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The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is organized into four (4) specialized departments, each dedicated to various aspects of environmental protection, policy implementation, and sustainable resource management.
Executive Director
National Environment Management Authority
The Executive Director (ED) is the Chief Executive and Accounting Officer of NEMA. The ED is responsible for; the day-to-day administration and operations of the Authority, which are accomplished through strategic planning, resource mobilization, and effective fund and property management. His duties include ensuring accountability, supporting the Board and Policy Committee on Environment, and maintaining the Authority's overall effectiveness in achieving its mandate and vision. Additionally, he fosters stakeholder partnerships at national, regional, and international levels for effective environmental management. He promotes corporate governance and oversees efficient management across all departments. The Office of the Executive Director consists of two divisions - Legal and Corporate Affairs, and Strategic Planning and Partnerships - and five units: Procurement, Monitoring and Evaluation, Corporate Communications, Crime Intelligence, and Internal Audit and Risk Management. These divisions and units report directly to the Executive Director, providing essential support across all departments to ensure the achievement of targets and effective implementation of the Authority's mandate. The office has a total staff of 27 employees.
Senior Manager, Human Resources, Administration, and Finance National Environment Management Authority
The department is headed by Senior Manager Elweru David William and is organised into three key divisions: Human Resources, Administration, and Finance. The Human Resources division focuses on managing the recruitment, development, and welfare of staff, ensuring that the organisation attracts and retains top talent. The Administration division handles the day-to-day operations, streamlining processes to enhance efficiency and productivity across all units, while the Finance division is responsible for managing the organisation's financial resources and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Together, these divisions work to support the organisation's mission and strategic goals. As part of the restructuring efforts, NEMA successfully recruited at least half of the new staff structure of 413 staff. As of June 2024, the total number of staff with the organisation is 217.
The department of Environmental Planning and Coordination (EPC) is responsible for environment planning, research, innovations, information management and public participation for sustainable environment management. Other functions include: development and implementation of environment and natural resources ecosystems, species and genetic resources management plans and strategies, coordination and implementation of research and innovations for sustainable environmental management, public education and awareness, coordinating lead agencies, non-state actors and academic, among other functions. The department is headed by the Senior Manager Francis Sabino Ogwal whose key role is to “coordinate environment planning, research, innovations, information management and public participation for sustainable environment management”. The department comprises three divisions: The division of Planning & Coordination, the division of Environment Education & Advocacy, and the division of Information Systems and also consists of two units: The Research & Innovations Unit and the Natural Resources Specialists Unit. The department also coordinates projects implemented by the Authority. The current projects majorly focus on enhancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable development through integrated landscape management, equitable access and benefit-sharing of genetic resources, climate adaptation and mitigation, and alignment with global biodiversity frameworks, ensuring resilient ecosystems and improved livelihoods for communities. They include: Mt. Elgon Project (Promoting Integrated Landscape Management approach for conservation of the Mt Elgon Ecosystem in Eastern Uganda), ABS (Access and Benefit Sharing), GCF (Green Climate Fund) Project on Wetland Ecosystem and Early Action Project (Alignment of National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan II (NBSAP II) to Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The department has a total of 53 staff members, 30 in the mainstream and 24 in projects.
Senior Manager, Department of Environmental Planning and Coordination National Environment Management Authority
The department implements environmental monitoring and compliance of the regulated community. It ensures effective implementation of procedures and guidelines and provides technical guidance in the area of Environment Assessment. The department is led by the Senior Manager Eng. Leila Akello Gonasa whose role is to provide overall leadership and coordinate environment compliance assessment of developments in the country. The department of Environment Compliance consists of three divisions (Environment Assessment; Oil, Gas, and Minerals; Chemical Safety, Radiation, and Pollution Prevention) and Compliance Assistance Unit and has 38 staff.
Senior Manager, Department of Environmental Compliance National Environment Management Authority
The department of Environment Enforcement and Field Operations is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to prevent environment crime; environment monitoring, inspections and audits to ensure that developers comply with laws and set environmental standards and conditions and best environment practices. The department plays a crucial role in safeguarding the environment through a comprehensive approach that includes intelligence-led surveillance, operations, and prosecution-led investigations. This robust strategy ensures effective coordination of environmental protection efforts. Additionally, the department oversees all activities conducted by regional offices and collaborates with other law enforcement agencies in environment management to strengthen enforcement of environmental laws and regulations. Furthermore, the department coordinates all environment audits, monitoring, and inspections, significantly contributing to the achievement of NEMA’s mandate and ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources. Led by Senior Manager Victor Nahabwe, the department comprises a team of 72 staff members. It is structured into three divisions. The divisions include the division of the Environmental Protection Force, the division of Field Operations, and the division of Environmental Inspection, Audits, and Monitoring.
Senior Manager, Department of Environment Enforcement and Field Operations National Environment Management Authority
