The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), in partnership with the Kanungu District Local Government, hosted a radio talk show to highlight the critical roles of stakeholders in advancing environmental management and sustainability in Uganda.

The eSpeaking on KBS FM 95.4, Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, Executive Director of NEMA, urged the people of Kanungu to understand their responsibilities and actively participate in conservation efforts. He emphasised that Uganda has made significant progress in reversing environmental degradation, noting:

• Wetland cover has improved from 8% in 2017 to 13.8% in 2025.
• Forest cover has risen from 9% in 2009 to 13% in 2025.
• Wildlife populations have shown remarkable recovery.

“These gains must be protected,” Dr. Akankwasah stressed, adding that Uganda’s drive toward middle-income status—anchored in Agriculture, Tourism, Mining, and Services (ATMS)—depends heavily on a healthy environment.

Also present during the program were Mr. Agaba, District Natural Resource Officer for Kanungu, and Mr. Ikilai, Manager of Education and Advocacy at NEMA.

Uganda’s Recent Achievements in Environmental Management

• In FY2023/2024, 1,598 hectares of degraded wetlands were restored.
• Uganda’s wetlands cover approximately 33,762 km² (13.9%) of the country’s surface area.
  • 22,457 km² (9.3%) remain intact.
  • 11,305 km² (4.7%) are degraded (as of 2025).
• By 2025, Uganda had gazetted 8,614 wetlands nationwide.

Agreed Action Points from Kanungu District Engagement

For NEMA

1. Produce household reference guidebooks on sustainable environmental management, translated into local languages.
2. Promote alternatives to Kaveera (plastic bags) through subsidies and tax incentives.

For Kanungu District Leaders

1. Sustain district-wide sensitisation on environmental issues.
2. Ensure wetland encroachers are identified and held accountable.
3. Align restoration efforts with national standards.
4. Strengthen collective enforcement of environmental laws.
5. Compile and share an inventory of all gazetted areas (wetlands and other protected sites).

This framework reinforces the shared responsibility between NEMA and local governments in safeguarding Uganda’s natural resources. By working together, Kanungu can contribute meaningfully to national sustainability goals while protecting its own ecological heritage.