Summary:
- CSOs urge government to increase funding for environmental agencies following establishment of new Environmental Protection Force by NEMA, emphasizing need for enhanced resources to combat degradation effectively.
Civil society organizations (CSOs) are urging the government to ramp up funding for agencies tasked with environmental protection to bolster efforts against environmental degradation.
Their call comes in the wake of the establishment of an Environmental Protection Force under the auspices of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
Ivan Amanigaruhanga, Executive Director of the Uganda Biodiversity Fund, emphasized the critical role of NEMA and allied agencies in enhancing carbon sequestration and biodiversity to fortify climate resilience.
NEMA, the central regulatory body in Uganda for environmental management, plays a pivotal role in formulating policies, laws, and standards to guide sustainable environmental practices nationwide.
The newly commissioned Environmental Protection Force, led by Major Joshua Karamaji of the UPDF, marks a significant step in enforcing environmental laws. This force, mandated by Section 25 of the National Environment Act, will conduct round-the-clock surveillance, investigate environmental crimes, and ensure adherence to environmental regulations.
However, Amanigaruhanga highlighted the pressing need for increased funding to enable these agencies and stakeholders to effectively implement annual work plans and initiatives.
