Labour Day: Museveni Honors NEMA ED, Tourism Executives with Diamond Jubilee Medal

Dr. Barirega Akankwasa, Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), was honored with the prestigious Diamond Jubilee Medal by President Yoweri Museveni on International Labour Day, May 1st, 2024, in Fort Portal City.

The honor recognizes Dr. Akankwasa’s outstanding service and loyalty to the country, demonstrated through his dedication to environmental conservation and sustainable development. His distinguished career spans environmental management, wildlife conservation, and academia, including roles as Director for Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities and Commissioner Wildlife Conservation at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, and teaching at Makerere University, one of Africa’s oldest universities.

As NEMA’s Executive Director, Dr. Akankwasa has driven significant reforms, including the restructuring and turnaround of the institution, establishment of the Environment Protection Force, and resource mobilization, which has increased the budget from Ushs 13Bn in 2021 to Ushs 43Bn in 2023. He has also automated business processes, including environment and social impact assessment, certification of environment practitioners, and electronic management of documents.

Dr. Akankwasa’s achievements make him a worthy recipient of the Diamond Jubilee Medal, presented by H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda, in recognition of his outstanding service and loyalty to the country. The Office of the President, the Chancery/Presidential Awards Committee, prepared the citation for the award.

The others awarded include executives include: the Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Sam Mwandha, the CEO of Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Lilly Ajarova, the Executive Director of the National Forestry Authority (NFA), Tom Okello, and the former Chairman of Uganda Tourism Board, Daudi Migereko.