As we reflect on the National Environment Management Authority's (NEMA) journey since 1995, we take pride in our mandate to regulate, monitor, supervise, and coordinate all environmental activities, ensuring the sustainable utilization of Uganda's natural resources.

A major milestone has been the successful rollout of our automated Environment Licensing Management and Information System (ELMIS) on March 1st, 2024. Currently, two modules - ESIA and Practitioners - are operational, with updates underway to include Compliance, Environment Audits, Permits, Licenses, and Feedback. This system has improved operational efficiency and moved many processes online. To ensure its effective use, training sessions were conducted for 70 NEMA staff, 40 lead agencies, and 170 environment practitioners.

In collaboration with stakeholders such as the Ministry of Water and Environment, Uganda National Roads Authority, and Kampala Capital City Authority, we initiated phase one of the restoration efforts aimed at recovering 1,526 hectares of the degraded Lubigi wetland system. Restoration efforts focused on areas such as Kyengera, Nansana, Busega, and Sentema Road. Additionally, 100 environment inspectors were trained in accordance with Section 127 of the National Environment Act, Cap. 181, to strengthen our enforcement capabilities.

I extend my sincere gratitude to all stakeholders, including government ministries, departments and agencies, local governments, international agencies, civil society, and the private sector, for their unwavering support in promoting environmental sustainability.

I also thank the NEMA Board of Directors for their strategic guidance and our dedicated staff for their tireless efforts. The Board's oversight has ensured sound corporate governance and exceptional organizational performance, particularly in restructuring and operationalizing our new organizational structure.

Barirega  Akankwasah , PhD

Executive Director, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)