive Director NPA, Cathy Adengo Stanbic Bank Head Sustainability, NEMA Executive Director Dr. Barirega pose for a photo during the awards night at Sheraton Hotel
In her remarks, Adengo emphasized the bank’s integrated approach to environmental stewardship. She said, “Environmental sustainability is not just an add-on; it is now a core part of our sustainability agenda rooted in our purpose, ‘Uganda is our home, we drive her growth’.”
Diana Ondoga, Stanbic Bank Head Corporate Social Investment and Cathy Adengo (R) Head Sustainability Pose for a photo with Sarah Kagingo, one of the NEMA Board Members
“Stanbic Bank is a pioneer in green finance and therefore building a cleaner, greener future for Uganda is one of our long term strategies, integrated in our ongoing moves to provide more affordable financing solutions to women, youth, and farmers.” Adengo said.
In 2024, the bank disbursed UGX 62 billion to support green startups and businesses involved in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly technologies. These investments are aligned with the government’s climate goals and are driving tangible progress across Uganda.
The government’s National Development Plans emphasize sustainable development, with a strong focus on environmental management, conservation, and climate resilience as critical pillars for long-term prosperity.
Ondoga highlighted other notable environmental initiatives being undertaken by Stanbic Bank, including a plastic recycling program. This is being conducted in partnership with Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda Limited through Plastics Recycling Industries in Nakawa.
“To date, we have recycled over 97.86% of the plastic waste generated by our operations, totaling 9,234.64 kilograms. This demonstrates how public-private collaborations can foster innovation and sustainability,” she said.
She said, “Our efforts aim to develop long-term solutions that support resilient ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods. Additionally, we have embarked on digitizing our operations to reduce paper usage. We also encourage customers to utilize platforms like FlexiPay, Stanbic Digital Banking, and USSD, instead of visiting branches. For the limited paper we do use, we have partnered with Africa Paper Limited to recycle it into useful items such as napkins and shopping bags.”
Dr. Barirega Akankwasa, the Executive Director of NEMA, expressed gratitude to all nominees and winners of the night for complying with environmental laws and regulations. He also announced the introduction of the NEMA Compliance Assistance Unit, which provides free support to developers in achieving environmental compliance.
Barirega also noted that ESG standards are essential for socially and environmentally conscious investors when screening potential investments. Adopting these standards enhances compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
The National Environment Sustainability Awards, organized by Uganda’s NEMA, is a prestigious annual event celebrating excellence in environmental stewardship, innovation, and sustainable practices across the country.
NEMA believes that recognizing existing best environmental practices can provide incentives for continued up-scaling and replication of such initiatives in other sectors across the country.
Launched under the National Environment Act (Cap 181), these awards aim to incentivize corporations, government agencies, NGOs, media, communities, and individuals to adopt forward-thinking strategies in managing Uganda’s natural resources sustainably.
Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited has been recognized by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for its proactive efforts to promote environmental protection and preservation through adoption of innovative technologies and implementation of afforestation initiatives.
This was during the National Sustainability Awards 2024 at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, held under the theme ‘Promoting Innovative Technologies for Environmental Conservation’.
The country’s biggest financial institution was hailed for its innovative approaches to reducing its environmental footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Speaking of behalf of the bank, Cathy Adengo, the Head of Sustainability expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to protect and conserve the environment because it aligns with Stanbic Bank’s purpose, ‘Uganda is our home, we drive her growth’.
“We are thrilled to receive this recognition from NEMA, because it validates our dedication to being corporate responsible citizens. We will continue to prioritize environmental sustainability and inspire others to join us in making a positive impact on our planet,” she said.
She said Stanbic has partnered with Government through the Ministry of Water and Environment and the National Environment Authority as well as the private sector to understand the implication of climate change on our society and the livelihoods of Uganda.
“Stanbic has committed to reducing the environmental impact through the way we use energy plus other resources and strive to continually improve the bank’s operational impact through analyzing the environmental indicators covering energy, emissions, waste, water consumption, biodiversity, and energy efficiency,” she said.
Other initiatives include provision of green financing to Ugandan green businesses, plastic recycling programmes, water and waste management, together with other programmes aligned to the national climate policy objectives.
Presenting the award, Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, the NEMA Executive Director, said companies like Stanbic Bank have clearly exhibited their commitment to mitigating the impact of climate change.
He said, “We want to encourage other companies to borrow a leaf from Stanbic; invest in pollution control technologies that minimize harm to the environment.”
Adengo said Stanbic had installed the advanced MYQ printing software to automatically limit waste.
“We are glad to announce our total paper consumption reduced by 39.6% in 2023. The reduction is attributed to initiatives adopted in the drive for paperless banking such as the introduction of digital engagements like Teams for meetings, some customer transaction processes which were digitized and introduction of password enabled printing that enables tracking of printing volumes per user,” she said.
Through a partnership with Century Bottling Company, a total of 1,244 kilogrammes of single use plastic bottles were also collected in 2023 alone.
Adengo said the bank is currently supporting and providing financing for green businesses that are creating innovative solutions to tackle climate change and adopt interventions that promote sustainable growth of Uganda’s economy.
She said, “As we pursue a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future, renewable energy remains fundamental to the energy mix that will enable a just transition. As we de-carbonise, we are also creating greater access to affordable clean energy for businesses and communities. If you look at 2023 alone, Stanbic Bank provided financing worth UGX 14 billion to boost green businesses in Uganda.”
Stanbic is committed to reducing the environmental impact in the way it uses energy plus other resources and strives to continually improve the bank’s operational impact through analyzing the environmental indicators covering energy, emissions, waste, water consumption, biodiversity, and energy efficiency.
The date for 2023 Save River Rwizi Marathon has been set, we can confirm.
The organizers, Abahumuza Development Group have set the 30th July 2023 as the date for the marathon aimed at creating awareness and collecting resources to save River Rwizi from extinction.
In a tweet on the handle, The Abahumuza Group called on all individuals and stake holders to support this environmental cause.
“Mark this tweet, on 30th July 2023, #SaveRiverRwiziMarathon is back so we call upon all the individuals and stake holders to support this environment cause. “Our River, Our Responsibility,” Abahumuza Development Group tweeted.
The marathon is so far sponsored by National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and many others are still coming on board.
