MWE Minister Kahinda Otafire cautions wetland encroachers at the 3rd NEMA Environment sustainable awards

The Minister of Water and Environment, Gen Kahinda Otafire sounded no mercy echoes to wetland encroachers urging both encroachers and those licensing their stay there to leave wetland areas peaceful before enforcement gets them.

“We need the ecological environment that was organized by nature. Nature licensed reptiles, fish, Hippopotamus, and others, if you don’t belong to that category what are you doing in the wetland. There is no mercy for those degrading wetlands. Anybody in the wetland leave, and also those allowing them to do so, the amnesty ends today” he said.

The Awards that took place on Friday 19th June 2026 at Serena hotel to recognized and celebrate outstanding individuals, institutions, organisations, companies, and communities that demonstrate exceptional commitment to environmental conservation, climate action, innovation, and sustainable development, while promoting environmental stewardship through the recognition of excellence, encouragement of innovation, public awareness, partnerships, and compliance with environmental laws and standards.

Dr. B. Akankwasa 

The Executive Director National Environment Management Authority- NEMA, Dr Akankwasa Barirega said that many Ugandans, institutions, government agencies, companies and others in various parts of the country are ensuring that there is on conservation of the environment through innovative solutions. This he said deserves recognition for their efforts to save mother nature. 

“Across the country, we are witnessing remarkable examples of innovation. Young entrepreneurs are transforming waste into valuable products. Financial institutions are developing green financing instruments, and they deserve our recognition” he said.

The theme for the 3rd Edition of the National Environment Sustainability Awards (NESA) was "Innovation for Climate Resilience"

According to NEMA, the awards are intended to inspire the scaling up and replication of successful environmental initiatives across the country as Uganda continues to address climate change and environmental degradation.

Among the award winners, they included: 

• Environment Research award win by National Agricultural Research Center (NARO) handed over by National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) representative,

• Climate Smart Agriculture award by Kinyara Sugar Ltd, 

• Climate Resilient initiative won by the ROOTS initiative of Ministry of Water and Environment and partners

• Environment Journalism award won by different categories including print, online, Radio and TV stations.

• Circular economy awards by Hima Cement company in Kasese,

• Lead agency Central Government by Uga da Wildlife Authority, Urban Authority by Kampala Capital City Authority -KCCA, k8cao government by Nakapiripirit, Youth Environment Champion by Uganda Little Hands- Go green, Green Finance institute award by Absa bank, Development Partner by United Nations Environment Program -UNEPI among others. 

The Public Relations Officer, Kinyara Sugar Ltd Mr. Francis Mugerwa in an interview highlighted that the company is contributing to the Environment, Sustainability and Governance -ESG call through various initiatives such waste management, community engagements, farmers support, intercropping, a 200 hectare forest among others .

He called upon the public to join the cause for protection the wetlands, and water resources for a better environment. 

He was flanked by the CEO Kinyara Sugar Mr. Ravi Ramalingamu and Mr. Moses Enzama the Environment Manager pictured above.