Business
Kinyara Sugar Limited, Hima Cement awarded at NEMA Sustainability Awards
The winners were selected through a rigorous evaluation process involving independent experts, field verification exercises, due diligence and assessment against established environmental sustainability criteria.
Kinyara Sugar Limited General Manager Ravi Ramalingam (second right) receives a commemorative plaque from Joan Kamwesigye, Public Affairs Officer at the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), during the event. (Photo by Yosam Gucwaki)
By: Yosam Gucwaki, Journalist @New Vision
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Kinyara Sugar Ltd and Hima Cement were among the winners that scooped Awards at the third edition of the NEMA Sustainability Awards that were held at Serena Hotel in Kampala recently on June 21, 2026.
The awards were held under the theme "Innovation for Climate Resilience."
The winners were selected through a rigorous evaluation process involving independent experts, field verification exercises, due diligence and assessment against established environmental sustainability criteria.
Kinyara Sugar won the Climate Smart Agriculture award while Hima Cement won the Circular Economy Award.
Hima Cement was awarded for using eco-friendly technologies in minimising carbon emissions and conserving biodiversity in its operations.
"We are grateful that we have been awarded for the smart agriculture practices and innovation such as restoration and conservation of wetlands and natural forests, pioneering the production of bio fertilizer in East Africa, Green harvesting of sugarcane, inter cropping sugarcane with legumes such as soya beans to replenish the soil nutrients organically, and massive tree planting using indigenous species,” said Francis Mugerwa, the Kinyara Sugar Ltd Public Relations Officer.
To achieve the award, the company said it works closely with farmers, communities, government, development partners and several stakeholders.
Kinyara's award was received by the company's Chief Executive Officer, Ramalingam Ravi who was accompanied by the Kinyara Sugar Ltd Public Relations Officer, Mr Francis Mugerwa, the company's Environment Manager, Moses Enjama and the chairman of Masindi Sugarcane Growers Association Ltd (MSGAL), Robert Atugonza.
The NEMA Executive Director, Dr Akankwasa Barirega said the awards recognize and celebrate outstanding individuals, institutions, companies, organizations and communities that demonstrate exceptional commitment to environmental conservation, climate action, innovation and sustainable development while promoting environmental stewardship through compliance to environmental laws and standards.
"Manufacturers are investing in greener production processes, and communities continue to restore and regulate ecosystems while creating sustainable livelihoods,” Dr Barirega said.
To achieve the award, the company said it works closely with farmers, communities, government, development partners and several stakeholders.
Kinyara's award was received by the company's Chief Executive Officer, Ramalingam Ravi who was accompanied by the Kinyara Sugar Ltd Public Relations Officer, Mr Francis Mugerwa, the company's Environment Manager, Moses Enjama and the chairman of Masindi Sugarcane Growers Association Ltd (MSGAL), Robert Atugonza.
The NEMA Executive Director, Dr Akankwasa Barirega said the awards recognize and celebrate outstanding individuals, institutions, companies, organizations and communities that demonstrate exceptional commitment to environmental conservation, climate action, innovation and sustainable development while promoting environmental stewardship through compliance to environmental laws and standards.
"Manufacturers are investing in greener production processes, and communities continue to restore and regulate ecosystems while creating sustainable livelihoods,” Dr Barirega said.
He noted that the nominees and winners demonstrate that environmental sustainability and economic growth can actually reinforce each other.
"Their work shows that environmental stewardship is not a constraint on development, but rather an enabler of long-term prosperity. I encourage you to continue innovating, continue inspiring others, and continue demonstrating that environment sustainability creates opportunities for people, businesses, and communities,” Dr Barirega said.
As a key note speaker at the awards, the Governor Bank of Uganda, Dr Michael Atingi-Ego, appreciated NEMA and entities excelling in sustainable environment management.
He observed that climate change is already being felt through more frequent floods, prolonged droughts, landslides, heat stress, ecosystem degradation, and disruption to livelihoods. He explained that these shocks are affecting the households, businesses, infrastructure, agriculture, and ultimately the stability of the economy itself.
“When farmers lose harvests, when roads become impossible, when businesses face rising operating costs, and when communities are displaced, the consequences extend far beyond the immediate damage. They are reflected in balance sheets, loan portfolio, insurance claims, public finances, investment decisions, and consumer welfare,” Atingi-Ego stated.
The Water and Environment Minister Gen Kahinda Otafiire who presided over the awards ceremony urged all stakeholders to protect the environment for the benefit of the current and upcoming generations.
He wondered how man was destroying a good universe that God created to give humans good livelihoods. Going forward, he vowed that his ministry will give zero tolerance to encroachment on wetlands, forests and ecologically fragile ecosystems.
"Their work shows that environmental stewardship is not a constraint on development, but rather an enabler of long-term prosperity. I encourage you to continue innovating, continue inspiring others, and continue demonstrating that environment sustainability creates opportunities for people, businesses, and communities,” Dr Barirega said.
As a key note speaker at the awards, the Governor Bank of Uganda, Dr Michael Atingi-Ego, appreciated NEMA and entities excelling in sustainable environment management.
He observed that climate change is already being felt through more frequent floods, prolonged droughts, landslides, heat stress, ecosystem degradation, and disruption to livelihoods. He explained that these shocks are affecting the households, businesses, infrastructure, agriculture, and ultimately the stability of the economy itself.
“When farmers lose harvests, when roads become impossible, when businesses face rising operating costs, and when communities are displaced, the consequences extend far beyond the immediate damage. They are reflected in balance sheets, loan portfolio, insurance claims, public finances, investment decisions, and consumer welfare,” Atingi-Ego stated.
The Water and Environment Minister Gen Kahinda Otafiire who presided over the awards ceremony urged all stakeholders to protect the environment for the benefit of the current and upcoming generations.
He wondered how man was destroying a good universe that God created to give humans good livelihoods. Going forward, he vowed that his ministry will give zero tolerance to encroachment on wetlands, forests and ecologically fragile ecosystems.