Who We Are

Environmental Management for Livelihood Improvement Bwaise Facility (EMLI) is an environmental non-governmental and non-profit making organization registered as an indigenous organization – INDR9123491NB with the National Bureau for NGOs under the Non-Governmental Organizations Act, 2016. EMLI was founded in Kampala in 2007 as a response to the deteriorating citizen role in environmental protection. Over the years, EMLI has become accredited to Conventions and Intergovernmental bodies such as:

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Minamata Convention on Mercury.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Global Environment Facility and Green Climate Fund.

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Principle environment agency in Uganda, recognized EMLI in 2013 for its outstanding contribution to environmental management in Uganda. EMLI works with others to improve vulnerable people’s livelihoods, influence national, regional and global policies and help tackle climate and environmental issues.

How we work

EMLI works with others to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable communities by empowering communities formulate and implement development plans and programmes that promote sustainable development. We apply rigorous knowledge to inform, advocate and lobby for sound environmentally friendly policies through a community centred approach. Currently we operate through the entire country with our partners and member organizations.

View our Programs

EMLI is actively involved in several international processes related to environment and sustainable development, such as the UNFCCC, UNEP, UN Habitat, GEF, World Bank and AMCEN. EMLI has become regionally known and recognized as a strategic partner in advocating for key African issues.

Due to such recognition, EMLI has managed to have some of its staff serving on various regional and international groups, one such group is the UNEP IEG Civil Society Advisory group. At national level, EMLI serves on a number of national platforms such as the Technical committee on mainstreaming climate change guidelines at NPA, Climate change Forum, REDD Working group, Uganda Forest Working Group, National Sustainable Development Think Tank at NEMA. Through its membership to the climate change Forum, EMLI continues to play an advisory role to Uganda’s negotiating teams.

In realizing that EMLI cannot work alone to empower communities, working with others to achieve a common goal is one of the ways EMLI has managed to remain relevant in executing its work. EMLI contributes to development of ideas, methods and implementing projects. Through this, EMLI continues to share new experiences and knowledge.

EMLI maintains its continuous flow of information, sharing of experience and knowledge through its dialogues, environmental clinics and regional and international platforms. EMLI produces broad set of papers, policy briefs, scholarly articles, holds lectures and conduct studies. EMLI envisage training as key components to empowering communities ensure sustainable livelihoods.

The organization is governed by a general assembly and Board of advisors of at least 5 persons including the executive director, who serves as the secretary to the Board. Each member is eligible to serve up to 3 three-year term

The General Assembly comprises the organization members who meet once a year during Annual General Meetings (AGM) to deliberate on the organization program of work; approve the Annual Reports and other related Reports; and resolve any matter referred to by both secretariat and the Advisory board.

The Board of Advisors provides strategic guidance in the implementation of programmes and is also responsible for recruitment of staff. The Board of Advisors convenes at least twice a year to discuss and approve the mini-annual reports, budgets and the program work plans prepared by the Secretariat. The secretariat headed by the executive director remains responsible for the organization day to day activities, strategic planning, project development and implementation and liaison with other stakeholders.