Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Certificate
Approval issued for projects requiring an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment before implementation.
Who needs it
Developers undertaking projects listed under the Third Schedule of the National Environment Act, 2019
Fees
Prescribed under the National Environment (Fees) Regulations.
Schedule 4 of the National Environment (Environmental and Social Assessment) Regulations, S.I. No. 143 of 2020 prescribes a single sliding scale applied to the total value of the project: 0.500% for projects up to UGX 50m, 0.475% (UGX 50–100m), 0.375% (UGX 100–250m), 0.280% (UGX 250–500m), 0.200% (UGX 500m–1bn), 0.090% (UGX 1–2.5bn), 0.075% (UGX 2.5–5bn), 0.070% (UGX 5–70bn) and 0.05% above UGX 70bn. The same percentage scale governs both project briefs and full ESIAs. A non-refundable administration fee of 30% of the total fee is paid on submission, with the remaining 70% paid before the Certificate of Approval is issued. Other fees include certificate amendment/extension/transfer (UGX 200,000–300,000); the developer also bears the cost of public hearings, consultations and advertisements.
Documents required
- Environment and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Report, project brief, application form, proof of land ownership or user rights, and supporting technical documents
Steps to apply
- 1Submit Project Brief
- 2Screening
- 3Conduct ESIA (where required) .
- 4Public consultation
- 5Technical review
- 6Decision
- 7Certificate issued
Key facts
- Processing time
- 30 days for a project brief to NEMA; 60 days for a full ESIA (from a complete submission)
- Validity / renewal
- Certificate of Approval valid up to 10 years; invalid if project does not commence within 12 months of issue
- Legal basis
- National Environment Act, Cap. 181 (Act No. 5 of 2019); National Environment (Environmental and Social Assessment) Regulations, S.I. No. 143 of 2020