The Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources and Environment has directed the Ministry of Water and Environment to submit a comprehensive national waste management plan and a detailed catalogue of wetlands and forest reserves across the country.
The directive was issued on Thursday during a meeting between the committee, chaired by Dan Kimosho, and State Minister for Environment Beatrice Anywar.
Kimosho said Parliament needed accurate and up-to-date information on the country’s environmental resources to strengthen oversight and guide policy decisions.
“We cannot continue to manage our environment blindly. Parliament needs to know exactly how much wetland and forest cover we have left, where they are, and what threats they face. We also need a clear waste management plan that addresses what is happening in our towns and cities,” he said.
The committee expressed concern over continued wetland encroachment, forest degradation and poor waste disposal in urban areas, saying the lack of reliable data has affected planning and enforcement.
“Every day we hear of encroachment on wetlands and forests, yet when we ask for figures, we are given estimates. That must change. Bring us a catalogue, with maps, sizes, and current status,” Kimosho said.
The legislators also directed agencies under the ministry, including the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), to provide detailed reports on ongoing projects and programmes.
The reports are expected to include implementation progress, funding allocations, challenges and results achieved.
“NWSC, NEMA and the other agencies must come back to this committee with clear reports on what they are doing, how much money has been spent, and what results we have on the ground. Ugandans deserve accountability in this sector,” Kimosho said.
The committee said the information would help Parliament assess the effectiveness of government interventions and support evidence-based decisions, particularly during upcoming budget discussions.
Responding to the directive, Anywar welcomed the committee’s concerns and pledged the ministry’s cooperation.
She said some of the requested information already exists in draft form and would be consolidated for submission to Parliament.
“We appreciate the committee’s guidance. The issue of waste, wetlands and forests is urgent. We will work with NEMA, NWSC and the rest to compile the information and present it within the timelines you have given us,” Anywar said.
Uganda has in recent years faced growing concerns over environmental degradation, including shrinking wetland coverage, declining forest resources and increasing challenges in managing solid waste in rapidly growing urban centres.
The committee said receiving accurate environmental data would enable government and Parliament to develop stronger measures to protect natural resources and improve waste management across the country.
