By Tony Achidria

Kampala, Uganda – Uganda Martyrs University (UMU), in partnership with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) Uganda National Chapter, has held a high-level Environment Conservation Conference to commemorate World Environment Day (WED) 2026.

Although Uganda did not hold the traditional national World Environment Day celebrations on 5 June due to the Ebola outbreak, NEMA and its partners organised a series of activities to sustain national momentum towards environmental conservation and climate action.

Held under the theme “Moving Beyond the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Knowledge, Action and Networks for Resilient Earth Systems,” the conference brought together researchers, academics, policymakers, development partners and environmental practitioners from Uganda and beyond to explore science-driven solutions to today’s environmental challenges.

The conference featured presentations on climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, waste management and ecosystem restoration, highlighting the critical role of research and innovation in building resilient communities.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of Uganda Martyrs University, Prof. Patrick Kyamanywa, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. Gerald Lubega, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to environmental restoration through community-based initiatives, including the planting of indigenous tree species and fruit trees.

He also highlighted the university’s participation in the Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development (TAGDev 2.0) programme, a ten-year initiative implemented in partnership with the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM).

According to Prof. Kyamanywa, the programme is equipping young people with the knowledge, entrepreneurial skills and innovative capacity needed to address climate change while transforming agricultural education across Africa.

“The climate crisis is fundamentally a human crisis. Rising temperatures, collapsing ecosystems and extreme weather events continue to affect millions of people, especially smallholder farmers, young people and marginalised communities,” he noted.

He emphasised that TAGDev 2.0 is nurturing a new generation of innovators capable of developing climate-smart agricultural solutions, strengthening food security and promoting sustainable economic development.

The Vice Chancellor also expressed concern over the increasing degradation of wetlands and indigenous vegetation in the Greater Mpigi area, citing illegal sand mining, car washing in wetlands and unsustainable agricultural practices as major threats to fragile ecosystems.

He challenged researchers to ensure that their work extends beyond academic publications and delivers practical solutions capable of influencing policy and improving livelihoods.

“The environmental challenges before us are too complex for any one institution to solve. Strong partnerships among universities, government agencies, development partners and communities are essential if we are to achieve lasting environmental sustainability.”

Representing the Executive Director of NEMA, Dr. Richard Komakech, Principal Research and Innovations Officer, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to working with communities and partner institutions to combat environmental degradation through enforcement, restoration and public awareness.

Responding to concerns regarding illegal sand mining in Lwera, Dr. Komakech said NEMA has intensified both community engagement and enforcement operations to protect the fragile ecosystem.

“Protecting the environment is a shared responsibility. We continue to work with communities, local governments and other stakeholders to address environmental degradation because lasting conservation can only be achieved through collective action.”

Addressing public concerns about illegal developments in wetlands, Dr. Komakech dismissed claims that NEMA delays enforcement until projects are completed.

“We do not wait for illegal developments to be completed before taking action. Environmental compliance and enforcement are continuous processes, and we shall continue taking action against violations wherever they occur.”

He noted that NEMA works closely with local governments, whose routine monitoring and reports often trigger enforcement operations.

Drawing an analogy with crime prevention, Dr. Komakech explained that environmental offences require constant vigilance.

“Just as arresting one thief does not eliminate theft, stopping one environmental offence does not mean environmental crimes have ended. Protecting the environment requires continuous monitoring, enforcement and public participation.”

He further highlighted NEMA’s ongoing environmental education and awareness programmes, implemented through the Authority’s Environmental Education and Awareness Division, Compliance Assistance Unit, Environmental Audit Department and Communications Department.

The Authority is also implementing restoration programmes across the country aimed at rehabilitating degraded ecosystems and conserving indigenous plant species, including medicinal plants.

“The environment belongs to all of us. When we destroy it, we ultimately destroy ourselves because environmental degradation in one location inevitably affects communities elsewhere.”

The conference’s keynote address was delivered by Dr. Patience Tugume, a Senior Lecturer at Makerere University’s Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology.

Her presentation focused on “Women, Science, Development and Partnerships for Resilient Earth Systems: Bio-innovation in Biogas, Bio-fertilisers and Bio-pesticides in Uganda.”

Dr. Tugume demonstrated how scientific research can transform agricultural and household organic waste into renewable energy, bio-fertilisers and environmentally friendly biopesticides, creating sustainable livelihoods while reducing pollution and supporting climate resilience.

Drawing on findings from an ongoing UNESCO and International Development Research Centre (IDRC)-supported project implemented through OWSD, she explained how bio-innovation is helping communities convert waste into wealth through renewable energy technologies and circular economy approaches.

She observed that while many communities understand the potential of livestock waste for biogas production, awareness of the value of household food waste remains limited, despite its enormous potential for renewable energy generation.

Dr. Tugume also emphasidsed that integrated biogas systems produce valuable bio-fertilisers capable of improving soil health, reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers and supporting sustainable agricultural production.

She called for stronger collaboration between universities, government institutions, the private sector and local communities to ensure that scientific innovations are translated into practical solutions that improve people’s lives and strengthen environmental resilience.

Chairperson of the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) Uganda National Chapter, Dr. Priscilla Nyadoi, announced that papers presented during the conference will be peer-reviewed and published in a book documenting the research presented.

She encouraged participants to incorporate comments received during the conference before submitting their revised manuscripts by the end of July.

The conference underscored the importance of science, innovation and strategic partnerships in addressing today’s environmental challenges. It also reinforced the need to move beyond policy commitments by investing in practical, evidence-based solutions that protect ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience and improve livelihoods for present and future generations.

Listen to the news conference news updates on radio below;