The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has stepped up efforts to strengthen environmental governance by training district leaders on integrating Environment and Natural Resources Management (ENRM) into local development planning and budgeting.
The training workshop, held at Hotel 360 Degrees, brought together 48 officials from northern Uganda, including Chief Administrative Officers, economic planners, environment officers, and natural resource officers.
Opening the session, NEMA Executive Director Barirega Akankwasah emphasized the urgency of embedding environmental considerations into district development frameworks.
“Our districts are the front lines of environmental stewardship. The decisions made today in planning and budgeting will shape the environmental landscape for generations,” he said.
The training focused on practical approaches to mainstreaming environmental priorities across sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, health, and education. Participants were guided on integrating environmental impact assessments and management plans into development projects, as well as aligning district plans with the National Environment Act.
Officials also explored key environmental challenges affecting northern Uganda and discussed strategies to promote sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation, access to clean water, and climate resilience.
A central theme of the workshop was shifting environmental management from a standalone function to a cross-cutting priority in all district programs. NEMA stressed that sustainable development depends on coordinated action across sectors.
Participants were further urged to strengthen data collection and monitoring systems to support evidence-based planning and track environmental outcomes effectively.
The training also created a platform for peer learning, with district officials sharing experiences and best practices in environmental management.
Dr. Akankwasah reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to supporting local governments through technical guidance and capacity building.
“NEMA is your partner. We are here to ensure environmental mainstreaming becomes a reality across all districts,” he said.
The initiative marks a renewed push to empower local leaders and decentralize environmental management, with the goal of ensuring Uganda’s development balances economic growth with environmental sustainability.
