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Uganda recognizes the critical importance of collective action in addressing global environmental challenges, the Minister Water and Environment Minister Sam Cheptoris has said.

Cheptoris noted that Uganda as a nation is committed to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

He said his ministry continues to strive for the advancement of solutions to the three planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

“The government remains steadfast in protecting the forests, wetlands, water resources and control of pollution. The country has 16% of her land surface dedicated to Protected Areas for conservation of biodiversity,” Cheptoris said.

Uganda continues to focus on manufacturing electric and emission-free buses, saloon cars, motorcycles, and boats for the domestic and regional market in order to address the challenge of pollution.

The minister made the remarks at the Sixth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA6) held from February 26 to March 1, 2024, at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters in Gigiri, Nairobi.

It was preceded by meetings of the Open-Ended Committee of Permanent Representatives (OECPR) held from February 19 to 25, 2024. The UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) is the world’s top decision-making body on the environment.

UNEA aims to help restore harmony between humanity and nature, improving the lives of the world’s most vulnerable people. 

The High-Level Segment was opened by the President of Kenya, William Ruto.

In attendance were Presidents of Botswana, Djibouti, Somalia, Gabon, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Vice Presidents of Zimbabwe, and Libya as well as Prime Ministers of Burundi, Rwanda, Eswatini, and Environmental Ministers across the UN Member states.
Uganda’s delegation was led by minister Sam Cheptoris.

He was accompanied by Dr. Babirega Akankwasa, Executive Director of NEMA, Evans Aryabaha, Charge d’Affaires, as well as staff from NEMA and the Uganda High Commission in Nairobi.

The Minister informed the Assembly that in order to address the problems of plastic pollution, Uganda is championing Extended Producer Responsibility to address product life cycle management as enshrined in her laws and UNEA 6 presented an opportunity to reaffirm Uganda’s collective resolve to safeguard the planet and secure a sustainable future for humanity.

Cheptoris called upon all Nations to embrace green and circular economy approaches while taking full responsibility for protecting the planet stating,

“The World must stop being blinded by greed to amass more wealth at the cost of nature. When nature fights back as it is already doing,” he said, “no amount of wealth can save humanity.”

He implored delegates to remain steadfast in promoting nature-based solutions to environmental challenges.