National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)

"Ensuring Sustainable Development​"

National Environment Sustainability Awards 2026 

Eligibility

a). Must have undertaken ESIA studies and possess valid certificates of approval of ESIA where applicable.

b). Evidence of annual environmental audits undertaken consistently, where applicable.

c). Possess valid licenses and permits related to environmental management, where applicable.

d). Applicants MUST NOT HAVE any on-going litigations in the Courts of Law against them in regard to environment degradation.

e). Must:   

      i. Submit completed and signed application    

     ii. Attach all supporting evidence    

    iii. Meet application deadlines    

    vi. Any form of Lobbying shall result in automatic disqualification.

Specific Criteria

No. Categories Parameters
1 Circular Economy Innovation Award
This award category will recognize firms that have excelled in innovations that promote: 
-      Sustainable use of resources 
-      Value addition to what would otherwise be waste 
-      Significant reduction in GHG emissions 
-      Creation of Green Jobs 
-      Elimination of Pollution
2 Green Financial Institution Award
This award will recognise a financal institutions that have excelled in integrating ESG principles in its business portfolio and management practices. 
-      Green finance as a proportion of the total portfolio 
-      Presence of a robust ESG framework Annual budget allocation for ESG policy implementation as a proportion of the total operations budget 
-      Ecosystems restoration
3 Environmental Journalism & Media Award
-   Best Television Station
-   Best Radio Station 
-   Best Print Media
-   Best Online media
-   Best Journalist
This award will recognise media firms and or journalists that have excelled in environmental reporting. 
-      Media space dedicated to environmental matters. 
-      Accuracy and evidence-based reporting 
-      Translating complex climate science metrics into accessible, accurate formats for non-technical stakeholders.
-     Environmental knowledge-sharing and awareness platforms
4 Biodiversity Conservation Award Recognises organisations that have excelled in biodiversity conservation in Uganda, through 
-      Species conservation 
-      Habitat restoration 
-      Ecosystem conservation 
5 Lead Agency Award
-   Central Government
-   Local Government
This award will recognise Lead Agency institutions that have excelled in executing their mandate through:   
-      Evidence of active implementation of the respective mandate in the area of environmental management.
-      Ecosystem restoration 
-       Timely submission of reports to NEMA as required by law
6 Climate Smart Agriculture Award This award will recognise an organisation or firm that has excelled in sustainable climate-smart agriculture through: 
-      Quantified emissions avoided or carbon stored through project activities. 
-      Use of organic integrated pesticides and avoidance of harmful chemicals 
-      Climate change adaptation 
-      Water conservation Ecosystem conservation 
7 Community Environmental Stewardship Award This award will recognise community-based organisations that have excelled in mobilising and empowering communties in sustainable environment stewardship. 
-      Community-based ecosystem restoration 
-      Community waste management initiatives 
-      Environmental knowledge-sharing and awareness platforms
8 Climate Resilient Initiative Award This award will recognise firms or individuals that have demonstrable innovations for practical climate change mitigation and adaptation 
-      Greenhouse Gas emissions avoided 
-      Climate-induced risk prevention and management interventions 
-      Society value in terms of green jobs and incomes 
-      Nature based solutions innovated 
9 Environmental Development Partner Award This award will recognise organisations from the development partner community that have dedicated significant resources for sustainable environmental management in Uganda 
-     Biodiversity conservation 
-     Pollution prevention and management 
-     Climate change management 
10 Green School Award This award will recognise a school or education institution that has excelled in sustainable environment best practices 
-     Waste management 
-     Tree planting
-      Water and energy conservation
11 Environmental Research Award This award will recognise research institutions/individuals for breakthrough, innovative, published research that addresses contemporary environmental problems in Uganda in the following areas: 
-      Pollution Prevention and Control 
-      Biodiversity loss prevention and management 
-      Climate change mitigation and adaptation
12 Youth Environmental Champion Award This category is for young leaders driving environmental sustainability and will consider the following aspects: 
-      Initiatives/ technologies developed to improve resource (water, energy and materials) efficient use 
-      Climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives/ technologies 
-      Implemented green economy and cleaner production practices and technologies 
-      Initiatives for waste minimisation and pollution control. 
-      Initiatives for ecosystems restorations