NEMA launches simplified versions of the National Environment Act in local languages
Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, NEMA's Executive Director, unveiled the versions during an event attended by officials including Dr. Grace Nangendo, Director of Conservation Planning and Research at WCS.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has launched abridged and translated versions of the National Environment Act, Cap 181.
The new versions aim to boost environmental awareness and literacy, helping Ugandan communities adopt sustainable practices that protect the environment.
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The simplified "Popular Version" of the Act breaks down complex legal language into more accessible content, highlighting key legal provisions to make it easier for the public to understand.
To further extend its reach, NEMA, with support from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and other international agencies, has translated the popular version into three major local languages: Ateso, Luganda, and Runyoro.
Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, NEMA's Executive Director, unveiled the versions during an event attended by officials including Dr. Grace Nangendo, Director of Conservation Planning and Research at WCS.
Dr. Nangendo represented WCS Uganda's Country Director, Dr. Simon Nampindo.
The new initiative is expected to significantly enhance public engagement in environmental protection.
According to NEMA’s Senior Public Relations Officer, Mr. William Lubuulwa, the new "Popular Version" of the Act simplifies complex legal provisions, making it easier for the public to comprehend and act upon environmental regulations.
“This popular version aims to ease the raising of environmental awareness and literacy among different communities so that people can adopt practices and behaviour that enhance the protection of the environment,” said Mr Lubuulwa.
The abridged version highlights all the major legal provisions of the original Act.
It was developed with support from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the French Development Agency, and the French Facility for Global Environment.
“This simplified version is a tool that will promote a better understanding of environmental laws, ensuring that communities can actively participate in the preservation and protection of their surroundings,” Lubuulwa added.
While the current translations target speakers of Ateso, Luganda, and Runyoro, Lubuulwa confirmed that more translations are planned to expand the reach of the initiative.
“Translations into other languages will be coming shortly so that all Ugandans can have access to environmental laws in a language they understand,” Lubuulwa noted.
This effort comes as part of a larger plan to translate the Popular Version into more local languages, ensuring wider national coverage.
