The National State of the Environment Report 2024 outlines Uganda’s ambitious efforts to restore forest cover, protect endangered species, and transition to sustainable practices amid challenges like urbanisation and climate change.
Initiatives aim to increase forest cover from 12% in 2021 to 21% by 2030, with specific efforts to safeguard species like mountain gorillas among others.
The report identifies rapid population growth, urbanisation, economic development, and climate change as key drivers of environmental degradation, exacerbating deforestation, habitat loss, and resource depletion.
These factors contribute to poverty, inequality, and ecosystem disruptions, with rising temperatures, floods, and droughts further impacting agriculture and biodiversity.
Air pollution, water contamination, and land degradation remain pressing concerns.
Barirega Akankwasah, Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), emphasised the shift toward renewable energy sources like hydropower, solar, and geothermal to reduce reliance on biomass.
“Looking forward, Uganda aims to achieve environmental resilience by 2040 through strategies focused on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green infrastructure,” he said.
He stressed the need for stronger regulations, green technologies, and community involvement to ensure sustainable development.
Akankwasah also called for local governments to establish functional environmental units in every district to enforce compliance with environmental laws and support community-based initiatives.
He highlighted the urgency of tackling environmental crimes such as illegal sand mining, charcoal trading, and encroachment on forests and wetlands.
Additionally, he underscored the need for improved biomedical waste management to curb pollution.
The report promotes climate-smart agriculture, waste recycling, and sustainable tourism as critical strategies to address challenges posed by urbanisation and poor waste management.
These initiatives align with the National Development Plan IV, which prioritises sustainable development
Prof. James Okot-Okumu, Chairman of NEMA’s Board of Directors, reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to advancing these priorities.
“Uganda is undergoing profound environmental changes driven by urbanisation, industrialisation, and climate variability,” he said.
“These challenges demand coordinated efforts to protect our environment and natural resources, which are critical for national development and the livelihoods of our people.”
Through shared responsibility and innovative solutions, NEMA aims to ensure Uganda’s environment supports sustainable development for future generations, aligning with the nation’s Vision 2040 for environmental resilience