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