By Ben Musanje
Kawempe Division Mayor, Dr. Emmanuel Sserunjogi, has landed one of the most influential positions in Kampala’s environmental governance structure after being elected the inaugural Chairperson of the Kampala Capital City Environment and Natural Resources Management Committee.
The appointment was announced on Friday morning (June 19, 2026) at City Hall by Kampala Lord Mayor Eng. Ronald Balimwezo during the inauguration of the committee established under the National Environment Management Act (NEMA) of 2019. The law requires every district and city authority to establish environmental and natural resources management committees composed of area Members of Parliament, mayors, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), district natural resources officers, and Local Council leaders, among others.
Sserunjogi’s election places him at the center of efforts to tackle some of Kampala’s most pressing environmental challenges, including poor waste management, pollution, wetland degradation, climate change, and the growing pressure on natural resources caused by rapid urbanization.
In his acceptance speech, the Kawempe Division Mayor thanked committee members for entrusting him with the responsibility and pledged to provide leadership grounded in teamwork, accountability, resilience, and environmental stewardship. He noted that environmental challenges facing Kampala could only be addressed through collective action and inclusive decision-making involving all stakeholders regardless of political affiliation.
The newly elected chairperson said one of the committee’s key priorities would be advocating for stronger environmental protection measures, improved waste management systems, protection of wetlands and green spaces, and policies that promote sustainable urban development. He also emphasized the need for transparency and integrity in the committee’s operations, promising to ensure that its decisions are guided by evidence, professionalism, and the law.
Sserunjogi further committed himself to working closely with technical officers, civil society organizations, development partners, community groups, and fellow leaders to advance Kampala’s environmental agenda. He expressed optimism that the city could become a model for sustainable urban development in Uganda and across Africa if leaders remained united behind a common vision.
The appointment adds to Sserunjogi’s growing political stature in Kampala. The National Unity Platform (NUP) leader recently secured a decisive victory in the mayoral race, retaining the Kawempe Division seat with 23,715 votes.
He defeated National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Farouk Swimpo Bulime, who polled 18,483 votes. Former Kawempe North Member of Parliament Latif Ssebaggala Sengendo, who contested as an independent candidate, came third with 5,866 votes, while independent candidate Eric Njakasi Katende garnered 1,898 votes. Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate Emmanuel Musoke trailed with 347 votes.
With his latest appointment, Sserunjogi now assumes a key role in shaping Kampala’s environmental future, with many city residents hoping the new committee will provide stronger leadership and practical solutions to the capital’s long-standing environmental challenges. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
