Mukono District Local Government, with support from the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme (GKMA-UDP), has successfully concluded a two-day consultative workshop aimed at developing a roadmap for sustainable environmental management.
The conference, held at Colline Hotel Mukono, brought together leaders, district technical officers, elected councilors, civil society organizations, NGOs, and representatives from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). Discussions centered on tackling critical challenges such as wetland encroachment, deforestation, flooding, poor waste disposal, and unregulated farming.
Participants emphasized the urgent need for better planning guided by the Namanve framework, with a strong focus on waste management. Key resolutions included Separating biodegradable from non-biodegradable waste,Promoting recycling,Establishing proper facilities such as incinerators and landfills for hazardous materials.
Publishing simplified environmental education materials to guide communities on conservation practices.
Stakeholders also identified key obstacles including poor waste collection coverage outside Mukono Central and Goma Divisions, low awareness on waste segregation, and inadequate infrastructure in markets and health centers. Despite these challenges, private waste collectors and local leaders expressed strong willingness to support community mobilization if given tools, education, and adequate services.
Two consultancy firm Weeds and Leaves and ECOSAM presented detailed findings and practical recommendations that will inform Mukono’s environmental conservation strategies for the next five years.
The Vice Chairperson LCV and Secretary for Finance, Hon. Joram Kabali Kimera, who represented the Chairperson LCV of Mukono Hon. Rev. Dr. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa praised the consultants for their comprehensive proposals, stressing that waste management is the biggest cause of environmental damage in the district. He urged leaders to ensure at least 50% of the recommendations are implemented, saying: “If all these measures are put into action, we shall effectively fight environmental degradation.”
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Administrative Officer of Mukono District Ms Elizabeth Namanda, Mr. Daniel Kamara, the Principal Assistant CAO, commended stakeholders for their active engagement and urged sub-county chiefs and town clerks to strictly enforce environmental assessment reports before approving projects.
District Speaker Hon. Betty Hope Nakasi officially closed the conference, applauding the technical teams for their dedication. She emphasized that recommendations must translate into action, warning that without tangible results, the district risks losing momentum in environmental protection.
The two-day GKMA-UDP supported workshop marked a significant milestone in shaping Mukono District’s environmental agenda. With clear resolutions to strengthen waste management, promote recycling, and enforce accountability, the district has laid the foundation for a 25-year roadmap toward sustainable conservation.
By empowering communities, enforcing laws, and integrating environmental priorities into development planning, Mukono is taking bold steps to ensure that natural resources are safeguarded for both present and future generations.
