By Catherine Male
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, expressed deep concern over Uganda’s environmental crisis and emphasised the urgent need for action during the launch of the Church of Uganda’s “Environment Focus” Month in Namirembe.
Following the Provincial Assembly meeting at Uganda Christian University, Mukono, in August 2024, March was officially designated as Environment Awareness Month to advocate for environmental conservation.
Reaffirming the Church’s commitment to environmental and climate change advocacy, Archbishop Kaziimba commended the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for its campaign to reclaim wetland areas. However, he voiced concerns about the campaign’s selective implementation.
Addressing the recent tragedy at the Kiteezi landfill, the Archbishop underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive waste management strategy for both the city and the country. He emphasized that the failure to manage waste properly had devastating consequences, including the loss of lives among Kiteezi residents.
In his closing remarks, he urged the Church to collaborate with other faith-based institutions and cultural organizations to promote positive environmental change while upholding values of peace, justice, and the well-being of the earth.
Representing the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Biyika Lawrence Songa, Chairman of the Parliamentary Forum on Climate Change-Uganda (PFCC-U), commended the Church of Uganda’s dedication to environmental conservation. He acknowledged the Church’s unique role in inspiring behavioral change and pledged government support for its environmental initiatives, noting that they align with the national agenda for sustainable development.
