Kampala – The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), in partnership with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), has conducted a specialised training programme aimed at strengthening the capacity of prosecutors and enforcement officers to effectively investigate and prosecute environmental offences.
The initiative comes at a time when Uganda is facing growing environmental challenges, including wetland encroachment, pollution, illegal waste disposal, deforestation, and non-compliance with environmental regulations. These threats continue to undermine ecosystems, livelihoods, public health, and sustainable development.
The training brought together State Attorneys and Prosecutors from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Legal Officers from NEMA, Environmental Inspectors, and selected Police Officers involved in environmental crime investigations. The programme seeks to strengthen the enforcement of environmental laws and improve the quality of environmental prosecutions across the country.
Despite Uganda having a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for environmental management, enforcement efforts continue to face challenges such as weak handling of scientific evidence, inadequate coordination between investigators and prosecutors, poor case management, and an over-reliance on monetary penalties that often fail to deter repeat offenders.
The training was therefore designed to enhance prosecutors’ understanding of environmental law, strengthen skills in evidence management and charge formulation, improve trial preparation and prosecution strategies, and promote the effective use of restoration orders and other environmental remedies provided for under the National Environment Act, Cap. 181.
Participants engaged in expert presentations, case study analyses, group discussions, simulation exercises, and panel discussions covering key areas such as environmental investigations, evidence management, environmental remedies, climate change, biodiversity conservation, wetland management, pollution control, and other emerging environmental issues.
Particular emphasis was placed on improving collaboration between investigators, prosecutors, and regulatory agencies to ensure stronger environmental enforcement outcomes and greater accountability for environmental offences.
The training is expected to result in improved handling of environmental evidence, stronger case preparation, increased application of restoration orders, enhanced coordination among enforcement agencies, and ultimately higher conviction rates in environmental cases.
NEMA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening environmental governance and ensuring that environmental justice contributes to sustainable development, environmental restoration, and the protection of Uganda’s natural resources for present and future generations.
