{"id":29763,"date":"2026-09-04T09:21:33","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T06:21:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nema.go.ug\/en\/?p=29763"},"modified":"2026-09-14T11:22:33","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T08:22:33","slug":"nema-passes-out-55-environment-protection-officers-and-rangers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nema.go.ug\/en\/nema-passes-out-55-environment-protection-officers-and-rangers\/","title":{"rendered":"NEMA Passes Out 55 Environment Protection Officers and Rangers"},"content":{"rendered":"

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)<\/b> has officially passed out 55 Environment Protection Officers (EPOs) and Rangers<\/b> under the Environment Protection Force (EPF)<\/b> after completing a rigorous four\u2011month specialised training<\/b> at the Police Training School, Kabalye in Masindi District<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

This milestone marks a significant step in building a professional, effective, and disciplined Environmental Protection Force<\/b> that works in partnership with stakeholders to defend nature and champion health, productivity, and sustainable development for Uganda\u2019s economic transformation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Intensive Training for Effective Enforcement<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

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EPOs explains tactical and high level approach to counteract environmental degradation <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The training equipped the officers with practical skills in:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Investigation and evidence handling<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Compliance monitoring<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Community engagement<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Discipline and professionalism<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Knowledge of environmental laws<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    National Leaders Commend the Force<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

    The Minister for Internal Affairs, Hon. Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu<\/b>, presided over the ceremony, describing the pass\u2011out as an event of national importance. He urged the officers to uphold the discipline instilled during training.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"\"
    Minister for Internal Affairs, Hon. Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    The Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba<\/b>, assured NEMA of the full and eternal support of the Uganda Police Force<\/b>, noting that the EPOs and Rangers are a valuable addition to the country\u2019s security ecosystem.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"\"
    Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    The Executive Director of NEMA, Dr. Barirega Akankwasah<\/b> emphasised that environmental protection requires not only sound laws and policies but also disciplined, professional, and effective enforcement. He cautioned the officers against corruption and intimidation of citizens, underscoring integrity as the cornerstone of their service.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"\"
    Executive Director of NEMA, Dr. Barirega Akankwasah<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Deployment Across Uganda<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

    The newly passed\u2011out officers will be deployed nationwide, attached to NEMA Regional Offices<\/b>, to strengthen environmental protection efforts at the grassroots level. Their presence is expected to enhance enforcement, promote compliance, and foster community partnerships in safeguarding Uganda\u2019s ecosystems.<\/span><\/p>\n

    This update highlights NEMA\u2019s commitment to advancing environmental governance<\/b>, strengthening institutional enforcement capacity<\/b>, and ensuring that environmental protection remains central to Uganda\u2019s sustainable development agenda.<\/span><\/p>\n