National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Uganda

21/08/2026

NEMA Joins Partners to Launch Construction of Mabamba Community Ecotourism Facility

August 21, 2026: The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) today joined the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Wakiso District Local Government, Mabamba Wetland Ecotourism Association (MWETA) and other stakeholders for the launch and formal handover of the construction site for the Mabamba community-managed ecotourism facility.

The facility is being supported under the second phase of the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN II) and is aimed at promoting sustainable tourism while creating opportunities for the local communities around Mabamba Wetland.

During the function, NEMA emphasized that conservation must also benefit the communities who depend on our natural resources for their livelihoods. The initiative demonstrates how communities can be supported to conserve wetlands while at the same time benefiting from the opportunities that come with sustainable ecotourism.

Mabamba Bay is a Ramsar Site of international importance and is well known for the Shoebill Stork. However, its importance goes beyond the Shoebill, as the wetland supports fisheries, biodiversity, livelihoods and other important ecosystem services.

NEMA called upon MWETA members and the wider community to take responsibility for protecting Mabamba Wetland, while encouraging the tourism and hospitality sector, local government and other partners to support the initiative.

NEMA looks forward to continued collaboration with UNDP, Wakiso District, MWETA, the local community, the private sector and other stakeholders to ensure that the project contributes to both conservation and improved livelihoods.

12/08/2026

Kigyezi wetlands under threat as papyrus birds decline - study:

Papyrus wetlands support bird species that depend on papyrus habitats for breeding, feeding and shelter, but the ecosystems are under threat

12/08/2026

12/08/2026

NEMA ENGAGES PANDA PIEL RESIDENTS AHEAD OF KINAWATAKA WETLAND RESTORATION

The Ministry of Water and Environment together with The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is engaging and sensitising residents of Panda Piel Village in Nakawa Division, Kampala, ahead of the planned restoration of Kinawataka Wetland.

Awareness creation is a critical part of wetland restoration. Communities living around wetlands are key partners in protecting these ecosystems, and they need to understand not only the importance of wetlands, but also the environmental and social impacts of activities that degrade them.

Wetlands are natural infrastructure. They absorb and store excess rainwater, help reduce flooding, filter pollutants, recharge water sources, support biodiversity and provide resources that contribute to community livelihoods. When wetlands are encroached upon or degraded, these important functions are lost, increasing the vulnerability of communities to flooding, pollution and other environmental risks.

Through community sensitisation, NEMA is helping residents understand the importance of Kinawataka Wetland, the need for its restoration, and the role each community member can play in protecting it.

Restoring Kinawataka is therefore not simply about saving a wetland. It is about restoring a vital natural system, protecting communities, safeguarding livelihoods and building resilience for the future.

28/07/2026

NEMA Recognises the CBD Secretariat for Supporting Sustainable Development in Uganda

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has presented a recognition award to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in appreciation of its longstanding support and partnership in advancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Uganda.

The award was presented during the 28th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA-28), as NEMA continues to commemorate its 30th Anniversary.

The award was presented to the CBD by Mr. Francis Sabino Ogwal, who is the Commissioner for Environment Planning & Coordination at NEMA; as well as Uganda's National Focal Point to the CBD.

The recognition reflects the strong and enduring partnership between the Government of Uganda, NEMA, the CBD Secretariat, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and other partners working together to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

Uganda continues to actively engage in the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), translating global biodiversity commitments into meaningful national action.

NEMA and the Government of Uganda value this collaboration and remain committed to strengthening partnerships that accelerate implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and contribute to halting and reversing biodiversity loss.

Together, we can protect nature, restore biodiversity and build a sustainable future for all. 🌍🌱

27/07/2026

Our Regional Offices actively participated in the June edition of the National Cleaning Day. Cleanliness and hygiene are everyone's responsibility

24/06/2026

HAPPENING: Raising Awareness for Sound Chemical Management in Uganda! 🇺🇬

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is currently hosting a stakeholder engagement workshop in the Eastern Region to popularize the newly developed National Environment (Management of Hazardous Chemicals and Products Containing Hazardous Chemicals) Regulations, 2024.

These regulations are designed to tackle emerging environmental concerns linked to chemical management. To ensure a smooth transition, they will become fully operational right after these nationwide popularization sessions are complete!

Key stakeholders from across the Eastern Region are in attendance, including:
•Local Government Environment Managers
•Industrial players in Manufacturing
•Mining and Commercial sector representatives

Over the course of the sessions, participants are diving deep into critical compliance areas to prepare for implementation including:
•The Legal Framework: Overview of regulated chemicals, activities, compliance thresholds, and exemptions.
•Roles & Responsibilities: Specific provisions guiding both Regulators (MDAs & DLGs) and Private Industries.
•Registration & Licensing: Clear breakdowns of application procedures, requirements, and compliance timelines.
•Operational Controls: Rules governing the Import/Export, Manufacture, Storage, Transport, and safe Use of chemicals.
•Hazard Communication: Adopting the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for labeling and Safety Data Sheets, alongside reinforcing the public and workers' "Right-to-Know."
•Enforcement: A look at upcoming inspections, compliance monitoring, administrative fines, and enforcement procedures.

By empowering our local leaders and industries with this knowledge, we are taking a massive step toward a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment for everyone.

23/06/2026

Radio Talkshow Alert

Wednesday June 24th 2026; from *7:00pm- 8:00pm*

The Commissioner for Environment Planning and Coordination(NEMA) & Commissioner Climate Change (MWE) will be hosted on Radio One for a Post WED 2026 talkshow.

Tune in on air; FM90.0 & online