Kinyara Sugar Limited has won a prestigious award for the Company’s best practices in conserving the Environment. at the third edition of the National Environmental Sustainability Awards organized by NEMA that were held at Serena Hotel in Kampala on Saturday.
The awards were held under the theme “Innovation for Climate Resilience“.
The winners were selected through a rigorous evaluation process involving independent experts, field verification exercises, due diligence and assessment against established environment Sustainability criteria.
Kinyara Sugar won the Climate Smart Agriculture award while Hima Cement won circular economy Award.
“We are grateful that we have been awarded for the smart agriculture practices and innovation such as restoration and conservation of wetlands and natural forests, pioneering the production of bio fertilizer in East Africa, Green harvesting of sugarcane, inter cropping sugarcane with legumes such as soya beans to replenish the soil nutrients organically, massive tree planting using indigenous species, application of filter mud and boiler ash as soil amendments, use of natural predators for pest control and management“, said Francis Mugerwa, the Kinyara Sugar Ltd Public Relations Officer.
“Our integration of environmental-friendly technologies and approaches along the sugar value chain has improved sustainable conservation, enhanced agricultural productivity and enhanced our compliance to environmental stewardship” Mugerwa added.
To achieve the award, the company said it works closely with farmers, communities, government, development partners and several stakeholders.
Kinyara’s award was received by the company Chief Executive Officer Mr Ramalingam Ravi who was accompanied by the Kinyara Sugar Ltd Public Relations Officer Mr Francis Mugerwa, the company’s Environment Manager Mr Moses Enjama and the chairman of Masindi Sugarcane Growers Association Ltd (MSGAL) Mr Robert Atugonza.
The NEMA Executive Director Dr Akankwasa Barirega said the awards recognize and celebrate outstanding individuals, institutions, companies, organizations and communities that demonstrate exceptional commitment to environmental conservation, climate action, innovation and sustainable development while promoting environmental stewardship through compliance to environmental laws and standards.
“Manufacturers are investing in greener production processes, and communities continue to restore and regulated ecosystems while creating sustainable livelihoods” Dr Barirega said.
The nominees and winners demonstrate that environment sustainability and economic growth can actually reinforce each other, he added.
“Their work shows that environment stewardship is not a constraint on development, but rather an enabler long-term prosperity” Dr Barirega noted.
“I encourage you to continue innovating, continue inspiring others, and continue demonstrating that environment sustainability creates opportunities for people, businesses, and communities, Dr Barirega said.
As a keynote speaker at the awards, Governor Bank of Uganda Dr Michael Atingi-Ego appreciated NEMA and entities excelling in sustainable environment management.
He observed that Climate change is already being felt through more frequent floods, prolonged droughts, landslides, heat stress, ecosystem degradation, and disruption to livelihoods, these shocks are affecting the households, businesses, infrastructure, agriculture, and ultimately the stability of the economy itself.
“When farmers lose harvests, when roads become impossible, when businesses face rising operating costs, and when communities are displaced, the consequences extend far beyond the immediate damage. They are reflected in balance sheets, loan portfolio, insurance claims, public finances, investment decisions, and consumer welfare.” he spoke
He said climate change effects are economic shocks that affect productivity, livelihoods, investments, and growth, and by disrupting agricultural production, damaging assets, and increasing uncertainty, they weaken household incomes, strain public resources, and undermine development gains.
Investing in resilience today is therefore an investment in Uganda’s future competitiveness, productivity, and prosperity, he said.
Water and Environment Minister Gen Kahinda Otafiire who presided over the awards ceremony urged all stakeholders to protect the environment for the benefit of the current and upcoming generations.
He wondered how man was destroying a good universe that God created to give humans good livelihoods.
Going forward, he vowed that his ministry will give zero tolerance to encroachment on wetlands, forests and ecologically fragile ecosystems.
As part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Kinyara Sugar sponsors Kitara FC and several other sports and community programs.
