The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) recently embarked on a media tour dubbed “Yonja Uganda” aimed at raising awareness and fostering collaboration on waste management issues in Uganda. The tour, which saw journalists and social media influencers visit markets and streets in Namawojjolo, Tororo, and Mbale, served as a platform for information sharing and community engagement.
Guided by the National Environment Act of 2019, which emphasizes public participation in environmental management, NEMA’s Communications Unit designed the tour to equip media personnel with the knowledge and tools to effectively report on environmental concerns, particularly those related to litter and waste management. The tour also included a practical component, where participants, led by NEMA Executive Director Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, actively participated in cleaning up the main markets in each visited location.
This initiative aligns with NEMA’s annual work plan for FY2023/24, which prioritizes developing a comprehensive communication and visibility strategy. By engaging media outlets, the tour aimed to amplify crucial messages about responsible waste handling and encourage sustainable practices within communities.
The methodology employed by NEMA involved collaborating with various radio and television stations, journalists, and online media platforms to disseminate environment-related information through targeted advertisements, talk shows, and articles. Additionally, Dr. Akankwasah directly addressed communities along the tour route, emphasizing the importance of waste management and highlighting NEMA’s ongoing efforts in this area.
The tour served several key purposes:
- Raising awareness: NEMA sought to educate the public, particularly media personnel, about the critical issues surrounding litter and waste management, emphasizing relevant legal provisions outlined in the National Environment Act.
- Promoting sustainable practices: The tour encouraged individuals and communities to adopt responsible waste management practices in their daily lives, fostering a culture of environmental consciousness.
- Encouraging public participation: NEMA aimed to stimulate active community involvement in addressing waste management challenges, fostering a sense of ownership and collective responsibility.
- Protecting wetlands: The tour also highlighted the importance of protecting and restoring wetlands, which play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and waste management.
- Enforcing environmental regulations: NEMA emphasized its commitment to enforcing environmental regulations, particularly regarding proper waste disposal practices, targeting public transport vehicles lacking designated waste receptacles.
The “Yonja Uganda” tour aimed to reach a diverse audience across the country, encompassing individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Notably, Tororo emerged as the cleanest of the three visited locations, demonstrating the positive impact of community efforts and responsible waste management practices.
This initiative serves as a testament to NEMA’s dedication to fostering environmental responsibility and promoting sustainable practices through collaborative efforts with media, communities, and local authorities. By empowering individuals and fostering public participation, NEMA strives to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for Uganda.
