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.

While speaking 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. “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

He emphasised that Uganda has made significant progress in reversing environmental degradation, noting:

1. Forest cover declined from 24% in 1990 to 9% of land surface in 2015 and now improved to 12.7% in 2025
   • Regional average is 21% and global average is 31% of land surface.
2. The wetland cover increased from 9% in 2017 to the level estimated at 13.9%. Of this 9.3% is intact and the rest is under some form of degradation.
   • Africa continent average is 3% while global average is 6% of land surface.
   • By 2025, Uganda had gazetted 8,614 wetlands nationwide.
   • 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).
3. Most Wildlife species have recovered and continue to flourish. Elephants from just 2000 in 1983 to now 8,342; Buffaloes from 25,000 in 1983 to 40,000, Gorillas in Bwindi from 320 in 2003 to 500 now, Giraffes 153 in 1995 to 1,650 today, Uganda Kob 30,000 in 1995 to now 146,250 above 70,000 at independence.
4. Average air quality level across Uganda is 13µg/m³, which is considered safe for every citizen.
   • Local air quality varies according to weather, traffic flow, nature of roads and emissions.

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.