NEMA warns illegal sand miners, calls for stronger climate action in Uganda

17 April 2026, 4:40 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

In efforts to join global actions aimed at reducing and preventing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment in Uganda, the Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, has reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to safeguarding the environment.

Speaking to journalists today in Kampala, Dr. Akankwasah said NEMA will continue enforcing environmental laws “by all means necessary,” adding that the recent arrest of individuals involved in illegal sand mining in Lwengo serves as a warning to anyone engaging in activities that destroy the environment.

He emphasized that, together with the Ministry of Water and Environment, they will ensure strict compliance with environmental regulations. He further noted that there are clear procedures that must be followed by anyone wishing to engage in sand mining or undertake activities along swamps and riverbanks.

In the same development, environmental activist Emmanuel Sekandi, in an exclusive interview in Kampala today, said much more still needs to be done if Uganda is to achieve its climate change mitigation goals by 2040.

Sekandi acknowledged the efforts of different partners across the country in the fight against climate change but stressed that inclusivity is key, noting that humans are the primary drivers of environmental degradation.

“Honestly, so many initiatives have been set up to address this challenge that is threatening our motherland. However, we must understand that everyone has a role to play. Uganda is among the few countries blessed with a good environment, but it is being slowly destroyed by selfish actions aimed at quick wealth. It is us who build in swamps, cut down trees for charcoal without replanting, and degrade forests. If we do not wake up and respect the environment, we will face severe consequences in the near future,” he said.

Sekandi further urged government to prioritize climate change by increasing public awareness, organizing workshops, boosting funding for climate-related programs, and making environmental education compulsory in schools.

He added that educating children about climate change would help build a generation that understands the importance of protecting the environment.

“It is important to understand that even the air we breathe depends on forests and trees. If environmental education is made compulsory in schools, children will grow up knowing their responsibility in protecting nature. This will also help reduce the money spent on treating climate-related diseases such as malaria and others,” he emphasized.

It should be noted that the global target is to limit warming to 1.5°C, or at most 2°C, above pre-industrial levels. Experts recommend a shift from coal, oil, and gas to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and nuclear power. They also call for upgrades to energy grids and storage systems.

In the transport sector, emphasis is being placed on electric vehicles, improved public transport, rail systems, cycling infrastructure, and reducing emissions from aviation and shipping through cleaner fuels.

In industry, solutions include the use of green hydrogen, carbon capture technologies, and circular economy practices to reduce emissions from sectors such as steel, cement, and chemicals.

Regarding land use, experts recommend ending deforestation, restoring forests, protecting wetlands, and promoting regenerative agriculture to help absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.