By Diana Kintu
Uganda has been ranked amongst the top-performing countries worldwide for meeting its commitments on environmental protection. The report, published by North Eastern University in the United States on the Environmental Conventions Index (ECI), measures how well countries implement global environmental agreements.
Uganda stands out in Africa and globally in several key areas of environmental management.
In Hazardous Waste Management, governed by the Basel Convention, Uganda scored 4.73 points, ranking first in Africa and sixth globally. This success is attributed to a strong system for tracking hazardous waste, involving a multi-sectoral Pollution Control Committee and a strict permitting process to ensure safe handling.
In Wetlands Conservation, Uganda scored 4.71 points, placing first in Africa and third globally. This reflects its strong commitment to biodiversity protection and sustainable land use. The report highlights government actions such as halting approval of new projects in wetlands, undertaking large-scale restoration in Lwera, Limoto, and Lubigi, and promoting alternative livelihoods like aquaculture and ecotourism. Efforts to remove illegal sand mining and replant degraded wetlands have also contributed.
Uganda has also made progress in managing Persistent Organic Pollutants—dangerous chemicals that threaten human health and the environment. The country is ranked 11th in Africa and 70th globally. Key steps include eliminating polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from transformers, banning harmful pesticides, tightening customs checks to stop illegal imports, and safely disposing of obsolete chemicals with international support.
According to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), these achievements stem from stronger institutions, greater public awareness, improved systems, and stricter law enforcement. Coordination between NEMA, the Department of Wetlands Management, the Directorate of Water Resources, ministries, local governments, the private sector, and civil society has been vital.
The report reaffirms Uganda’s leadership in environmental governance and its potential to shape a positive future for environmental management in Africa and globally.
The full country rankings are available on the Environmental Conventions Index website.