KCCA WINS SUSTAINABILITY AWARD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has won the Lead Agency Award in the Urban Authorities category at the 3rd National Environment Sustainability Awards (NESA) 2026, in recognition of its efforts to promote environmental sustainability.

The awards were presented Friday at Serena Hotel in Kampala during a ceremony organized by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) under the theme, "Innovation for Climate Resilience." The Minister of Water and Environment, Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Kahinda Otafiire, was the chief guest.

KCCA emerged winner ahead of Gulu City, which was named first runner-up, and Soroti City, which took second runner-up position.

According to NEMA, winners were selected through an open nomination process followed by verification and scoring based on established criteria. The assessment considered environmental audit records, sustainability initiatives and institutional track records. An independent panel of judges reviewed the nominees before determining the winners.

KCCA was recognized for its environmental management initiatives, including air, water, soil and noise pollution control, solid waste management, environmental enforcement and public awareness campaigns.

The authority has installed more than 100 air quality monitoring devices across the city, planted thousands of trees, maintained green spaces and established non-motorized transport corridors to promote sustainable mobility. It has also championed waste separation, reuse, recycling, community clean-up campaigns and the distribution of waste collection bins.

Speaking after receiving the award, KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi said the recognition reflects the authority's commitment to building a cleaner, greener and more resilient city.

"This award is a testament to the collective efforts of KCCA staff, government agencies, development partners and the people of Kampala who continue to support environmental conservation initiatives," Kigenyi said. "We remain committed to strengthening pollution control, improving waste management, protecting green spaces and promoting sustainable urban development for present and future generations."

Kigenyi said KCCA will continue investing in climate resilience interventions, including air quality monitoring, tree planting, ecosystem restoration, promotion of non-motorized transport and community-led environmental stewardship programs.

Addressing the ceremony, Otafiire emphasized the need to preserve the environment for future generations.

"As long as we have children, we must preserve the environment," Otafire said.

The minister also defended ongoing efforts to protect wetlands, warning against encroachment and degradation of fragile ecosystems.

"There should be no mercy for those degrading wetlands," Otafiire said, adding that wetlands play a critical role in environmental conservation, flood control and climate resilience.

The NEMA Executive Director Dr. Barirega Akankwasah said the awards recognize institutions, organizations and individuals that demonstrate outstanding commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development in Uganda.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer