NEMA through its Division of Chemical Safety, Radiation and Pollution Prevention has instituted a technical committee for management of chemicals in Uganda.

The committee comprise of experts from other government agencies and ministries to support interlinkages in the management and implementation of the implementation of the provisions in the National Environment (Management of Hazardous Chemicals and Products Containing Chemicals) Regulations, 2024.

Speaking during the first meeting of technical committee on chemical management in Uganda, the Executive Director of NEMA, Dr. Barirega Akankwasah stated the committee will help to harmonise all other regulations from other government sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and others.

Representing Uganda National Bureau of Standards, Mr. Othieno Andrew said the committee will help in inter agency coordination and cross referencing. He also added that they will remain proactive to ensure the objective of the committee is achieved.

Dr. Emmanuel Tebandeke, Head, Department of Chemistry, Makerere University added that the committee should ensure there are no loopholes for defaulting by incorporating information from other ministries such as Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Energy and others.

These initiatives reinforces NEMA’s efforts in ensuring effective management of hazardous chemicals and products containing chemicals in Uganda.