Deforestation-induced warming linked to 28,000 deaths a year SPECIAL FEATURE | Xilena Pinedo | Halting deforestation is not just an environmental issue but also a public health imperative, say researchers after a study found compelling evidence on the rise in heat deaths linked to tree loss. The study published in Nature …
Read More »Shadow minister slams Govt action to save Lake Bunyonyi
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | MPs have called for stringent measures to protect Lake Bunyonyi, following pollution concerns. The Shadow Minister for Water and Environment, Christine Kaaya (NUP, Kiboga District Woman Representative), said government interventions were inadequate and failed to confront the root causes of the lake’s degradation. During …
Read More »Ham’s ‘godly’ dream for Nakivubo channel
Why contested redevelopment of Kampala’s critical drainage could lead to a not-smart city COVER STORY | RONALD MUSOKE | On the morning of Monday, Aug. 18, the smartphones of many Ugandans lit up with a novel architectural design of Nakivubo Channel, one of Kampala’s most important rivers. In what …
Read More »Acholi chief rallies support for Balaalo eviction, stating environmental concerns
Gulu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Acholi Paramount Chief, Rwot David Onen Acana II, has appealed to individuals and leaders opposing the eviction of migrant cattle keepers (Balaalo) from Northern Uganda to reconsider their stance, warning of long-term environmental consequences resulting from large-scale cattle grazing. Rwot Acana said that …
Read More »Environment stakeholders renew call for ban on single-use plastics in Uganda
Kabale, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Environment stakeholders have renewed their call for a total ban on single-use plastics, particularly polythene carrier bags (commonly known as kaveera) under 30 microns, as part of efforts to protect the country’s environment. The demand was made on Wednesday during belated World Environment Day celebrations …
Read More »How climate, transparency can unlock scarce capital
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Financial and accounting professionals have tipped entrepreneurs on improved transparency, environment and human rights as key to enabling access to needed affordable and long-term capital. This comes as sources of patient capital seem to be dwindling and becoming more selective, hence difficult to acquire, …
Read More »Yo Waste, Nile Breweries to recycle glass waste
Yo Waste has developed a mobile app that allows bar owners and event organizers to notify them about the type and location of available glass waste for pickup. Jinja, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Waste management startup Yo Waste has partnered with Nile Breweries Limited (NBL) to scale up the …
Read More »DEAR PLASTIC… IT’S OVER — Signed UGANDA
Toxic. Clingy. Everywhere. Uganda needs to break up with plastic! COMMENT | Sarah Musumba | Once upon a dusty Saturday in Kampala, a Fuso truck rumbles past, stacked high with buveera (plastic paper bags), water containers, soda bottles, and jerry cans. Now imagine 120 of those rolling in every single …
Read More »Embracing Indigenous Wisdom to End Plastic Pollution: A bottom-up call to action
COMMENT | REGINA ASINDE | Today, June 5, 2025, the world will come together to mark World Environment Day under the critical theme “End Plastic Pollution.” This year’s call is not just to observe but to act boldly, urgently, and together. The plastic crisis is no longer an invisible threat—it is …
Read More »Government orders crackdown on wetland encroachers in Eastern Uganda
Mbale, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Environment has directed the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Environment Directorate to intensify efforts in restoring wetlands across Eastern Uganda. This directive comes as the ministry, with support from the police and army, …
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