Mukono District Local Government, with support from the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme (GKMA-UDP), has convened a two-day conference to strengthen efforts in safeguarding the environment.
The conference, which runs from September 9th–10th, 2025 at Colline Hotel Mukono, brought together political leaders, district technical staff, and government partners to discuss pressing environmental challenges and chart a way forward.
The meeting, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Water and Environment, comes at a time when the district is grappling with increasing threats such as wetland encroachment, deforestation, unregulated farming, and infrastructure expansion.
Speaking during the opening sessions, Mr. Mutalya Innocent Joseph, Senior Environment Officer and Acting District Natural Resources Officer, revealed findings from recent consultancy reports prepared by Hassan Consultants and Queens Lands Consults. These reports, part of the District State of Environment Report and District Environment Action Plan mandated by the National Environment Act, show worrying trends of environmental degradation in Mukono.
He warned that climate change impacts are now clearly visible, with farmers and developers emerging as major drivers of destruction.
Participants underscored the importance of stronger collaboration with institutions such as NEMA, the Ministry of Water and Environment, and the District Environment Committee. Calls were made for more financial support, intensified environmental education, and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations.
Representing the District Chairperson, Hon. Rev. Dr. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa, Vice Chairperson LCV and Secretary for Finance, Planning and Administration, Hon. Joram Kabali Kimera, emphasized that the environment is “the mother that keeps life moving forward.” He raised concern over the increasing sunshine and unusually high night temperatures, linking them to deforestation and encroachment on Mabira Forest. Hon. Kimera questioned how large-scale tree cutting and charcoal burning continue despite strict forest protection by security forces, noting that Mabira was once intact before heavy deployment.
In a key resolution, leaders agreed that accountability for environmental destruction should not be limited to local communities but should also extend to investors and stakeholders whose activities threaten natural resources. The meeting further resolved to strengthen protection of reserved wetlands and government-owned environmental sites, while encouraging sustainable practices such as regulated farming and fishing.
The Mukono District two-day environmental conference marks a pivotal step in strengthening the fight against environmental degradation. With clear resolutions to hold all actors from community members to large-scale investors accountable, the district has signaled its determination to safeguard natural resources for current and future generations.
By prioritizing collaboration, enforcement, and sustainable practices, Mukono seeks to restore balance between development and conservation, ensuring that the environment continues to sustain life and livelihoods.
