By Sadique Bamwita
KAMPALA
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has abolished the open burning of wastes across the country in order to curb serious risks to public health and the environment.
The directive was issued by the authority on Friday February 20, 2026 to all Cities, Urban Authorities, and District Local Governments. In its directive, NEMA has ordered for the immediate end of open burning of waste within their areas of jurisdiction.
The directive followed an earlier communication referenced as NEMA/7.5 and NEMA/4.7.1 of 22nd August, 2024 reminding local government leaders of their statutory responsibility for environmental management under the devolved environmental governance framework.
The Head Corporate Communications at NEMA, Naomi Karekaho, says the directive was issued after numerous complaints from the public regarding the persistent open burning of waste in various urban areas.
“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, despite the presence of a clear legal and technical framework,” she said.
Karekaho noted that the practice of open burning poses serious risks to public health and the environment, and is explicitly prohibited under Section 78 of the National Environment Act, Cap 181, which forbids pollution of the environment in any form.
She challenged all responsible authorities to immediately stop the open burning of waste within their jurisdictions, conduct continuous awareness and sensitisation programmes for staff, waste handlers, and communities on proper waste management practices.
She further warned individuals or institutions that will continue to engage in open burning of waste saying they will be liable to enforcement actions which may include administrative fines, restoration orders, closure of offending facilities, and prosecution for environmental offences.
