In a momentous celebration of World Environment Day 2024, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) led the charge to commemorate the occasion at Mafudu Primary School in Sironko district.

On behalf of the President, the event was graced by the presence of the Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, the Prime Minister of Uganda, who launched the highly anticipated Environment Protection Force. This new force, established under Section 25 of the National Environment Act and operationalized by Statutory Instrument No 32 of 2024, is set to play a crucial role in prioritizing environmental conservation efforts across the country.

In her address, the Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of tree planting, and she personally flagged off the initiative to plant trees in all schools across Uganda. This aligns with the theme for this year’s World Environment Day celebrations, “Land Restoration for Climate Resilience.”

NEMA’s Executive Director, Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, expressed his optimism about the progress made in reversing the curve of forest cover loss, which has increased from 9% in 2015 to 13.3% currently. He reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to achieving the NRM Manifesto’s forest restoration target of 15% by 2026.

Furthermore, Dr. Barirega highlighted NEMA’s efforts to streamline the management of Environment and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) through the implementation of the Environment Licensing and Management Information System (ELMIS). This digital platform allows developers to submit ESIA reports online, expediting the review process and ensuring more effective and efficient guidance for investments that are environmentally safe.

The World Environment Day celebrations were a testament to Uganda’s unwavering dedication to environmental conservation and restoration. With the launch of the Environment Protection Force and the continued efforts of NEMA, the country is poised to make significant strides in safeguarding its natural resources and building a more resilient and sustainable future.