The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has dispatched the first cohort of 55 officers under its newly established Environment Protection Force (EPF) for a four-month specialised training programme aimed at strengthening environmental law enforcement across the country.
The officers were flagged off by NEMA’s Executive Director, Barirega Akankwasah, at NEMA House in Kampala before proceeding to the Kabalye Police Training School in Masindi District, where they will undergo intensive drills and instruction.
Dr. Barirega said the training marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s efforts to professionalise environmental enforcement amid growing ecological threats. “This force is a critical step toward restoring order in the management of our natural resources. The officers will be equipped with the skills necessary to investigate environmental crimes, handle evidence, and ensure compliance with the law,” he said.
The programme is designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, focusing on investigation techniques, compliance monitoring, community engagement, and human rights observance. Officials say discipline and professionalism will be central pillars of the training.
The Environment Protection Force was officially launched on June 5, 2024, as part of a broader strategy to address persistent gaps in environmental law enforcement. Uganda has in recent years faced mounting challenges, including widespread wetland degradation, deforestation, illegal sand mining, and industrial pollution.
According to NEMA, additional cohorts of officers will be trained in phases to build a robust and nationwide enforcement unit capable of responding swiftly to environmental crimes.
Dr. Barirega further revealed that the EPF will play an expanded role in safeguarding government interests, including the protection of forest reserves. “As institutional changes take shape, the force will also step in to secure critical ecosystems such as forests, especially in areas where enforcement has been weakened,” he noted, in reference to the anticipated restructuring of the National Forestry Authority (NFA).
Environmental experts have welcomed the initiative, describing it as long overdue. They argue that weak enforcement has often undermined existing environmental laws, allowing illegal activities to thrive with minimal consequences.
Once deployed, the trained officers are expected to work closely with local communities, law enforcement agencies, and other government bodies to ensure sustainable use of natural resources.
NEMA officials say the move signals a new era in environmental governance, with the EPF expected to serve as a disciplined, coordinated, and effective force in protecting Uganda’s environment for future generations.
