Kinyara Sugar Limited and Hima Cement were among the top corporate entities honored last night at the third edition of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Sustainability Awards.
The glamorous event, held at the Kampala Serena Hotel under the theme “Innovation for Climate Resilience,” brought together government officials, conservationists, and private sector leaders to celebrate exceptional commitments to environmental stewardship.
The winners were selected through a rigorous evaluation process led by independent experts, featuring field verifications, strict due diligence, and comprehensive assessments against established environmental sustainability criteria.
Kinyara Sugar Limited scooped the Climate Smart Agriculture Award, while Hima Cement took home the Circular Economy Award. Hima Cement was particularly lauded for integrating eco-friendly technologies that minimize carbon emissions and conserve biodiversity across its manufacturing operations.
Receiving the award, Kinyara Sugar’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ramalingam Ravi-who was accompanied by the company’s Environment Manager, Mr. Moses Enjama, and Masindi Sugarcane Growers Association Ltd (MSGAL) Chairman, Mr. Robert Atugonza-expressed gratitude for the recognition.
Mr Francis Mugerwa, the Kinyara Sugar Ltd Public Relations Officer, highlighted the company’s extensive green initiatives.
“We are grateful to be awarded for smart agriculture practices and innovations. These include the restoration of wetlands and natural forests, pioneering bio-fertilizer production in East Africa, green harvesting, and intercropping sugarcane with legumes like soya beans to organically replenish soil nutrients,” Mugerwa said.
He added that the integration of these eco-friendly approaches along the sugar value chain has drastically enhanced agricultural productivity and boosted compliance with environmental laws, a feat achieved by working closely with farmers, local communities, and the government.
Speaking at the event, NEMA Executive Director Dr. Akankwasa Barirega noted that the awards prove environmental sustainability and economic growth are not mutually exclusive.
“Manufacturers are investing in greener production processes, and communities continue to restore regulated ecosystems while creating sustainable livelihoods,” Dr. Barirega said. “Their work shows that environmental stewardship is not a constraint on development, but rather an enabler of long-term prosperity.”
Delivering the keynote address, Bank of Uganda Governor Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego warned that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a severe economic shock wave felt through frequent floods, prolonged droughts, and landslides.
Dr Atingi-Ego emphasized that when climate disasters disrupt agricultural harvests and damage infrastructure, the fallout hits corporate balance sheets, loan portfolios, and public finances.
“Climate change effects are economic shocks that affect productivity, livelihoods, investments, and growth,” the Governor warned. “Investing in resilience today is therefore an investment in Uganda’s future competitiveness, productivity, and prosperity.”
The Minister of Water and Environment, Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, who presided over the ceremony, tasked Ugandans with protecting the environment for both current and future generations.
Expressing concern over human-led environmental degradation, Gen. Otafiire wondered why mankind continues to destroy a pristine universe created to sustain them.
Going forward, the Minister vowed that the government will enforce a strict, zero-tolerance policy against any further encroachment on wetlands, central forest reserves, and other ecologically fragile ecosystems across the country.