By Faith Barbara N Ruhinda

Kampala, Uganda

Environmental conservation champion Dr. Jibril Semakura Owomugisha has been recognized for his outstanding contribution to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration at the National Environment Sustainability Awards 2026, held at Kampala Serena Hotel.

The glamorous event, now in its third edition, was organized under the theme “Innovation for Climate Resilience” and brought together government leaders, environmental experts, conservationists, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to celebrate individuals and institutions making significant contributions toward environmental sustainability.

Dr. Jibril was among the distinguished award recipients, scooping the prestigious Biodiversity Conservation Award in recognition of his exceptional efforts in land restoration through agroforestry, conservation forestry, and urban forestry initiatives.

Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Akankwasa Barirega, Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), said the winners were selected through a rigorous and transparent process.

“The awardees were uniquely selected from various nominees across different categories. Experts conducted comprehensive assessments based on established environmental sustainability criteria to identify the most deserving winners,” Dr. Barirega said.

He noted that the award recipients represent the growing commitment among Ugandans to promote environmental sustainability while supporting economic development.

The Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, emphasized the importance of innovation in addressing climate challenges and strengthening economic resilience.

“The nominees and winners we are recognizing tonight demonstrate that environmental sustainability and economic growth can reinforce one another. Innovation enables societies not merely to respond to climate shocks, but to anticipate them, adapt to them, and emerge stronger from them,” Dr. Atingi-Ego said.

He added that climate change has evolved beyond an environmental concern and is now a major economic, financial, and development challenge requiring urgent action and investment.

Dr. Jibril’s recognition also reflects his growing influence on the international environmental stage. As Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, he has actively participated in major global environmental forums, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Conferences of Parties (COPs), where he has served as a national delegate and negotiator.

Through these engagements, he has played a key role in mobilizing partnerships, projects, and opportunities aimed at advancing Uganda’s environmental restoration agenda.

Dr. Jibril is also the Founding Director of Million Trees International Organization, a Ugandan environmental organization working closely with government institutions, communities, and development partners to promote tree planting, land restoration, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Water and Environment, Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, used the occasion to reiterate the government’s commitment to wetland protection and restoration.

In a strongly worded message, the minister urged the public to vacate wetlands and other protected ecosystems, emphasizing their importance in environmental conservation and climate resilience.

“If you are not a frog or a crocodile, leave the wetlands. God licensed humans to stay on dry land while aquatic species belong in watery areas. This is a natural permit,” Maj. Gen. Otafiire remarked.

The minister further encouraged NEMA and environmental enforcement agencies to intensify efforts aimed at restoring degraded wetlands across the country.

“Dr. Barirega, continue the operations on wetland and swamp restoration. No one should stop you. All people must vacate these places,” he added.

The National Environment Sustainability Awards continue to serve as a platform for recognizing excellence in environmental stewardship and inspiring innovative solutions to climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation.

For Dr. Jibril Semakura Owomugisha, the award represents not only personal achievement but also a growing national commitment to restoring ecosystems and building a greener, more climate-resilient Uganda.