By KT Reporter
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has warned that Hoima City risks repeating Kampala’s environmental mistakes unless it takes full responsibility for managing its waste, wetlands, and noise pollution.
NEMA Executive Director Dr. Barirega Akankwasah told leaders during a four-day monitoring exercise in Luwero and the Albertine Graben (September 16–19, 2025) that environmental management is a decentralized service under the law and must be prioritized in local budgets.
“The environment is a decentralized service. The city is responsible for waste, wetlands, and noise management. Cities must prioritize the environment in their budgets just as they do for roads or health. It must not be treated as an afterthought,” Dr. Barirega said.
He added that NEMA will soon disburse grants from the National Environment Fund, but only to cities with clear Environment Action Plans. “Waste generators must take responsibility. If this is not addressed, Hoima could repeat Kampala’s mistakes,” he warned.
The warning came as Hoima City leaders admitted that rapid growth is putting severe pressure on the environment. Town Clerk Catherine Mbambu highlighted the challenge of the Kibati dumping site, which has already reached full capacity.
City Environment Officer Jonan Bizibu raised concerns about unchecked noise pollution, noting that without noise meters, the city cannot enforce controls on night-time noise from churches and open-air venues.
His colleague, Ronald Kyamangwa, added that illegal construction in buffer zones around wetlands continues because the city lacks the capacity to demolish buildings and needs NEMA’s backing to issue restoration orders.
Board Chairperson Dr. Callist Tindimugaya emphasized that wetlands cannot be sacrificed for urban expansion. “Wetlands are not wastelands. They are treasures for flood control, biodiversity, and livelihoods,” he said.
Deputy Mayor Sylivia Nalumaga pledged to make Hoima a “unique, organized, and green city,” but appealed for partnerships with private players in waste management. NEMA Board Member Hajjat Aphwa Kawaase Sebyala encouraged the city to embrace tree planting to strengthen its eco-friendly identity. The Board capped the visit by donating ornamental plants and roses to symbolically launch urban greening.
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