Former Makerere University lecturer (College of Natural Sciences) and Nkrumah Hall Resident Tutor Dr Akankwasa Barirega has officially assumed office as NEMA Executive Director.
Following successful completion of a recruitment process that commenced in October 2020, and upon recommendation from the NEMA Board of Directors; the Minister responsible for Environment Hon. Sam Cheptoris appointed Dr. Akankwasa Barirega as the new Head of the National Environment Management Authority effective September 1, 2021, for a period of five (5) years.
Dr. Akankwasah replaces Dr. Tom Okurut who served for ten years at the helm of NEMA since July 1, 2011. Section 22 of the National Environment Act states that the Executive Director shall serve for a period of five years and is eligible for appointment for only one more term.
Mr. Akankwasa has a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Environment and Natural Resource Management, a Master of Science, and a Bachelors degree in Environment and Natural Resource Management and a Diploma in Law; He takes with him a wealth of experience in biodiversity conservation and corporate governance to NEMA.
Hitherto his appointment as NEMA ED, Dr. Akankwasa served in the Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities in several positions since 2008; including as Director for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Commissioner Wildlife Conservation, Assistant Commissioner for Conservation Planning and Partnerships; Principal Wildlife Officer, and Senior Wildlife Officer.
He has served as Member of Board of Trustees and Chairperson Human Resource Committee for Uganda Wildlife Authority and has also been a governing Council member at Uganda Wildlife Research and Training Institute for over six years. He has contributed significantly to several reforms in both institutions and the Ministry.
