NEMA’s Statutory Functions
Section 9 (2) of the NEA Cap 181 provides for the statutory functions of NEMA, which are to:

1. Advise on the formulation and implementation of environmental and climate change policies, plans and programs;
2. Advises the Minister responsible for Environment on legislative proposals and standards relating/pertaining to the environment;
3. Advise the Minister of Water and Environment (MWE) on the harmonization of policies of Government with respect to the environment and natural resources;
4. Support the mainstreaming and integration of environmental concerns in the national and sectoral plans through coordination and collaboration with Lead Agencies;
5. Require Lead Agencies to report and account for the execution of their mandate in relation to environment management as prescribed in the Act and any other applicable law;
6. Issue environmental compliance certificates;
7. Regulate, monitor and coordinate private sector, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, cultural; institutions, indigenous people and other local communities and religious institutions on issues related to the environment;
8. Regulate environmental practitioners in the conduct of environmental and social impact assessment, and environmental audit processes;
9. Review and make decisions on environmental and social impact assessments, environmental audits and other studies or reports submitted in accordance with the Act or any other applicable law;
10. Issue permits and licenses in accordance with the Act and any other applicable law;
11. Undertake and coordinate environmental monitoring, inspections and compliance audits;
12. Undertake and support research in innovations, new technologies and emerging issues on environment;
13. Prepare and disseminate the National State of the Environment Report;
14. Support the preparation and dissemination of the National Environment Action Plan;
15. Undertakes public environmental awareness and literacy’s. coordinate Lead Agencies in their preparedness and response to environmental emergencies or disasters;
16. Coordinate Lead Agencies in their preparedness and response to environmental emergencies or disasters;
17. Supports the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements for which the Authority is the focal point;
18. Advises the Minister on legislative and other measures for the management of the environment or the implementation of relevant international conventions, treaties and agreements in the field of environment, as the case may be;
19. Advises the Government on regional and international environmental conventions, treaties and agreements to which Uganda should be a party to and follow up the implementation of such agreements where Uganda is a party; and
20. Enforce the provisions of the Act.