Nathan Mununuzi serves as a Senior Environmental Officer at Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment. A participant in the Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) Program coordinated by the EfD Mak Centre, Mununuzi shares his experience and its impact on Uganda’s environmental policy landscape.
Please introduce your role within the Ministry.
I am responsible for developing and implementing environmental policies and strategies that promote sustainable development and green growth in Uganda. This includes work on waste management, environmental education, and national initiatives such as the Switch Africa Green Project and the Uganda Green Growth Movement Strategy.
What motivated your selection for the IGE Program, and what were your expectations?
My background in green economy initiatives—including my role on the National Technical Coordination Committee and chairing the Uganda Green Economy Network—positioned me well for the IGE Program. I expected to gain deeper insights into policy development grounded in research, and the program delivered on this. Exposure to international best practices and a structured approach to policy formulation significantly enriched my understanding.
What specific knowledge or skills did you acquire?
The program emphasized evidence-based policymaking, aligning closely with my responsibilities. It offered a structured, hands-on approach to identifying challenges, conducting research, and drafting policy responses. While we didn’t produce full policies during the program, the foundation it provided continues to guide my work.
How have you applied this knowledge in your current role?
I have integrated IGE principles into several initiatives, including a greening strategy for schools and health centers. This strategy promotes waste management, rainwater harvesting, erosion control, and tree planting. I also contributed to drafting Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations, which require manufacturers—particularly in the plastics sector—to manage product lifecycles responsibly. Furthermore, we are developing an environmental management system for the Ministry to embed sustainability into internal operations.
Could you elaborate on the school greening strategy?
This strategy targets institutions built under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers Program. In schools, initiatives include waste sorting, composting, recycling, and rainwater harvesting. Health centers focus on safe disposal of medical waste, efficient water use, and energy-saving practices. The strategy mandates that environmental considerations be integrated into all public infrastructure projects.
How is inter-ministerial coordination achieved?
The government’s programmatic approach facilitates collaboration across ministries. For example, the Ministry of Finance oversees the strategy, while the Ministries of Education and Health manage implementation in schools and health centers. We also engage with local governments to ensure ground-level execution.
How would you assess the IGE Program, and what improvements would you suggest?
The IGE Program is impactful and relevant. However, expanding participation—especially among local government actors—would enhance its reach. Extended time for international exchanges and encouraging participants to develop implementable policy proposals could further improve the program’s outcomes.
What challenges exist in promoting green policies within institutions?
Institutional change is inherently slow, requiring extensive consultation. Nonetheless, progress is evident. Green economy concepts are being incorporated into Uganda’s National Development Plan IV, and we’ve proposed a waste-to-resource initiative in Wakiso municipality that could transform waste management practices.
Any final reflections?
Green economy adoption is essential for sustainable development. The IGE Program equips professionals with the tools to drive this agenda, but broader participation is necessary. Continued advocacy and awareness—across sectors and the general public—will be critical for sustained progress.
Compiled and Written by
Jane Anyango
Communication Officer