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NEMA boss Akankwasa scoops prestigious award for transforming Uganda’s environmental landscape

NEMA Executive Director Dr Barirega Akankwasa (Photo/File)

Kampala, (UG):- The Executive Director of National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Dr Barirega Akankwasa has been awarded the prestigious Uganda Development Champion Award 2024 recognizing his tireless efforts in promoting environmental conservation and sustainable development in Uganda.

Under President Yoweri Museveni’s leadership, Dr Akankwasa has been instrumental in promoting environmental conservation and sustainable development in Uganda, a showcase of his exceptional expertise in the field.

With his reign over the Environmental regulator, Akakwansa has made significant strides in promoting environmental conservation and sustainable development and has been at the forefront of these efforts, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.

His commitment to environmental conservation has earned him numerous international recognitions, including being the Global Vice President for the UN Convention on Migratory Species.

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has been at the forefront of Uganda’s environmental conservation efforts since its establishment in May 1995. As the principal agency responsible for coordinating, monitoring, regulating, and supervising environmental management in the country, NEMA has made significant strides in promoting sustainable development and wise use of natural resources.

“As the Executive Director of NEMA, Akakwantsa’s leadership has been characterized by a strong commitment to environmental conservation, and his expertise has been invaluable in promoting sustainable development in Uganda,” said Buyinza Adam Luzindana, the Team Leader of Public Opinions International, the firm awarding the top 100 Ugandan development champions.

The NRM government’s commitment to environmental conservation is also reflected in its efforts to promote renewable energy, conserve natural resources, and protect biodiversity.

President Museveni’s leadership on environmental issues has been recognized globally, and his government’s dedication to sustainable development is evident in its collaboration with international organizations, such as the World Bank, to support environmental conservation efforts.

Speaking of Akakwansa’s recognition, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, the Manager Office of the NRM National Chairman (ONC) highlighted that under Dr. Akankwasa’s leadership, NEMA has identified several strategic objectives aimed at promoting sound environment management and sustainable development in Uganda.

“These objectives include the enhancement of environmental compliance and enforcement, environmental integration at national and local government level, increasing and enhancing access to environmental information, education, awareness, and public participation, strengthening the institutional capacity of NEMA to execute its mandate, and creating and enhancing national, regional, and international partnerships and networking for effective environment management and sustainable development,” Hajjat Hadijah, who is also Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs, said.

“One notable example of this collaboration is the Uganda Transport Sector Development Project, which aimed to improve the country’s transport infrastructure while promoting environmental sustainability. Although the project faced challenges, the World Bank and the Ugandan government worked together to address these issues and ensure that the project was completed in an environmentally responsible manner,” she added.

Dr. Akankwasa’s award is a testament to his tireless efforts in promoting environmental conservation and sustainable development in Uganda under the able leadership of President Museveni.

His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in shaping Uganda’s environmental policies and strategies, and his commitment to environmental conservation has been recognized globally.

As Uganda continues to develop and grow, environmental conservation must remain a top priority, and Dr Akankwasa’s award is a significant step in the right direction.

Full list of the 2024 TOP 100 Certified Development Champions

  1. The Rt Hon Moses Kigongo
    1stVice Chairman, National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  2. Rt Hon.Rebecca Kadaga
    The 2nd National Vice chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  3. Rt Hon Richard Todwong
    Secretary General, National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  4. H.E Jessica Alupo
    Vice President of Uganda
  5. The Rt Hon Anita Annet Among
    Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda
  6. The Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa
    Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda
  7. The Rt Hon Robinah Nabbanja
    Prime Minister of Uganda
  8. Hon Janet Kataha Museveni
    First Lady of Uganda, Minister of Sports and Education
  9. Dr Daina Atwiine
    Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health
  10. The Rt Hon Amama Mbabazi
    Former Prime Minister of Uganda
  11. Dr Sudhir Ruparelia
    Chairman-Ruparelia Group
  12. H.E Hon Barbara Nekesa Lumolo
    National Treasurer, National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  13. Gen Proscovia Nalweyiso
    Senior Presidential Advisor on Security
  14. Mrs.Anyine Janet
    Deputy Director General-External Security Organization (ESO)
  15. Hajat Hadijah Namyalo
    The Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Office of the NRM National Chairman (ONC).
  16. Ms.Gloria Asio Omaswa
    Principal Private Secretary to the President
  17. Ms Hellen Seku
    The Commissioner in charge of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps
  18. Mr.Mathias Magoola
    Managing Director- Dei BioPharma Ltd
  19. Ms Jane Barekye
    The State House Comptroller
  20. Hon Evelyn Anite
    Minister of State for Investment and Privatization
  21. Prof Lawrence Muganga
    Vice Chancellor-Victoria University
  22. Dr Pius Bigirimana
    Secretary to the Judiciary
  23. Amb.Charles Ssentongo
    Chief of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  24. Brig Gen Michael Kabango
    Chief of Staff – Land Force (CoS – LF)
  25. Lieutenant Colonel Edith Nakalema
    Head-State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU)
  26. The Rt Hon Ruhakana Rugunda
    Former Prime Minister of Uganda
  27. Hon Dr Fred Mukasa Mbidde
    Vice President-Democratic Party
  28. Gen.Caleb Akandwanaho Salim Saleh
    Chief Coordinator – Operation Wealth Creation (OWC)
  29. Haji Faruk Kirunda
    Special Presidential Assistant-Press and Mobilization-Deputy Press Secretary
  30. Mr Lawrence Ssemakula
    Accountant General, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MFPED)
  31. Pastor Aloysius Bugingo
    Managing Director of Salt Media Group of Companies, Head of House of Prayer Ministries
  32. Mr.Aggrey Wuunyi
    Undersecretary-Uganda Police Force
  33. Hon.Judith Nabakooba
    Minister-Ministry of Lands,Housing and Urban Development (MLHUD)
  34. Dr.Johnson Byabashaija
    Commissioner General of Prisons
  35. H.E Edward Kiwanuka Sekandi
    Former Vice President
  36. Dr Dithan Kiragga
    Executive Director of Baylor Foundation Uganda.
  37. Dr Sarah Wasagali
    Chairperson Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA)
  38. AIGP Brig Christopher Ddamulira
    Director, Directorate of Crime Intelligence Uganda Police Force
  39. Dr Luisa Napolitano
    Medical Coordinator-The Children’s Surgical Hospital, Entebbe
  40. Gen.Gowa Kasita
    Director for Citizenship and Immigration Control
  41. Hajjat Aisha Lubega
    Deputy Chairperson
  42. Hon Nyombi Thembo
    Executive Director-Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)
  43. Hon Rose Namayanja
    Deputy Secretary General
  44. Mr.Charles Oluka
    Director General-Internal Security Organisation (ISO)
  45. Counsel Simon Peter Musangala
    Managing Partner-Musangala Advocates and Solicitors
  46. Gen.Kayanja Muhanga
    Commander Land Force (CLF)
  47. Ms Carol Bainamaryo
    Member-Electoral Commission
  48. Gen.Jack Agonza Bakasumba,
    Chief Joint Staff (CJS)-Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF)
  49. Hon Dr Tanga Odoi
    Chairman, NRM Electoral Commission (EC)
  50. Mr.Edwin Karugire
    Partner- K & K Advocates
  51. Col Emmy Katabazi
    Deputy Director General-Internal Security Organisation (ISO)
  52. Gen.David Muhoozi
    Minister of State for Internal Affairs
  53. Haji Erias Kiyemba
    Board Member-Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA)
  54. Gen.Kahinda Otafiire
    Minister for Internal Affairs
  55. Mr.Sandor Walusimbi
    Senior Press Secretary to H.E the President of Uganda.
  56. Haji Gadaffi Nassur
    Chairperson, youth league), National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  57. Hon.Hashim Magongo
    President-Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA)
  58. Hon.Bagiire Vincent Waiswa
    Permanent Secretary-Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  59. Gen.Francis Takirwa
    Acting Deputy Commander Land Force (D/CLF)
  60. Prof Pamela Mbabazi
    Chairperson -National Planning Authority (NPA)
  61. Mrs Rose Byengoma
    Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defense
  62. Hon.Dominic Mafabi Gidudu
    Chairperson, Elders’ League), National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  63. Dr Tom Magambo
    Director- Directorate of Criminal Investigations ,Uganda Police Force
  64. Hon.Moses Byaruhanga
    Senior Presidential Advisor Political Affairs
  65. Eng Ziria Waako
    Chief Executive Officer-Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA)
  66. Hon.Adolf Mwesigye
    Clerk to Parliament of Uganda
  67. Gen.Charles Okidi
    Commander Air Force (CAF)-Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF)
  68. Dr. Barirega Akankwasa

Executive Director-National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA)
Gen Samuel Okiding
Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Inspector of Defence Forces (DCDF/IG)

  • H.E Godfrey Kirumira
    Honorary Consul of Namibia to Uganda
  • Hon.Mwesigwa Rukari
    Chairperson, Entrepreneurs’ League),National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  • Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama
    Chairperson-Electoral Commission
  • Lady Judge Jane Frances Abodo
    The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of Uganda
  • Hon Gen Jim Muhwezi
    Chairperson, Veteran’s League), National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  • Professor Paul Waako
    Vice Chancellor-Busitema University
  • Hon.Gabriel Kato
    Chairperson, PWDs League),National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  • AIGP John Ngaruye Ndungutse
    Former Director East Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization Counter Terrorism Centre of Excellence
  • Capt. Mike Mukula
    National Vice Chairman (Eastern), National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  • Brig.Felix Kulaigye
    Spokesman of Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF)
  • Chris Baryomunsi
    National Vice Chairman (Western), National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  • Hon Godfrey. Kiwanda Ssuubi
    National Vice Chairman (Central), National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  • Singh Katongole
    National Vice Chairman (Kampala), National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  • Hon.Obua Denis Hamson
    Chairperson of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus/Government Chief Whip
  • Jacqueline Kyatuhaire
    Deputy National Treasurer,National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  • Hajat Madina Naham
    Director for Finance and AdministratioN, National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  • Mr.Toyota Michael Nuwagira
    Vice Chairman Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU)
  • Rosemary Nansubuga Seninde
    Director Mobilization, Cadre identification, Recruitment and Placement
    National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  • Haji Yunus Kakande
    Secretary, Office of the President
  • Counsel Enoch Barata
    Director Legal Affairs, National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  • Dr Kayunga Sallie Simba
    Commissioner-Electoral Commission
  • Mr.Joseph Ocwet
    Director General-External Security Organization (ESO)
  • Hon.Kiryowa Kiwanuka
    Attorney General
  • IGP Abbas Byakagaba
    Inspector General of Uganda Police Force
  • Maj Gen David Mugisha
    Commander -Special Forces Command (SFC)
  • Mr.Juma Witonze
    Aspiring for Member of East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and Community Development Promoter in Buganda Region
  • Maj Gen James Birungi
    Chief of Military Intelligence
  • Gen.Muhoozi Kainerugaba
    Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF)
  • Hon.Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi
    Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs
  • Hon.Odrek Rwabwogo
    Chairperson- The Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID)
  • Hon.Ramathan Ggoobi
    Permanent Secretary / Secretary to the Treasury
    Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MFPED).

About Public Opinions 

Founded in 2008 under the leadership of Buyinza Adam Luzindana, Public Opinions Nt’l has today expanded as the leading public awareness, information dissemination, and public relations firm in Uganda.

The firm is a leader in Information dissemination, Public Awareness, Public Relations, Corporate Branding, Printing of Promotional and Campaign Materials, Investment Promotion, recognising best-performing Leaders and Corporate Bodies, and Publishing the Annual Uganda Development Champions Journal, among others.



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