Environmental conservationist and land restoration advocate Dr Jibril Semakura Owomugisha has been recognised with the prestigious Biodiversity Conservation Award during the Third Edition of the National Environment Sustainability Awards 2026 in Kampala.
The event, held under the theme, “Innovation for Climate Resilience,” brought together government officials, environmental experts, conservationists, development partners and corporate leaders to celebrate individuals and institutions making outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability and climate action.
Owomugisha received the award in recognition of his efforts in biodiversity conservation, land restoration, agroforestry investment, conservation forestry and urban forestry initiatives aimed at strengthening climate resilience and advancing Uganda's green economy.
Speaking after receiving the award, Owomugisha dedicated the recognition to communities, institutions and partners working to restore degraded ecosystems across the country.
“This award is not just a personal achievement but a recognition of the collective efforts of communities, government institutions, development partners and environmental champions committed to restoring our ecosystems. Biodiversity conservation is essential for climate resilience, food security and sustainable economic development. We must continue investing in restoration and conservation for future generations,” Owomugisha said.
Owomugisha is the founding director of Million Trees International Organization and has represented Uganda on several international environmental platforms, including the United Nations Environment Programme, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, where he has served as a national delegate and negotiator.
The Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Michael Atingi-Ego, underscored the critical role of innovation in addressing climate-related challenges and driving sustainable development.
“The nominees and winners we are recognising tonight demonstrate that environmental sustainability and economic growth can reinforce one another," he said.
"Innovation enables societies not merely to respond to climate shocks, but to anticipate them, adapt to them and emerge stronger from them. Investing in resilience today is an investment in Uganda’s future competitiveness, productivity and prosperity,” Atingi-Ego added.
The governor said climate change has evolved beyond an environmental concern into a major economic and development issue.
“Climate change has evolved from being primarily an environmental challenge into a macroeconomic challenge, a financial stability concern and a development imperative,” he noted.
The Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority, Barirega Akankwasah, said the award winners were selected through a rigorous assessment process based on established environmental sustainability criteria.
“The experts aimed at selecting rightful winners following strict guidelines and comprehensive assessments against established environmental sustainability criteria. The awardees we are recognising today have demonstrated outstanding commitment and measurable impact in environmental protection and restoration,” Akankwasah said.
He reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to protecting wetlands, restoring degraded ecosystems and promoting sustainable environmental management practices across the country.
The Minister of Water and Environment, Kahinda Otafiire, used the occasion to issue a strong warning against wetland encroachment and urged continued enforcement efforts to safeguard Uganda’s natural resources.
“If you’re not a frog or a crocodile, leave the wetlands. God licensed humans to stay on dry land while aquatic creatures belong in watery areas. This is a natural permit,” Otafiire said.
He added: “Dr Akankwasah, continue the operations on wetlands and swamp restoration. No one should stop you. All people must vacate these places.”
Environmental experts at the event noted that biodiversity conservation remains one of the most effective strategies for combating climate change, restoring ecosystem services, enhancing agricultural productivity and protecting livelihoods.
As Uganda intensifies efforts towards climate resilience and sustainable development, the recognition of environmental champions such as Dr Owomugisha highlights the growing importance of conservation, ecosystem restoration and environmental stewardship in securing the country’s ecological and economic future.
