Kampala News: NEMA Abolishes Open Burning of Waste Countrywide

KAMPALA, Uganda — The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has abolished the open burning of waste across Uganda, citing serious risks to public health and environmental safety.

The directive, issued on Friday, February 20, 2026, orders all cities, urban authorities, and district local governments to immediately end the practice within their jurisdictions.

Immediate Ban on Open Waste Burning

In its communication, NEMA instructed local government leaders to enforce an immediate halt to open waste burning, warning that the practice violates national environmental laws.

The directive follows earlier correspondence referenced as NEMA/7.5 and NEMA/4.7.1 dated August 22, 2024, which reminded local governments of their statutory responsibilities under Uganda’s devolved environmental governance framework.

According to NEMA, the latest move comes after numerous public complaints about persistent open burning of garbage, particularly in urban areas.

Public Health and Environmental Concerns

Speaking on the matter, Head of Corporate Communications Naomi Karekaho said recent environmental monitoring inspections conducted nationwide confirmed ongoing waste management challenges despite the existence of a clear legal and technical framework.

“These reports have been corroborated by findings from recent environmental monitoring inspections conducted by NEMA inspectors across the country. The observations point to ongoing challenges in waste management, particularly in urban settings,” she said.

Karekaho emphasized that open burning releases harmful pollutants into the air, posing severe health risks and contributing to environmental degradation.

Legal Basis and Enforcement Measures

NEMA noted that open burning is explicitly prohibited under Section 78 of the National Environment Act, Cap 181, which outlaws pollution in any form.

The authority has directed responsible agencies to:

• Immediately stop open burning of waste
• Conduct continuous awareness and sensitization programs for staff, waste handlers, and communities
• Strengthen proper waste management systems

NEMA warned that individuals and institutions that defy the directive will face enforcement action, including administrative fines, restoration orders, closure of non-compliant facilities, and possible prosecution for environmental offences.

National Push for Sustainable Waste Management

The nationwide ban signals a stronger enforcement stance by NEMA as Uganda grapples with increasing urban waste generation and air pollution concerns.

Authorities are urging local leaders to prioritize sustainable waste disposal methods to protect public health, improve air quality, and safeguard the environment.