Hon. Mariam Mayanja addressing NEMA
Speaking at the closing session, the Minister of Environment and Human Development, Hajjat Mariam Nkalubo Mayanja, addressed a conference aimed at educating local chiefs under the Department of Health and Environment in the counties.
The conference's objective was to raise awareness among the public about the quality of the air they breathe and the health risks associated with environmental degradation that leads to air pollution.
Buganda leaders on different levels attending the workshop
Hajjat Mariam mentioned that educating people about wetland use would help them understand how to manage these areas without interference from NEMA.
She also emphasised that wetland laws should not only affect or be applied to low-income earners, but should be effectively applied to everyone.
She urged NEMA to expand its services across the country by establishing branches and training people in all regions, ensuring that NEMA's presence is not perceived as limited to urban areas.
Jennifer Kuteesakwe, Senior Environment Inspector specialising in air quality, noise, and odorous smells, stated that the main sources of pollution include burning tires, old cars, factories, dust from poorly maintained roads, petrol stations, and burning garbage.
She urged people to avoid activities that release harmful gases damaging to the environment.
The workshop took place at Bulange in Mengo.