This communication was made during the strategic engagement bringing together CAOs, RCC, RDCs, and District Natural Resource Officers from Mbale, Pallisa, Busia, Kibuku, Butaleja, and Butebo focused on strengthening environmental management in the Bukedi region organised to educate the lead agencies on;

1. The Lead Agency Coordination Strategy (LACS) 2025-2030.
2. The roles of Local Governments and Urban Authorities in environmental sustainability.
3. The National Status of Environment Report 2023/24.

Under the National Environment Act Cap 181, NEMA and Lead Agencies have designated roles. Section 9 of the Act establishes the LACS, designed to enhance compliance with environmental laws and standards, promote environmental planning, research, and information management, foster ecosystem partnership, advance public awareness and education, and integrate circular economy practices.

Key discussions centered on strengthening Lead Agencies through the development of an Environmental Action Plan, district environmental reporting, increased stakeholder engagement, additional funding for conservation initiatives, and field visits to boost environmental knowledge among agencies and NEMA.

Furthermore, on the national status of environment, Uganda’s rapid population growth—from 2.5 million in 1911 to 45.9 million in 2024, with an annual increase of 3.32% (UBOS, 2024)—has heightened pressure on wetland coverage. Wetland loss surged from 13% in 2017 to 13.9% in 2021.

Plastic Waste: Reports from 2023 reveal Uganda generates approximately 600 metric tons of polyethylene plastic waste daily.
Wetlands: Bukedi’s wetlands face severe degradation. In light of the President’s directive halting evictions, the government is consulting on alternative livelihoods for affected communities.
Air Quality: Air quality monitoring stations installed across Uganda indicate that PM2.5 levels in many areas exceed the WHO’s recommended threshold of 5 μg/m³.

NEMA pledged to collaborate with the LAs in the region in many areas including capacity building.

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