National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)

"Ensuring Sustainable Development​"

Uganda Sets Global Benchmark in Environmental Governance

August 17, 2025News UpdatesComments (0)

Uganda continues to shine on the world stage for its commitment to environmental protection, earning top marks in global environmental conventions according to the Environmental Conservation Index. These rankings were derived through a rigorous scientific process led by Northeastern University, Boston, focusing on wetland conservation, hazardous waste movement and persistent organic pollutants based on data from national reports submitted to Convention Secretariats.

These include:

  • Basel Convention – Control of hazardous waste movement
  • Ramsar Convention – Protection of wetlands
  • Stockholm Convention – Management of Persistent Organic Pollutants

Global Rankings That Speak Volumes

Under the Basel Convention for hazardous waste control (2020):

  • 1st in Africa out of 53 countries
  • 6th globally out of 187 member states

SOURCE: : ECI-Basel (2001-2021)

Under the Ramsar Convention in wetland protection (2022):

  • 4th in Africa out of 50 member states
  • 3rd globally out of 170 countries

SOURCE: : ECI-Ramsar (2002-2022)

Under the Management of Persistent Organic Pollutants (2018):

  • 11th in Africa out of 53 countries under the Stockholm Convention
  • 70th globally out of 183 countries

SOURCE: : ECI-  Stockholm (2004-2022)

 

Tangible Progress on the Ground

Uganda has long upheld global treaties on managing Persistent Organic Pollutants and recently joined the Rotterdam Convention to regulate hazardous chemical and pesticide trade through prior informed consent.

In the FY2023/2024, Uganda restored 1,598 hectares of degraded wetlands. Forest cover loss has been reversed from 9% in 2009 to 13% in 2021, while wetland cover increased from 13% in 2017 to 13.9% in 2021 and demarcation of wetlands are currently ongoing. Uganda has gazetted 8,613 wetlands as of 2023, and the total size of Uganda’s wetland is approx. 33,762.06km2 ~13.9%. 22,457.4km2 ~ 9.3% is intact, while approx. 11,305.1km2 ~ 4.7% of Uganda’s surface area is considered degraded as of 2021.

Institutional Leadership and Legal Reforms

Under the stewardship of Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Environment, has spearheaded numerous conservation efforts such as:

  • Protection of riverbanks and lakeshores
  • Restoration of degraded ecosystems
  • Prevention of biodiversity loss
  • Reduction in forest degradation

Uganda has also fortified its legal framework with new regulations, including:

  • National Environment (Air Quality Standards) Regulations, S.I. No. 22 of 2024
  • National Environment (Hazardous Chemicals Management) Regulations, 2024
  • National Environment (Protection Force) Regulations, 2024 among others.

Political Will and National Commitment

Environmental protection is deeply embedded in Uganda’s national planning and budgeting. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued multiple directives to safeguard wetlands and led nationwide campaigns promoting environmental stewardship.

Looking Ahead

Uganda’s impressive rankings are not just accolades—they reflect a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability. With ongoing efforts and strengthened policies, the country is poised to achieve even greater milestones in environmental conservation.