The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has intensified restoration efforts by planting over 15,000 indigenous tree species in preparation for the International Day for Biodiversity (IDB), to be commemorated on May 22, 2026.

A team led by the Commissioner for Enforcement and Field Operations, representing the NEMA Executive Director, officially flagged off the exercise at River Makhuba. Restoration activities included planting species such as Gravela, Prunus Africana, and bamboo grasses along 4.5 km of River Makhuba in Mbale District, while other teams worked on River Sundet in Kween District.

Civil society organisations such as Towerco for Africa donated 9,300 assorted indigenous seedlings, and more partners encouraged to join.

This year’s IDB was celebrated under the national theme: “Acting locally to restore degraded ecosystems”, aligned with the international theme: “Acting locally for global impact.” Community participation was central to the exercise, with local leaders, women, men, and youth actively involved. In total, over 20,000 indigenous trees and grasses were planted across Mbale and Kween districts.

Speaking at the event in Bukiende Sub-county, Mbale District, chief guest Eng. Maximo Twinomuhanji, Principal Hydrologist at the Ministry of Water and Environment, emphasised that local community involvement is critical to the success of restoration activities. NEMA Board Chairperson Prof. James Okot-Okumu echoed this, stressing that sustainability depends on active community engagement. Mr. Ogwal Francis Sabino, Commissioner for Environment Planning and Coordination at NEMA, highlighted the broader impact: “When you’re talking about environment protection in Uganda, the benefits go far beyond us… including Egypt. The Mt. Elgon landscape provides both local and global benefits.”

The restoration exercise and IDB celebrations are supported by the Mt. Elgon Project, housed within NEMA, with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).