By Don Edwarles
KITALA, KATABI TOWN COUNCIL – WAKISO DISTRICT
A new environmental conservation and sustainable development organization, the Katabi Town Council Environment Conservation and Management Agency (KATOCEMA Uganda), has officially been established with a mission to address environmental degradation, climate change, biodiversity loss, and poor waste management in Uganda.
Founded in 2026 by environmental advocates Prince Mawanda Edwarles and Mugabe Nicolas, KATOCEMA Uganda is headquartered in Kitala Cell, Kitala Ward, Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District. The organization seeks to become a leading force in promoting environmental sustainability, climate resilience, environmental education, ecosystem restoration, and green economic development across Uganda.
Speaking during the unveiling of the Agency’s development concept, Co-Founder Prince Mawanda Edwarles emphasized the urgent need for collective environmental action to protect natural resources and secure the future of communities.
«“Environmental conservation is no longer an option; it is a necessity. Communities are already experiencing the effects of climate change through floods, prolonged droughts, declining biodiversity, and environmental pollution. KATOCEMA Uganda has been established to provide practical, community-driven solutions to these challenges,” he said.»
The Agency’s vision is to build a clean, green, climate-resilient, and environmentally sustainable Uganda. Its mission focuses on promoting environmental conservation, climate adaptation, sustainable natural resource management, research, innovation, and community empowerment through strategic partnerships and citizen participation.
According to the organization’s Five-Year Strategic Plan (2027–2031), KATOCEMA Uganda intends to implement several flagship programmes including the Green Katabi Initiative, Save Katabi Wetlands Campaign, Clean Katabi Initiative, Climate Smart Communities Programme, Waste-to-Wealth Project, and Green Schools Programme.
One of the Agency’s major targets is the planting of one million trees over the next five years as part of efforts to restore degraded ecosystems and improve climate resilience. The organization also plans to establish environmental clubs in schools, support community forestry projects, promote renewable energy technologies, and strengthen environmental awareness among youth and women.
Co-Founder Mugabe Nicolas noted that environmental conservation should be integrated with economic empowerment if communities are to fully embrace sustainable environmental practices.
«“Our approach combines conservation with livelihood improvement. Through beekeeping, agroforestry, recycling initiatives, eco-tourism, and green entrepreneurship, we want communities to see environmental protection as an opportunity for development and income generation,” he explained.»
KATOCEMA Uganda has also developed a comprehensive Constitution, Strategic Plan, and a UGX 5 billion flagship project proposal titled Green Katabi Environmental Restoration, Climate Resilience and Sustainable Livelihoods Project (2027–2031).
The project aims to directly benefit over 50,000 people and indirectly impact more than 200,000 residents in Wakiso District and surrounding communities.
Environmental experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that civil society organizations play an important role in complementing government efforts to address environmental challenges. Uganda continues to face significant threats from deforestation, wetland encroachment, poor waste management, and climate-related disasters, making local environmental action increasingly important.
The Agency plans to work closely with local governments, schools, universities, community groups, private sector actors, and national environmental institutions to implement its programmes. Areas of focus will include environmental conservation, climate change adaptation, waste management, biodiversity protection, environmental education, research, and policy advocacy.
As part of its public engagement strategy, KATOCEMA Uganda has also unveiled its official 3D logo designed in Uganda’s national colours and launched plans for a digital outreach platform to mobilize volunteers, members, and development partners.
The organization is currently mobilizing support from government agencies, development partners, corporate organizations, and well-wishers to implement its ambitious environmental agenda.
Interested individuals and organizations can contact KATOCEMA Uganda through:
Head Office: Kitala Cell, Kitala Ward, Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District, Uganda
Telephone: +256 787 091615 / +256 755 504111
Email: [email protected]
As Uganda advances toward achieving its national development goals and international climate commitments, KATOCEMA Uganda hopes to inspire communities to take an active role in protecting the environment and building a sustainable future for generations to come.
