Uganda Celebrates Sustainability Champions

NEMA spotlighted Uganda’s champions of sustainability through the third edition of the National Environment Sustainability Awards, held on Friday, 19th June 2026 under the theme “Innovation for Climate Resilience”. From circular economy innovation to green schools, NEMA honoured individuals and organisations driving climate-smart agriculture, biodiversity conservation, environmental journalism, and more.

This annual ceremony is designed to celebrate innovation, resilience, and leadership in tackling environmental challenges across the country. Emceed by Maurice Mugisha and Siima Sabiti, the event was graced by Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, the Minister for Water and Environment, as the Chief Guest. The minister emphasised the need for stronger protection of wetlands and other fragile ecosystems. He also called for collective responsibility in preserving the environment for future generations.

Rtd. Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, Ministry of Water and Environment

The event commenced with a cocktail reception at 5:00p.m, providing an engaging networking opportunity for guests, and concluded with a dinner at about 11:00p.m. Attendance was robust, with close to 300 guests, including high-ranking government officials, private sector executives, development partners, academia, media, civil society, and individuals involved in environmental innovation and advocacy.

NEMA Executive Director Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, gave the opening remarks, and reiterated theAuthority’s commitment to promoting environmental sustainability. He also recognised the efforts of various stakeholders whose initiatives continue to contribute to Uganda’s green growth agenda.

Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, Executive Director – NEMA

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, Governor of the Bank of Uganda, who highlighted the economic implications of climate change and underscored the importance of investing in climate resilience as a prerequisite for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.

Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, Governor – Bank of Uganda

Categories, Winners and Runners-up

No	Award Category	Nominees and winners	Overall ranking	Justification
1	Circular Economy Innovation Award	Hima Cement Limited (Kasese)	Overall winner	Hima Cement Limited is transforming industrial sustainability through innovative circular economy practices. By repurposing over 1,300tons of kiln dust into agricultural lime, capturing waste heat for reuse and co-processing hazardous and non-hazardous wastes, the company recovers energy and materials that would otherwise be discarded. In 2025 alone, it utilized over 63,000 tonnes of alternative fuels, significantly reducing coal consumption by over 31,000tons and associated carbon emissions. The company also upgraded its hot gas generator to replace heavy furnace oil with 100% biomass—demonstrating a strong commitment to resource efficiency and climate resilience.
		Bioconvision (Uganda) Limited	First runners up	Bioconvision Uganda Limited is pioneering sustainable waste management through its innovative Black Soldier Fly farming model. The company transforms organic waste from markets, schools, hotels, restaurants, agro-industries, and invasive water hyacinth from Lake Victoria into high-value products. These include protein-rich animal feed and organic fertilizer, creating a circular system that reduces waste, supports sustainable agriculture, and contributes to environmental conservation while generating economic opportunities and creating green jobs.
		Euroflex Limited	Second runners up	Euroflex Limited has embedded circular economy principles throughout its manufacturing operations. The company recycles 95 percent of foam offcuts into orthopedic mattresses while smaller foam remnants are converted into pillows. Fabric waste is repurposed into pillow covers, chemical drums are safely recycled, and worn-out tyres are retreaded for reuse. Through innovative cutting technology that has reduced fabric waste to less than two percent, Euroflex continues to demonstrate leadership in waste reduction, resource efficiency, and sustainable production.
2	Environmental Research Award	National Agricultural Research Organization	Overall winner	The National Agricultural Research Organisation has achieved a breakthrough in green veterinary biotechnology through the development of NAROVAC-ATV1, Uganda’s locally developed anti-tick vaccine. Built from locally adapted tick proteins, the vaccine has demonstrated over 80 to 90 percent effectiveness against major tick species. Supported by a state-of-the-art production facility, this innovation reduces dependence on toxic chemical acaricides, lowers livestock losses, and positions Uganda as a regional leader in sustainable livestock health solutions with the capacity to produce up to 36 million doses annually.
3	Climate Smart Agriculture Award	Kinyara Sugar Limited	Overall winner	Kinyara Sugar Limited has advanced to climate smart agriculture by adopting climate smart innovations such as green cane harvesting, legume-based fallowing, recycling of factory wastes and establishment of state-of-the-art bio-products and predator laboratories. Consequently, the facility has a biofertiliser production capacity of over 10,000Litre per month, bio-pesticides production capacity of 2,000 grubs per month thereby reducing chemical fertilizer dependence by 30% and completely eliminating the need for imported chemical pesticides.
		Rwimi Uganda prisons farms (Mukono branch)	First runner up	Rwimi Uganda Prisons Farms is building climate resilience through modern agricultural innovation. The farm has introduced automated irrigation systems, produces certified drought-tolerant hybrid maize seed, and is investing in climate-controlled storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses. With solar-powered operations, sustainable land management practices, and climate-smart agriculture training for inmates and farm managers, the initiative is enhancing food security while preparing communities for a changing climate.
		Kyakuwa Farm	Second runner up	Kyakuwa Farm stands out as a model for urban climate-smart agriculture. Working closely with researchers, the farm demonstrates innovative solutions including hydroponic fodder production, feed formulation from recycled organic waste, and the conversion of agricultural residues into silage and hay. It also promotes organic pest control and transforms livestock manure into charcoal briquettes, creating a circular system that reduces waste, supports food production, and provides renewable energy alternatives.
4	Climate Resilient Initiative Award	Running Out of Trees (ROOTS)	Overall winner	Running Out of Trees, commonly known as ROOTS, is a national restoration initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Water and Environment together with public and private sector partners. The initiative aims to restore Uganda’s tree cover by planting 200 million trees over five years, symbolizing one tree for every Ugandan. By mobilizing communities, institutions, and businesses across the country, ROOTS is strengthening climate resilience, restoring degraded landscapes, and creating a greener future for generations to come.
5. Environmental Journalism & Media Award
	*Individual journalist*	Gerald Tenywa – winner	Overall winner	Gerald Tenywa has distinguished himself through impactful environmental journalism focused on biodiversity conservation, wetland protection, pollution, and climate change. His investigative series on the destruction of Bugoma Forest amplified public awareness about threats to wildlife and ecosystems while contributing to national discussions on elevating the forest’s protection status. Through consistent reporting, he continues to inform, educate, and inspire action for environmental stewardship across Uganda.
		Joshua Kagoro (NBS)	First runners up	Joshua Kagoro has consistently highlighted critical environmental issues through compelling and solution-oriented reporting. His work has explored forest conservation in Kibale National Park, innovative plastic waste recycling initiatives, and the growing challenge of air pollution in Kampala. By examining causes, impacts, and practical solutions, his reporting has strengthened public understanding of environmental sustainability and climate resilience
		Bakkabulindi Paul	Second runners up	Bakkabulindi Paul has utilized digital media to raise awareness about environmental protection through creative and accessible public messaging. His video content highlighting the dangers of plastic pollution and the importance of environmental stewardship has helped communicate sustainability issues to wider audiences, encouraging responsible behavior and greater public engagement in environmental conservation.
	Environmental Journalism Award (TV)	Uganda Broadcasting Corporation	Overall winner	Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) provides significant airtime on dedicated programming focused on climate resilience, pollution control, and conservation. Key Environmental Initiatives and Programs include: Dedicated Talk Shows: UBC features specific environmental talk shows that tackle topics such as tree planting, plastic waste upcycling, and sustainable agriculture. National Coverage Partnerships: UBC regularly partners with the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to broadcast national events live, such as World Wetlands Day and the Uganda Water and Environment Week. Spotlight and Current Affairs: Prime time current affairs segments (such as Spot Light UG and live broadcasts on climate policy) provide airtime for advocates and government officials to discuss environmental regulations.
		NTV	First runner up	NTV Uganda dedicates airtime to environmental issues through dedicated news segments, flagship morning shows, and special broadcast campaigns on several environmental issues. Some of the programs include: Eco-talk, morning at NTV, NTV tonight.
		NBS	Second runner up	NBS Television Uganda integrates environmental advocacy directly into its programming through major prime-time campaigns like “Taasa Obutonde” and the “15 million Trees” initiative, which actively tackle plastic pollution and reforestation.
	Environmental Journalism Award (Print)	New vision	Overall winner	Through consistent reporting, New Vision has elevated environmental issues from niche concerns to national priorities, bridging the gap between government policy, community action, and public awareness. Its coverage has not only informed Ugandans but also showcased Uganda’s environmental progress on the global stage.
	Environmental Journalism Award (Print)	Daily Monitor	First runner up	Through consistent reporting, Daily Monitor has positioned environmental issues as both a national priority and a community responsibility. By focusing on youth-led initiatives, waste management innovations, and forest restoration, the newspaper bridges the gap between policy frameworks and everyday Ugandan realities.
	Environmental Journalism Award (Online Media)	Nile post	Overall winner	Allocates dedicated digital sub-sections, text features, multimedia publications, and social media platforms to provide continuous coverage of environmental issues.
		Chimp Reports	First runner up	It dedicatedly allocates editorial categories, investigative reporting tags, multimedia op-eds, and event sponsorship spaces to cover climate change, wildlife conservation, and ecological decay in Uganda
		UGPOST	Second runner up	Published relevant stories on: – Solar-Powered Irrigation Gives Ugandan Farmers Hope Amid Climate Uncertainty. – Climate Change: From floods to droughts, struggles of an East Africa under threat of a food crisis
6	Lead Agency Award
	Central Government	Uganda Wildlife Authority	Overall winner	The Uganda Wildlife Authority continues to demonstrate leadership in biodiversity conservation through the development of management plans for protected areas, restoration of wildlife habitats, and recovery of endangered species. Through robust ecological monitoring systems and successful conservation interventions, including the return of species once extinct in Uganda, UWA remains at the forefront of safeguarding the country’s rich natural heritage for future generations.
		Climate Change Department – MWE	First runner up	The Climate Change Department has played a transformative role in strengthening Uganda’s climate governance framework. Through the enactment and operationalization of the National Climate Change Act, the department has established a comprehensive legal foundation for climate resilience and emissions management. It has also enhanced climate reporting systems and expanded Uganda’s participation in international carbon markets, positioning the country to attract climate investment while advancing sustainable development.
		Directorate of Water Resources Management (DWRM) – MWE	Second runner up	– The Directorate of Water Resources Management is advancing sustainable water governance through integrated catchment management planning. By promoting coordinated conservation efforts across districts and ecosystems, the directorate is helping to restore watersheds, improve water security, and strengthen resilience to climate-related challenges.
	Urban Authorities	Kampala Capital City Authority	Overall winner	Kampala Capital City Authority is leading urban environmental transformation through innovative air quality management, urban greening, and public health initiatives. With over 100 air quality monitors installed across the city and the launch of the Clean Air Action Strategy, KCCA is strengthening environmental resilience while improving urban health. Through extensive tree planting, restoration of green corridors, and enforcement against noise pollution, the Authority is creating a cleaner, greener, and more livable capital city.
		Gulu City	First runner up	– Partnered with the Natural Resources Stewardship Programme (NatuReS) to form the Gulu Integrated Catchment Management Partnership intended to combat wetland degradation around critical resources like the Oyitino Valley Dam to secure the city’s water supply – Implemented localized “Plant a Tree” campaigns across major roads, schools, and health centers to expand the city’s urban canopy, filter storm water, and lower ambient temperatures. – “Keep Gulu City Clean” Movements: Institutionalized recurring monthly clean-up days, driving massive volunteer and youth mobilization campaigns to clear urban garbage, clear drainage lines, and foster public civic pride. – Establishing the “Road Gang” System: Deployed structured, dedicated sanitation teams tasked with continuous manual sweeping, collection, and maintenance of primary city corridors.
		Soroti City	Second runner up	Soroti City is laying the foundation for a climate-resilient future through the development of a comprehensive Environmental Action Plan. Guided by NEMA, the city is transitioning from reactive environmental management to a proactive approach that prioritizes solid waste management, wetland protection, urban forestry, clean energy adoption, and ecosystem restoration. These efforts position Soroti as an emerging model for sustainable urban development in Uganda.
	Local Government	Nakapiripirit District Local Government	Overall winner	Nakapiripirit District Local Government is addressing environmental degradation through re-afforestation, ecosystem restoration, and climate adaptation initiatives. By promoting assisted natural regeneration, restoring critical catchments, integrating disaster risk mapping into local planning, and protecting biodiversity around Mt. Kadam and Pian Upe, the district is strengthening community resilience while safeguarding natural resources. Its collaborative approach demonstrates how environmental conservation can be integrated into local development.
		Kamuli District Local Government	First runner up	Kamuli District Local Government is advancing environmental sustainability through riverbank restoration and community-based water resource management. By stabilizing vulnerable riverbanks with indigenous vegetation and empowering local water user committees to protect water sources, the district is reducing erosion, safeguarding ecosystems, and improving water security. These initiatives are helping communities adapt to environmental challenges while promoting sustainable resource management.
		Nwoya District Local Government	Second runner up	Nwoya District Local Government is championing climate resilience through agroforestry, wetland restoration, and community environmental education. By supplying tree seedlings, establishing institutional woodlots, and restoring fragile wetland ecosystems, the district is improving biodiversity and strengthening local livelihoods. Its support for climate-smart agriculture is helping communities adapt to changing environmental conditions while protecting critical natural resources.
7	Youth Environmental Champion Award	Uganda’s little Hands Go Green		For more than a decade, Uganda’s Little Hands Go Green has inspired young people to become environmental champions. Through tree planting, recycling initiatives, environmental education, and the annual Children’s Climate March, the organization has empowered over 800,000 Go Green Ambassadors and distributed more than 400,000 fruit trees across Uganda. By engaging schools and amplifying children’s voices on climate action, the organization is nurturing a generation committed to protecting the environment.
8	Green Financial Institution Award	Absa Bank Uganda	Overall winner	Absa Bank Uganda has demonstrated outstanding commitment to sustainable development through impactful sustainability and financial inclusion initiatives which have mobilized over UGX 258 billion toward green energy, smart grid technologies, electric mobility, and women-led businesses. The bank has strengthened its commitment to environmental stewardship by undertaking environmental and social risk screening of all lending applications, encouraging the staff to actively participate in community engagements and tree planting and scaling its tree-planting target to 2 million trees. Furthermore, the institution successfully integrated environmental education into youth and financial literacy programs to reach over 30,703 beneficiaries, while simultaneously executing internal greening practices that achieved a 30% energy saving alongside substantial rainwater harvesting.
8	Green Financial Institution Award	Stanbic Bank Ltd		Stanbic Bank Uganda’s contributions to green financing are both policy-driven and grassroots-focused. By aligning with national climate strategies, supporting SMEs through incubators, and empowering women and youth, the bank is helping Uganda build a resilient, low-carbon economy.
9	Community Environmental Stewardship Award	Bigodi community	Overall winner	Since 1992, the Bigodi community, operating near the Kibale National Park, has championed environmental stewardship through the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED), successfully promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecotourism along the Bigodi Wetland. The community has restored degraded sections of the swamp with indigenous trees, deployed decentralized anaerobic baffled reactors for wastewater processing, and enforcing strict zoning laws across an 8 km-long wetland corridor to balance conservation with sustainable resource harvesting. Furthermore, the Bigodi community initiative has mitigated agricultural encroachment by equipping 80 bordering households with financial support and alternative livelihood initiatives, while fostering community-wide eco-literacy through institutional waste management campaigns, peer-to-peer farmer hubs, and involving schools in environmental protection.
		Nkuringo Community Conservation and Development Foundation (NCCDF).	First runner up	The Nkuringo Community Conservation and Development Foundation, is a community-led conservation initiative along the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The initiative has established a 17km buffer separating the community and the park thereby protecting farmlands from wildlife, reducing soil erosion and conserving biodiversity. The initiative also promotes ecotourism through eco-lodges that provide alternative income sources to the community thereby reducing poaching and demonstrating how communities can thrive while safeguarding one of Uganda’s most important biodiversity hotspots.
		Mabamba Wetland Ecotourism Association (MWETA)	Second runner up	The Mabamba Wetland Ecotourism Association has played a vital role in conserving one of Uganda’s most important wetland ecosystems. Through community patrols, wetland fire prevention, tree planting, waste clean-up campaigns, and environmental education, MWETA has significantly reduced threats to the wetland while promoting sustainable livelihoods. By engaging residents, fishermen, and tourists in conservation efforts, the association continues to protect Mabamba’s biodiversity and ecological value of the ecosystem for future generations.
10	Environmental Development partner	UN Environment Programme	Overall Winner	– Supported in review, alignment, and implementation of Uganda’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (moving into NBSAP III, 2025–2030) with the post-2020 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). – Supported in establishment of Clearing House Mechanism platform intended to improve public information sharing, biodiversity data tracking, and reporting under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). – Supports the implementation of Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Project that is intended to establish frameworks and build capacity of local and national technocrats and institutions to implement Nagoya Protocol. – Supports the implementation of Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) Project, an initiative that introduces nature-based solutions to mitigate extreme weather impacts across fragile locations like Mount Elgon and the Kumi/Hoima wetland systems. It equips local communities with climate-smart agricultural training to restore degraded woodlands and riverbanks while building climate resilience. – Supports Uganda’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC Action Project) implementation through support in development of regulations, capacity building, and financial modeling strategies to scale up public and private investments in climate-friendly technologies. – Supports the development and revision of the National Implementation plan (NIP) that establishes the monitoring, inventory and safe disposal frameworks for Persistent Organic pollutants. – Worked with EU to support SWITCH Africa green that was intended to support Uganda’s private sector transition towards Sustainable Consumption and Production through compliance assistance and establishment of an enabling framework.
		European Union	First runner up	– Committed 48M Euros towards enhancing forestry management and conservation in Uganda. The initiative is intended to finance forest restoration, strengthen regulations against illegal timber trafficking, and protect fragile indigenous forest ecosystems. – Worked with UN Environment Programme to support SWITCH Africa green that was intended to support Uganda’s private sector transition towards Sustainable Consumption and Production through compliance assistance and establishment of an enabling framework.
		United Nations Development Programme	Second runner up	– Supported the implementation of “The Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Project”, a foundational pilot initiative that integrated economic incentives into conservation, rewarding local land managers for conserving delicate habitats and protecting vital watersheds. – Supported in implementation of the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) aimed at supporting Uganda achieve target 18 of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) that requires that by 2025 countries (including Uganda) will be able to identify, eliminate, phase out or reform harmful incentives for biodiversity. – Supports implementation of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) project, an initiative that aims to conserve Uganda’s genetic resources and traditional knowledge while ensuring fair, sustainable benefits from their use. It strengthens institutional (NEMA) capacity to implement the Nagoya Protocol, targeting communities in Karamoja and southwestern Uganda. – Supported implementation of a program on Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Effective Implementation of Rio Conventions in Uganda. This was intended to strengthen institutional capacity for Rio Conventions implementation and environmental data and information management in Uganda to improve the reporting process to the Rio Conventions and ensure sustainable development through better design and enforcement of environmental policy.
11	Biodiversity Conservation Award	Dr. Jibril Semakura Owomugisha	Overall winner	Dr. Jibril is a passionate conservationist and restoration champion whose work has transformed degraded landscapes across Uganda. Through Million Trees International Organization, he has mobilized communities, institutions, and security forces to plant nearly one million indigenous and fruit trees. His leadership has restored forests and ecosystems in Kasese, Kisoro, Busoga, and Kasyoha-Kitomi, while also representing Uganda’s urban forestry efforts on international platforms. His dedication continues to inspire large-scale action for biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration.
12	Green school of the Year
	Primary School	St. Maria Gorreth Mpugwe Primary School	Overall winner	St. Maria Goretti Mpugwe Primary School has become a national model for environmental education and sustainability. The school has distributed more than 10,000 tree seedlings, established vegetable gardens in dozens of schools and households, and transformed waste plastics into educational materials and income-generating products. Through practical environmental learning, water conservation, and recycling innovations, the school is nurturing a new generation of environmental stewards while inspiring institutions across Uganda to embrace sustainable practices.
	Primary School	Mwisi Primary schools	First Runner up	Mwisi Primary School is fostering environmental responsibility among young learners through active tree-planting initiatives and the promotion of fruit tree growing. By encouraging pupils to participate in environmental conservation activities, the school is helping to create greener communities while instilling lifelong values of sustainability, climate action, and environmental stewardship.
	Secondary School	Nabisunsa Girls school	Overall winner	Nabisunsa Girls School has embraced sustainability through innovative waste management and environmental conservation initiatives. Students repurpose discarded plastics for urban gardening and greenhouse projects, while organic waste is converted into manure for school gardens. The school actively promotes tree planting, rainwater harvesting, and environmental awareness, creating a greener campus and demonstrating how education can drive climate resilience and sustainable living.
	Secondary School	Nyakasura School	First Runner up	Nyakasura School continues to champion environmental conservation through student-led clubs, tree planting campaigns, and regional greening initiatives. As a participant in the Nehemiah Programme for Greening Schools in the Tooro sub-region, the school has empowered students to become environmental ambassadors while expanding tree cover both within the school and surrounding communities. Its commitment to environmental education is shaping future leaders for a sustainable Uganda.

Key Highlights

Recognition of environmental champions and institutions making significant contributions to sustainable development.
Promotion of innovative solutions aimed at enhancing climate resilience.
Strengthening collaboration among stakeholders in environmental management.
Renewed commitment towards achieving sustainable environmental practices in Uganda.

Sponsors and Partners

The event was made possible through support from esteemed sponsors that included: Stanbic Bank Uganda, Bank of Uganda, EACOP, Uganda Breweries Limited, National Water & Sewerage Corporation, Rosebud, Pepsi and Next Media. Their involvement demonstrated corporate commitment to sustainable development and environmental responsibility.

Achievements

Planning and Coordination: Pre-event planning meetings, award criteria design, and jury selection.
Guest Management: Invitations, registration, seating, and protocols.
Venue Branding and Setup: Green-themed décor, lighting, staging, digital screens, and displays.
Visual Documentation: Photography, videography, social media engagement, and live-streaming.
High-Level Engagement: The presence of top leadership enhanced credibility and visibility.
Inclusive Recognition: Awards went across sectors – government, private sector, civil society, and individuals.
Public Awareness: Media coverage and social media engagement amplified sustainable practices.
Event Execution: Stage management, seating coordination, and general ambiance were seamless.
Brand Visibility: NEMA’s role in environmental management was strongly reinforced.

Conclusion

The National Environment Sustainability Awards 2026 provided an important platform for acknowledging and celebrating efforts aimed at protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development. The event highlighted the critical role of innovation and partnerships in building climate resilience and safeguarding natural resources for present and future generations. Overall, the awards served as a source of inspiration and motivation for individuals and organisations to continue pursuing environmentally sustainable practices.

National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)

"Ensuring Sustainable Development"