New Environmental Protection Force To Bolster Ministry Efforts
On 6th June 2024 Government of Uganda launched the Environmental Protection Force to monitor and enforce compliance with environment laws which has restored hope for the environmentalists to have environment protected.
Sharon Natukunda a Climate Advocate and Founder Green Homeland Initiative has revealed to this publication that, despite National Environmental Managment Authority's efforts over the years, enforcement of environmental laws has faced significant hurdles, leading to persistent issues such as pollution, habitat destruction, and illegal exploitation of natural resources.
She added that, creation of the Enviromental Protection Force,is a mandate by Section 25 of the National Environmental Act 2019, and marks a crucial step towards overcoming these challenges.
The Environment Protection Force is equipped with the authority to conduct 24-hour environmental surveillance and arrest individuals believed to be committing environmental offenses.
This force was launched recently at the World Environment Day which was celebrated in Sironko District and is tasked with monitoring activities across the country, ensuring strict adherence to environmental laws, and swiftly addressing violations.
It will also provide robust support to the Ministry of Environment, enhancing its capacity to protect Uganda's natural heritage according to its mandate as stated in the NEMA Act 2019.
It will also arrest individuals believed to be committing environmental offense and it will work closely with the Uganda Police Force,Army,Wildlife rangers and the intelligence.
World Environment Day is always commemorated world wide every 6th June. Uganda's National Celebrations were held at Mafudu Primary School in Sironko District under the theme; "Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience."
The are several types of environmental conservation such as:Conservation of Soil and Land, Water and Energy Conservation, Biodiversity and Environment Conservation, Conservation of other Natural Resources, Water Conservation at Different Levels and Energy Conservation.
President Yoweri Museveni has always been urging citizens to actively engage in efforts to restore and preserve Uganda's natural beauty and glory as the pearl of Africa. “If we allow the environment to be degraded the much talked of beauty and potential wealth of the pearl of Africa will be no more,” he said.
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