Wetland Inventory Report

WETLANDS ARE WEALTH LANDS
DTPC
DWI
WID
EIA
GIS
IUCN
KCC
LC
MP
MWLE
NBS
NEAP
NEMA
NRM
NWI
NWP
WID
WlS
ACRONYMS
District Technical Planning Committee
District Wetland Inventory
Wetlands Inspection Division
Environmental Impact Assessment
Geographical Informati on Systems
World Conservation Union
Kampala City Council
Local Council
Member of Parliament
Ministry of Water, Lands and Environment
National Biomass Study
National Environment Action Plan
National Environment Management Authority
National Resistance Movement
National Wetland Inventory
National Wetlands Programme
Wetland Inspection Division
Wetland Information System
III
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION .................. .. .................................. ........................................... 1
1.I Wetlands in Uganda ................................................. ..... ......................................................... 1
1.2 The Organisation of Wetland Management In Uganda ................................................. 2
1.3 Wetland Management ............................................................................................................ 2
1.4 Legislation Affecting Wetlands Ownership, Use & Access ................................................. 4
1.5 Role Of Districts In Wetland Management And Protection ............................................... 4
1.6 The National Wetlands Inventory ........................................................................................ 4
2 THE STATUS OF WETLANDS IN KAMPALA DISTRICT .................................. 8
2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 8
2.2 Topography and Size .............................................................................................................. 8
2.3 Wetland Types ................................................................................................................ ........ 8
2.4 Values ...................................................................................................................................... 8
2.5 Major Uses and Threats .............................. ......... .. ................................................................ 9
2.6 Management Jurisdiction .... ................................................................................................ 10
2.7 Kampala City Council Environment Action Program on Wetlands ............................... 10
2.8 Conclusion ............................. ................................................................................................ II
2.9 Proposals for Action ............... .. ....................... .......... .......................................................... . 12
3 APPENDIX 1: SUMMARY TABLE OF WETLANDS IN KAMPALA DISTRICT 13
4 APPENDIX II: INVENTORY OF WETLANDS IN KAMPALA DISTRICT .......... 15
5 APPENDIX III: OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND SETTING PRIORITIES FOR THE
SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF UGANDA WETLANDS ........................................ 1
6 APPENDIX IV: WETLAND INVENTORY DATA SHEET.. ............. : .................... 2
7 APPENDIX V: WETLAND MONITORING DATA SHEET .... : ............................. 3
8 APPENDIX VI: LEGISLATION AFFECTING WETLANDS OWNERSHIP, USE
& ACCESS .................................................................................................................... 4
IV
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Wetlands in Uganda
Wetlands in Uganda cover about 13% or 30,000 km' of the country and include areas of
seasonally flooded grassland, swamp forest, permanently flooded papyrus and grass swamp
and upland bog.
Wetlands provide a variety of goods, services and attributes. Some of these are locall y
relevant, others have a regional , national or internat ional imp0l1ance. A ll together, the goods,
services and attributes constitute a considerable ecological, social and economic value, whi ch
may be lost when wetlands are converted or altered. Wetlands are definitely not wastelands
but 'wealth lands' contributing to the gross national product both visible and more intangible
benefits.
Ecologica l functions are
those that wetlands perform
without immediate human
intervention. Typical
examples are maintenance of
the water table, flood control,
and the provision of habitats
for plants and animals. Few
people are aware of the
importance of these
ecological functions of
wetlands, as many of them
are performed more or less
invisibly to the human eye.
The socio-economic benefits
of wetland are better
understood, as they involve
immediate human interaction
Production and
consumption
goods such as:
Fishing
Fuelwood
Buil ding poles
Tha!Ch
Water
Vhld foods
Medicines
Agriculture
Pasture
Transport
Recreation
Ecosystem
functions Bnd
services such as:
Water quality
Water flow
Wafer storage
Water purificarion
Water recharge
Flood control
Stonn protection
Nutrient retention

Shore stabilisation
. etc ..
Premium
Intrinsic
phJced on
sigl1ificance in
possible future
terms of:
u.ses and
Cultural value
applications,
Aesthetic value
including:
Herilage value
Pharamceutical
Bequest value
Agricultural
. etc ..
Industrial
Leisure
Water use
' .. elc . ..
with the wetland. Human activities in wetlands generate a wide range of products, wh ich are
used locall y, or traded over hundreds of kilometers. Many of the socio-economic values are
essential for the wellbeing of local commun ities adjacent to the wetlands. Ugandans interface
with wetlands on a regular basis, and the resources in the natural wet lands contribute directly
and significant ly to their sustenance.
However with the rise in human numbers, and the subsequent demand for more resources to
sustain their livelihood, wetlands and their benefits are now under pressure both in rural and
urban areas. In the urban areas, notably Kampala, the wetlands were the last ' free ' or cheap
areas for infrastructure development, despite their designation as 'green corridors'. In the
rural areas, small ' but"continuous 'nibbling' at wetland edges has reduced the wet land area
somewhat, but this is mainly restricted to the seasonal wet lands. The damage to permanent
wetlands in the rural areas is probably still limited. Here the inaccessibility and the lack of
drainage technology have protected these systems from encroachment and or wholesale
drainage. The main issue here is that all these developments have taken place without a well-
developed legal framework that regulates wet land use. The lack of legal framework is
compounded by the limited understanding of how wet lands work, what the immediate and
long term impacts of modifications may be, and the economic value of wetlands as compared
to the economic benefits of major developments.
As a result, waterways, water quantity and quality, and the microclimate have been altered,
with potential consequences for crop production, wetland resource use, and public health. In
other areas widespread conversion to rice has taken place, but the initial high yields in the
wetlands have not been sustained, while the traditional dry season grazing areas in some cases
may have suffered long term damage. In urban centers, wetlands have been filled in for
industrial development and housing, with adverse hydrological consequences (flooding) for
those living downstream, while in the peri-urban areas encroachment and the over-harvesting
of plant resources have damaged the water purifying capacities of wetland putting publ ic
health at ri sk.
1.2 The Organisation of Wetland Management In Uganda
The responsibility of wetland management in Uganda is based in the Wetlands Inspection
Division (WID), Ministry of Water, Lands and Environment. The division is assisting central
government and local governments at district level to apply the National Policy for the
Conservation and Management of Wetland Resources. The mission of the Government of
Uganda towards wetlands is reaching a situation where wetlands are properly understood,
appreciated and utilised at all levels of society, while sustaining or enhancing all their
beneficial functions. Central to this is a balanced and informed decision-making process about
wetland management options to ensure that wetlands maintain their place in the national
economy and planning for sustainable economic development. Uganda today is the only
country worldwide to have a government institution dedicated to wetland management.
Wetlands officially entered the Ugandan political arena in 1986 when the then NRM
Government banned any further large-scale drainage of wetlands until a National Wetlands
Policy was put in place. Subsequently, the National Wetlands Programme was established in
1989, with technical assistance from the World Conservation Union (IUCN). Based in the then
Department of Environment Protection, the Programme was designed to assist government
develop a national policy for the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands and
acquire the technical capacity needed to implement the policy. The National Policy for the
Conservation and Management ofWetIand Resources was adopted in 1995.lt should be noted
that Uganda was only the second country world-wide to have a Wetlands Policy and is now the
point of reference for other nations wishing to conserve their wetland resources through policy
development.
The National Wetlands Programme has now been incorporated into the WID and assisting WID
towards the implementation of the Wetlands Policy at the national and district level. The overall
goal of the National Wetlands Programme is:
.. to sustain the biological and socio- economic values of wetlands for present
and future generat ions"
1.3 Wetland Management
All wetlands are important- they all play significant roles in water resources, supply of goods,
climatic moderation and other benefits as illustrated in section 1.1 . Now that wetlands are
perceived as 'wealthlands not waste lands', there is need of sustainable management
through wise-use to ensure long-term provision of wetland benefits. Some wetlands have
unique ecological features that warrant total protection; many currently provide a wide range
of products to local users; and some may become more efficient production areas for a wide
range of food, and other products when appropriately modified.
The diverse range of wetland uses and subsequent management options have to be considered
within the framework of four main principles:
2
>- The hydrological and ecological integrity of the wetland ecosystem must be
maintained
Sustainable use of wetlands, or wise use according to the Ramsar terminology, means
using wet lands for a variety of different purposes or activities. Use will almost always
mean that the original conditions of the wetland will change. This in itself is not a
problem so long as the main ecological processes are maintained. Management opt ions
for resilient wet lands are quite diverse as they pose little threat to the ecological integrity
of the system as a whole. For fragile or unique ecosystems, where the resilience is not
known or the change may lead to irrevers ible loss of hydrological functions or
biodiversity, management options are narrowed down to those requiring minimal or no
modifications at all.
Management must comply with larger ecosystem management objectives
Wise use of wetlands has to be considered also in the context of wise use of the
ecosystem as a whole. Proposed wetland management options, therefore, wi ll have to
SUppOrl wider ecosystem management object ives. In many cases this means that the scope
of strategic management should encompass defined hydrological units, either catchments
or river / lake basins;
Wetland management options must be supportive towards the socio-economic
objectives and aspirations of the people of Uganda
In many cases, improved management of wetland sections may increase the range of
products derived from wetlands, increase the total harvested produce, or increase the
value of the produce, all of which will help to improve the economic wellbeing of
wetland users. Therefore, an integral part of the wise-use use of wetlands is the
optimisation of the socio-economic benefits within the restrictions of the former two
principles; firstly to contribute to the wider development goals of Uganda, but also to
muster continuing support for sustai nable wetland management amongst all levels of
Ugandan society.
The precautionary principle should be applied when the impacts of management
options are uncertain
Sustainable management of wetl ands world-wide, and especially in Uganda, is a
new venture and has effectively started only in the last 10 or 20 years. As a new
branch of environment and natural resources management few tried and tested
methodologies are available to wetland managers. Time and research will be needed
to test options for sustainability. Unti l such methodologies are developed, tested and
approved, it is prudent to be cautious when deciding what management options are
to be allowed. The need for caution is particularly needed in wetlands that appear to
have high values in terms of their hydrology, habitat functions and biodiversity. In
summary, when in doubt be cautious since it is better to be safe than sorry. This is
the heart oHhe precautionary principle.
Human and financial resources available for wet land management are in short supp.ly.
Therefore, a process for the identification and prioritisation of wetlands in need of immediate
management intervention is necessary because the need for management is greater than the
resources available for management. It is therefore, necessary to focus attention on those
wetlands that are currently under strong pressure from development but are also providing
essent ial goods and services at local, regional and nat ional level; the loss of wh ich may
potentially have greater negative impacts that the positive benefits hoped for from the
development degrading the wetland (see append ix IV on options, criteria and setting priorities
for the susta inable management of Uganda wetlands).
J
1.4 Legislation Affecting Wetlands Ownership, Use & Access
Since 1995, some important legislation has been developed that provides some level of
protection agai nst unsustainable wetl and management (See appendix v).
The major ones are:
The Constitution ofthe Republic of Uganda ( 1995)
National Environment Statute ( 1995)
The National Policy for the Conservation and Management of Wetland Resources (1995)
The Land Act ( 1998)
In add it ion the Nat ional Environment Wetlands, River Banks and Lakeshores Management
Regulations (2000) have been gazened and are the most important management legis lation for
wetlands to date.
According to the Constituti on (1995) and the Land Act ( 1998), the Government or local
government shall "hold in trust' for the people and protect natural lakes, rivers, groundwater,
natural ponds, natural streams, wetlands, forest reserves, national parks, and any ot her land
reserved for ecological and touristic purposes for the common good of the citi zens of Uganda.
This does not mean government or local governments own the wetlands. It means they are
responsible for ensuring the management of wetlands is in accordance wi th the provisions in
the relevant legislation.
1.5 Role Of Districts In Wetland Management And Protection
The Local Governments Statute (1997) decentral izes services and activities, which include
the management of the district's wetlands. The decentralization process transfers the
administrative, fi nancial and planning authority from the center to local government counci ls.
As fa r as wetlands are concerned, this bas icall y means that the districts are responsibl e for
managing the wet lands within the framework of the National Environment Statute and other
relevant laws. In order to be able to do so, the di stricts need comprehensive wet land
knowledge and wetland management ski ll s, so that they can produce realistic wetland
management plans, carry out wetl and resource monitoring and survei ll ance, and if needed,
enforce adherence to the Nat ional Environmental Statute and regulati ons. One of the tasks of
the National Wetlands Program is to help build capacity at district level to enable local
admi ni strations to fulfil their role in wet land management and conservation effectively.
1.6 The National Wetlands Inventory
Since 1993 the NWP has been undertaking a National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) in which al l
Uganda wet lands are being surveyed, described, quantified and mapped. Two trained district
officers designated by each district cany out the exercise supported by NWP staff. Thi s
contri butes to the build-up of wetland expert ise and capacity in the districts and stimulates the
development of wetland action plans at district level. Wetland values are generally sitespecifi c
and difficult to assess, and a wetland inventory to delineate the resource is therefore a
prerequi site in the planning process and rational management of these resources.
The NWI is based on wetland-rel ated themat ic maps stored in a computer-based Geographi cal
Information System (GIS) and a database of si te-specific information (see Box 5). Key
information on wetlands gathered during the inventory wi ll be stored in the National
Wetlands Information System (WIS) and any up-dates made later on will be incorporated.
The WIS wi ll enable analysis and manipulation of stored data to produce relevant reports on
wet lands as systems or within administrative boundaries.
4
1.6.1 The Distri ct Wetlands Inventory (OWl)
The District Wetlands Inventory (OWl) is a concerted effort of districts, the NWP and other
stakeholders to survey and map all the wetlands in Uganda. The inventory is the first step in
generating information on the wetland resources in Uganda, and is a pre- requisite for
acquiring national support for wetland conservation, and eventually effective management of
wetlands. In addition, as the OWl is carried out jointly between NWP, the National Biomass
Study (NBS) and district staff, the OWl is an important tool helping to build capacity for
wetland management at the district level.
The OWl follows five basic steps:
(a) wetland mapping, based on satellite imagery (SPOT, 1990-1992).
(b) district wetland descriptions, based on physical observation of all wetlands in a district,
and the collection and analysis of secondary in/ormation.
(c) district wetland inventory report, based on the analysis of the wetland descriptions.
(d) district wetland action plan (DWAP), based on the wetland inventory report (WIR) , the
district development plans, and the available resources in the district.
(e) data storage into a centralised Wetland Information System
At district level, the product ion of the inventory up to the district inventory report takes
approximately 4 months.
1.6.2 The Distri ct Wetland Inventory Report
The District Wetland Inventory Report comprises an inventory of all wet land systems and their
natural resources; a summary of the status of these wetland resources in the district concerned
and a detailed district wetland map.
Met hodology
(a) Mapping
The National Biomass Study Project (NBS) Forest Department carries out the cl assification
and mapping of wetlands in the districts in collaboration with the NWP. The NBS field team
collects data on wetlands and records it accordi ng to the agreed classification. The data is
later captured into a Geographical Information System for analysis and map production.
Maps showing the status and types of wetlands were produced. The information is stored,
transformed and displayed using PC/ArcInfo and ArcYiew programmes.
The NBS field staff may make use of the district staff, especially for the proper nami ng of
wetlands and their surrounding areas. However, much of the work is highly technical. The
satell ite images are received as dia-positives both in hard copy and digital form. They are
then interpreted according to signatures (colors) to produce land use/ land cover outlines-.
The wetland map outlines are extrapolated from these to form a specific map on wetlands.
With this initial mapping of wetland areas completed, fieldwork (groundtruthing) is done
to check the interpretation of the satellite imagery and correct the discrepancies. The final
maps are up-dated and produced according to district boundaries.
The mapping scale is I :50,000 and maps include:
Outline wetland maps up-dated from satellite data (SPOT 1990- 1992)
Administrative boundaries to sub-county level
Road network covering the district especially towards wetland areas
Drainage systems
(b) Fieldwork
The fieldwork to up-date the 1993 wetland inventory for Kampala District was carried out in
October 1999 to provide information on the current status of the wetlands.
National Wetland Programme staff carried out the fieldwork together with an official from
Kampala City Council. Physical observations were done in the field, whereby sections ofa
5
wetland were observed and its general characteristics recorded in a Wetland Section
Observation Data Sheet (see appendix III). The observations were used to up-date
infolmation on the maps, to obtain specific information on the wetland, which cannot be
derived from the satellite imagery, such as wet land type, ecological features, ownership,
current land-use, threats, values and functions. The information collected at the observation
sites was summarised in a Wetland Information Sheet (Box 5). A Monitoring Sheet (see
appendix ][I) was also filled for wetland sections where flowing water was such as at bridges
along access roads. Parameters such as pH, conductivity and temperature were measured at
the monitoring sites.
A Wetland Section Observation Sheet was completed for each site visited. The number of
sites visited for a particular wetland depended upon its size and variability. Both direct
observation and unstructured/ informal interviews obtained field information with the local
people. The people were chosen at random especiall y from nearby homesteads or those
working at the time and were mostly elderly people.
GPS units were used for navigation purposes and helped in locating the wetlands.
Topographica[ Y732 maps covering the district were also carried along for navigational
purposes.
Y733 maps on land cover/use from NBS coveri ng the whole district were used as base maps
for field surveys alongside one giving an overview of wetlands within the district.
(c) Reporting
The National Wetland Programme staff summarized the wetland descriptions, and
compiled a Wetland Inventory Report describing the state of the wetlands in the di strict.
The information collected at the observation and monitoring sites, together with the
secondary information was summarized in a Wetland Data Sheet,for each wetland in the
di strict. The Wetland Data Sheets form an appendix to this report.
The final draft was presented to the District Technical Planning Committee for further
comments especially on the proposals for action over salient issues identified during the
inventory process within the district. Comments made during the meeting were incorporated
in the final report.
1.6.3 District Wetland Inventory Report (WIR)
The District Wetland Inventory Report summarises information from both the GIS and site-
specific databases to provide District Technical Planning Committees (DTPCs) with baseline
information about the wetlands under their jurisdiction. District Wetland Inventory Reports
are intended to assist DTPCs discharge their responsibilities under the Nationat Wetlands
Policy.and Environment Statute, and to assist in the proper planning and management of
wetlands. .
Specifically, it is intended that the Wetland Inventory Reports should be used to:
help monitor wetland loss/gain
assist land-,,-se planning and management
identifY priorities for conservation
promote awareness of wetland values and functions
stimulate discussion and co-operation amongst wetland resource stakeholders
In order to monitor wetland loss/gain and work wit hin the framework of the National
Environment Statute, wetland inventory up-dates are proposed to be made during data
compilation for the production of the District State of Environment Reports, which are
produced every two years. The wet land inventory up-dates should be forwarded to the WID,
and will be up-dated in the WIS as well.
6
Box 1: THE WETLAND INFORMATION SHEET
I) Geographical co-ordinates: (latitude and longitude) are an approximation of the centre of
each site. Where the wetland meanders over a long di stance, an approximat ion is given for
the beginning and end.
2) Generallocation: is a description of the wetland location in relation to the nearest sub-
counties, trading centres, villages, roads and accessibi li ty
3) Area: of the site is given in square kilometres, calcul ated from the computerised database.
4) Weiland type: is based on the perennial status of water i.e. permanent or seasonal.
5) Altitude: is read from the nearest contour on the I :50,000 topographic map and is expressed
in met res above mean sea level.
6) Physical/eature: is a short description of the physical characteristics of the site, covering
origin, infl ow and outflow, soil type and catchment area.
7) Ecological/eature: is a brief description of the main habitats and vegetat ion types present,
listing the dominant plant communities and animal species present.
8) Land tenure/ownership: gives details of the ownership of the wetland and ownership of
surrounding areas.
9) Conservation measure: refers to any form of protect ion at or around the wetland, restriction
on development and management practices beneficial for retention of wetland functions.
10) See (9)
II) Current land-use: describes the principal human activities in the site and surroundings of
the wetland.
12) Disturbances/threats: refer to information on any human activities at the site or surrounding
which have had, are having, or may have a detrimental effect on the ecological integrity of
the wetland.
13) Social and cultural value: is a brief account of the values from the wetland that contribute
to enriching people' s lives or their livelihood, e.g., water supply, source of raw material s,
religious etc.
14) Territoria/jurisdiction: names the LC III level in the district responsible for the wetland in
case of conflict resolution and/unctiona/ jurisdictioll names the authority for conservat ion
purposes.
15) Other remarks: Any remarks relevant but which do not fit in other categories.
7
2 THE STATUS OF WETLANDS IN KAMPALA DISTRICT
2.1 Introduction
Kampala district wetland inventory was first carried out in 1993 as a pilot district for the wetland
inventory process. Due to the location of the district in an area of high population density, commercial
and industrial development, the size and biodiversity of unconverted portions of the wetlands has been
drastically diminished, with some areas completely converted. It was then decided in 1999, to have an up-
date of the Kampala district wetland inventory to provide an up-dated status of the wetlands.
2.2 Topography and Size
Kampala district has a total area of approximately 195 km' of which 32 km', or 16% is covered by wetlands.
8 km' or 25% of wetland area was converted as of 1993. The findings of 1999 show that approximately 15
km' or 46%of wetland area is converted.
The wetlands are part of the Lake Victoria and Victoria Nile catchment. Their altitude varies from 3,750 -
3,900 ft (1,143 - 1, 189 m) above mean sea level, with most lying at the same height as Lake Victoria (i.e.
about 1,143 m). The lake level has fluctuated by about 2.5 metres over the last hundred years affecting the
extent and location of wetlands in the District. Most of the wetlands in the district occupy shallow valleys
between the many hills within the district.
2.3 Wetland Types
Most wetlands in the district are permanently waterlogged due to a combination of impeded drainage and
year-round rainfall. Seasonal wetlands occur mainly at the fringes of the permanent ones and along
rivers. They normally flood in the months of peak rainfall (i.e. March - May and August - November).
Generally, papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) dominates the permanent wetlands, but some patches of Typha sp.
(bulrush) exist in Kyetinda while Miscanthus sp dominates most of Kawaga wetland. The wetlands with
swamp forest are seasonal and contain mainly relics of Phoenix palms and other trees. The seasonal wetlands
mostly have mixed wetland vegetation types that include sedges such as Cyperus sp. and wetland grasses
such as Echinochloa sp., Loudetia sp., Leersia sp. and Cynodon sp. However, the natural vegetation of most
seasonal wetlands has been substantially altered by human activity.
2.4 Values
The wetlands provide a number of useful goods, services and attributes. Those along the shore of Lake
Victoria help to maintain the quality of water in the lake. The Nakivubo wetland in particular provides a free
service to the District through tertiary treatment of the sewage effluent and run-off from industrial and
residential areas of the City. However, despite the role of wetlands, there has been a dramatic change in the
water quality and ecology of Lake Victoria over the past 30 years, and it is now feared that further pollution
will lead to a collapse of the fishery, which provides about half the national catch.
Ti,e lakeshore wetlands and those along the Mayanja River also protect developments from storm-water
erosion, while other inland wetlands store floodwater from the nearby hills. Wetlands also form a natural
water distribution system as well as helping to improve water quality. In addition, many ofthese wetlands are
sources of water for domestic use and are particularly important in areas with no piped water. Almost every
wetland in the district has a well on its fringes. As the wetlands .continue to be degraded, the recharge and
discharge capacities of wetlands will gradually be lost leading to drying up of adjacent wells.
The'immediate social and cultural values of wetlands in this districi are mainly through the use of papyrus for
local crafts and from hunting. The skin of the monitor lizard, hunted in some wetlands, is used for drums
known locally as "ngalabi" by the Baganda. Some of the wetland vegetation, especially some swamp forest
plants, is of medicinal value.
During the last 10-15 years the understanding of the importance of wetlands for the City has slowly
emerged from research and studies, from experiences in other countries and from current drainage
problems in Kampala City:
Wetlands absorb and channel surface water out of the City south into Lake Victoria and into the Nile
drainage system. Blocking these channels without providing other sufficient corridors for surface
ware drainage causes flooding and major damage to infrastructure in the City.
8
Wetlands filter and purify surface water before it enters into Lake Victoria and the Nile. By doing so,
they protect water bodies frol11 si ltation and eutrophication. A case in poi nt is the Nakivubo wet land.
wh ich forms the int erface between the City and the Inner Murchi son Bay. and filters and purifies the
water that comes through the Naki vubo channel and the semi-treated sewage from the BugoJobi
Sewage Plant.
Wetlands function as 'green corridors ' in the City and contribute to its beauty. A typical example is
the modified Kitante wetland, which houses the Kampala golf course and at its southern edge, the
Centenary Park. Many other wetlands in Kampala could be used simi larly to form playgrounds,
parks, City forests and other lei sure areas, while they continue to perform their drainage funct ions.
Wetlands are a refuge for numerous birds and other living organisms, which contribute to the beauty
of the City. The Nakivubo wetland, for instance, harbours a large colony of crested cranes.
2.5 Major Uses and Threats
Wetlands in Kampala district continue to face seri ous threat of total destruction. According to the Report of
the Kampala Urban Study (KCC, 1994), hi gh popu lation density (approx. 3,974 persons per km' ) is one of
the main causes of wetland resource degradat ion in the di strict. It is estimated that about three-quarters of the
wet land area has been significantl y affected by human activity. In 1993 it was noted that 13 % of the wetland
area was severely degraded. However, the est imate in 1999 showed that 46% of the wet land is now severely
degraded.
Wetlands are also under extreme pressure due to uncontrolled development activities. The most detrimental
activity is industrial development, which has destroyed the Kinawataka wetland, between Nakawa and
Kireka, and part ofNalukolongo. Second is residential development, which is affecting several wetlands,
notably Nsooba, Bulyera, Kiyanja, Kansanga, Kyetinda, Mayanja and Nakivubo. The encroachment on the
City's wetlands happens for various reasons:
Wetlands are the last 'free' areas in Kampala, for which ownership is either not very. clear or not
seriously pursued Especially the poor faction of the population moves into such areas, where they
can put up structures more or less free of charge.
Lack of co-ordination and planning in the allocation and development of plots. Various players, like
KCC, UIA, UMA and individual s allocate or develop plots in wetlands in disregard of any
infrastructure plan, including works for drainage. In cases where wetlands get totall y blocked, storm
water will spill over onto roads and other corridors, causing road foundations to collapse, and
culverts and under ground sewage systems to get blocked.
Lack of enforcement mechanisms. According to KCC officials the various laws and regulations in
place to plan the City and manage the wetlands may be contradictory, vague and lack the necessary
statutory instruments for impl ementation. As a consequence, it is of1en imposs ible to charge
developers without running the risk of loosing the case and paying damage to the developer. Many
officials therefore, do not pursue such -cases.
Wetland lease procedures that are concJuded now were started long before the coming in force of
the National Environment Statute and other legislation. Although no new leases in wetlands are
supposed to be given out, the issuing of leases continues for those that were al ready in pipel ine.
Therefore, many of the developments tbat are critised today are the result of bureaucratic procedures.
started years ago. Such developments, although dangerous, cannot easily be stopped.
Political interference. In many cases of wetland abuse in Kampala, the abusers are well connected.
In several instances where KCC did not stop a development, such connections helped to overrule the
decis ion, and the development continued. '
The enforcement capacity amongst the various institutions charged with environmental management
and City planning is very limited. The Weiland Inspection Di vision has 4 staff all of whom are for
100% of their time seconded to the Netherlands' funded National Wetlands Programme. The NWP
has, with a total of 15 staff, a countrywide coverage, and does not have the mandate to monitor
wetland abuses or legal action against abusers. Similarly, NEMA's monitoring department is small
and also has a countrywide mandate. The only organisation, which has in principle the human
resources to monitor wetland abuse in Kampala, is KCC.
9
Lack of /mow/edge alld understanding amongst wetland users, law enforcement officers, and
legislators about the functions of the wetlands. the laws and regulations in place, and the mechani sms
for enforcement.
Flooding has increased tremendously due to wet land destruction as witnessed on most rainy days. Most
development s in the formerly wet land vall eys suffer several hours of floodi ng and the tendency is to call on
planning aut horiti es for help. The factors causing flooding include wet land flood storage being reduced by in-
filling and increased impenetrable area in Kampala causing faster runoff, less infiltration and less storage
space. The blame on flooding will always remain on whoever invaded the other. Water will always try to find
its destination - valley bottoms.
Polluti on of wetlands due to poor maintenance of drainage channels, irresponsibl e solid waste disposal and
sewage disposal (for example along Lubigi channel) and many other poorly regulated act ivi ties also have
significantly impaired wet land services. Serious concern has been raised that destruction of the filtering and
nutrient strippi ng capacity of swamps downstream of Bugolobi Sewerage Works (Nakivubo and Luzira
swamps) wi ll lead to contami nati on of the Inner Murchison Bay where the intake for all water supply for
Kampala is located (KCC, 1994).
Most of the seasonal wetlands have been modified through drainage for crop production, especially for yams,
sugarcane, maize, beans, sweet potatoes, cassava, and vegetables. Some permanent wetlands - e.g. on the
fringes of Nakivubo - have also been modified for agricu lture. The main crops grown are water-tolerant
including yams and sugar cane. Generally agriculture is not a serious threat to the integrity of wetlands as
long as no drainage is done and conversion remains on the seasonally flooded edges. However, Kampala City
Council is not in favour of urban agriculture.
Other destructive human activities common in the wetlands include brick-making (e.g. Kayunga, Bulyera,
Kyabatola and Nsooba), sand extraction (e.g. part of Kinawataka), papyrus over-harvesting (e.g. Lubigi and
Nakivubo), burning of swamps and hunting.
2.6 Management Jurisdiction
The jurisdiction over the management of wetlands at Division (sub-county) level is under the Local Council
(LC) III whose office is responsible for drafting bylaws. The on ly wetland wi th a functional jurisdiction is
Nakivubo, which is utilised by ' chance' not design as part of Bugolobi Sewage Works operated by the
Nat ional Water and Sewerage Corporat ion.
Legally wet lands are not to own by individuals but instead, very many wetlands in Kampala di strict have
'assumed ownership'. A few, such as those between Nakawa and Kireka, have been leased to companies for
industrial development and subsequently have been destroyed. Open access wet lands main ly exist on the
shore of Lake Victoria. Mostly individuals under mailo land tenure 'assume ownership' of the immediate
areas surrounding the wetlands. Few cases exist where land has been leased to indivi duals.
So far no conservat ion measures have been implemented for any ofthe wetlands in the District. However, the
conservation measures proposed include full protection of wetlands such as Nakivubo, Kansanga and
Kinawataka in order that- they may continue to perform their ecological functions of purification.
Others, which are not yet converted, should be developed in a controlled manner or remain green belts as
proposed by KCC.
2.7 Kampala City Council Environment Action Program on Wetlands
As part of the Kampala Urban Study, wbich was financed under the World Bank-funded UgandaFirst Urban
Project, KCC undertook Environmental Reconnai ssance Studies in 1993 to provide inpHts on "valued
environmental components" (VECs) to the Urban Planning Process. In these studies, wet lands were
identified as one of the most critical VECs, which face very serious risk of being desiroyed due to
uncontrolled urbanisation processes. Accordingly, wetlands were placed first on the "long li st" of the
recommended environmental action programs for Kampala yet, between 1993 to 1999 the percentage of
wetland degradation increased from 25% to 46%
The Report of the Study (KCC, 1994) recommended that activities incompatible with sustainable wetland
management should be addressed as much as possible during the urban structure planning processes. The
report further recommended that certain environmentally sensitive areas should be designated on the Master
Plan for Kampala to protect them from inappropriate development. The areas singled out included; the
Nakivubo channel, wetlands surrounding the Inner Murchison Bay and the Lubigi channel and associated
wetlands. Finally, the report recommended that; " ... wet lands surrounding Inner Murch ison Bay, along
10
,
Nakivubo channel and elsewhere throughout the c ity should not be destroyed without further study and
environmental impact assessments",
2.8 Conclusion
Wet lands in Kampa la district, which cover approximately 32 sq. km (16% of the total land area), playa big
role in susta ining the li velihood of thousands of people and maintenance of the environment. However,
despite the various funct ions and va lues they provide, wet lands ill t he district are being degraded at an
a larming rate due to several factors including uncontrolled industrial development, pollution, drainage for
agriculture and brick making. There is urgent need for the district to take serious action to conserve the
remaining wetlands. If no action is taken, the City will continue to face severe flooding, will clearly pollute
the Inner Murchison Bay, all which will have cons iderable financial and social consequences. The National
Policy for the Conservation and Management of Wetland Resources (1995), The National Environment
(Wet lands, Riverbanks and Lakeshores) Regulations (2000) and the National Environment Statute (1995)
provide the necessary framework for act ion.
II
2.9 Proposals for Action
I. Central Government and Kampala City Council should develop an action plan for Kampala District
to conserve and manage wetlands, which is consistent with the National Wetlands Policy, National
Environment Statute (1995), The National Environment (Wetlands, Riverbanks and Lakeshores)
regulations (2000) and the need to protect the water resources of Lake V ictoria from further
pollution.
2. In view of the need to reduce pollution in Lake Victoria, Government and Kampala City Council
should review the implications of industrial development at Nakawa-Ntinda, Luzira and Central
Industrial Area, Namanve, within the Lake Victoria catchment, compared to other sites, such as
Kawempe and Masaka road sites, which drain into Victoria Nile.
3. In line with the National Environment Statute, 1995 and the National Policy for the Conservation and
Management of Wetland Resources, Government and Kampala City Council should ensure that
detailed Environment Impact Assessments are carried out before development activities are
undertaken in any wetland in the district.
4. Kampala City Council should restrain further dumping of solid waste in wetlands to avoid polluting
the wetlands and contaminating ground water by leacheates and to ensure public amenity and health.
5. It is flllther recommended that National Water and Sewerage Corporation, which is responsible for
effluent treatment, be licensed to manage Nakivubo wetland as an integra l part of Bugolobi
Sewerage Works, but be supervised closely by Kampala City Council, NEMA and Wetland
Inspection Division.
6. Full commitment of the local and national politicians, including area MPs and area councilors is
imperative to stop the current onslaught. Short-term political expedience has to be put aside for long-
term benefits for all residents of Kampala.
7. A Ministerial statement on the situation in Kampala is needed to back-up the current efforts to arrest
the situation.
8. A statutory instrument that further strengthens the current legislation is needed for the local
government to be able to regulate the develop ordinances for regulating wetland use and
management.
9. With the national legislation and instruments in place, KCC has to pass ordinances and local byelaws
that regulate the development of wetlands, and puts heavy penalties on illegal devclopments.
10. Once the legislation, instruments and ordinances are in place, a case of wetland mismanagement has
to be brought for a court of law 0 test the current legislation and fill possible loopholes. If the
prosecution wins the case, a legal precedence will strongly enhance the further implementation ofthe
laws that govern wetland management.
II. KCC and NWP will continue their current joint awareness raising efforts.
12
3 APPENDIX 1: SUMMARY TABLE OF WETLANDS IN KAMPALA DISTRICT
WETLAND NAME
AREA (km-) TYPE-
LAND-USE THREATS
Kansanga 4.54
p. S Cu ltivation. vcgl:lation harvesting. sand
Conversion
extraction. hunting
Kinawataka 4. 16 P Indust rial development cult ivation. vegetation Conversion. si tl ing
harvesting. brick making. canoe transport. sand
extraction. hunting
Kawoya 0.52 P Cultivat ion Conversion.
pollution
Kula 0.13 S Cult ivati on. brick making None signilicant
Kiwembo-Kawaga 1.12 P Papyrus harvesting. hunting None signifi cant
Kyctinda 1.43 P
Cu ltivat ion, papyrus harvesting
Conversion
Mayanj a 0.7 S Cult ivation, scll lcments. vegetation harvesting, Conversion
firewood col lection
Nakivubo 4.87 P Emuent treatment, culti vation, papyrus
Conversion. over-
harvesti ng, sett lement, brick making
harvest ing
Lubigi 2.96 P Harvesting papyrus/palms, brick making, sand Conversion
extraction. cult ivation
Jugula 0.26 P Cultivation, brick making Conversion
Nabisasiro 1.94 S Cult ivation, brick making, li vestock famls, Conversi on
water col lection, waste dumping
Nal ukolongo 0.9 1 P,S Senlement. industrial development, cultivation Conversion
Nsooba 1.24 S Settlement. cu lt ivation, waste disposal. brick-
Conversion
making
(permanent).
pollution
Bulyera 0.93 S Cult ivation, brick making. woodlots Conversion.

Kiyanja 1.74 S Settlements. cultivation Conversion.
pollution, silting
Kyabatola 0.06 S Settlements, cu lt ivation, brick making. Conversion
pollut ion
Wabusanke 0.03 S Cult ivation, brick making Conversion
Kondi
-
0.21 S Cultivation. fi sh farming
-
Conversion
Nakalere 0.13 S Sett lements, livestock fanns, culti vation Conversion
Nalubaga 0.74 S Harvesting trees None significant
Nyanjerade 0.91 S Cultivation Conversion
Walufumbe 1.33 S Cultivation, livestock nU'ms, grazing. water Conversion
coll ection, brick making
Kalungi 0.22 S Cul tivation, woodlots. brick making Conversion
+ P - permanent: S - seasonal ..
13
LEVEL OF MODIFICATION OF WETLANDS IN KAMPALA
Name of Wetland Total Area (km') Area Modi fi ed (km') Percentage Modified
Lake Victoria catchment
Kansanga 4.54 2.67 58.0
Kinawataka 4. 16 0.00
Kinawataka(Converted) 0.45 0.45 100.0
Kawoya 0.52 0.00
Kula 0. 13 0.00
Kiwembo-Kawaga 1.1 2 0.26 23 .0
Kyetinda 1.43 0.7 1 49.0
Mayanja 0.70 0.35 50.0
Nakivubo 4.87 2.73 56.0
Sub total 17.92 7. 17
Victoria Nile Catchment
Lubigi 2.96 0.00
Jugul a 0.26 0.26 100.0
Nabisasiro 1. 94 1. 94 100.0
Nalukolongo 0.9 1 0.47 5 1.0
Nsooba 1. 24 1.24 100.0
Bulyera 0.93 0.93 100.0
Kiyanja 1. 74 1.74 100.0
Kyabatola 0.06 0.06 100.0
Wabusanke 0.03 0.03 100.0
Kondi 0.2 1 0.2 1 100.0
Kiwembo 0.95 0.26 27.0
Mayanja2 0.07 0.07 100.0
Nakalere 0.13 0. 13 100.0
Nalubaga 0.74 0.00
Nyanj erade 0.9 1 0.00
Wa lufumbe 1. 33 0.3 1 23 .0
Kalungi 0.22 0.22 100.0
Subtotal 14.63 7.87
Total 32.55 15.04
14
4 APPENDIX II: INVENTORY OF WETLANDS IN KAMPALA DISTRICT
Lake Victoria Catchment Area (17.92 km')
1. Kansanga
2. Kinawataka
3. Kawoya
4. Kula
5. Kiwembo-Kawaga
6. Kyetinda
7. Mayanja
8. Nakivubo
Victoria Nile Catchment Area (14.63 km')
9. Lubigi
10. Jugula
II. Nabisasiro
12. Nalukolongo
13. Nsooba
14. Bulyera
15. Kiyanja
16. Kyabatola
17. Wabusanke
18. Kondi
19. Nakalere
20. Nalubaga
21. Nyanjerade
22. Walufumbe
23. Kalungi
15
1. KANSANGA
Geographical co-ordinates: From UTM 453 500, 32 750 to 459750, 003 I 500
Generalloclltion: Located in Makindye Division. approximately 5-km south east of Kampala city
center. Accessible on Gaba road, Nearby villages includes Kalungu, Kiwafu, Kyeitabya, Bunga,
Lukuli, Kayunga, Kansanga and Kauku,
Area: 4,54 km
2
Wetland type: Seasonal upstream and permanent downstream
Altitude: 3,750-ft, (I, I 43-m) a,s.L
Physical features: Fonned along river Kansanga occupies the valley between Makindye,
Nsambya, Bunga and Tank hill. It is palt of the extensive natural wetlands fringing the northern
shores of Lake Victoria.
Ecological felltures: A mosaic of papyrus, Miscanthus sp., Typha sp. And Phragmites sp.
Dominate the pennanent swamp downstream. Relics of swamp forest dominated by Phoenix sp. as
well as sedges are common upstream. Partly converted upstream and along the edges. Few
sitatunga and monitor lizards.
Land tenure/ownership
a. of the site: Public and leasehold
b. of the surrounding area: Leasehold and mailo
Conservation measures taken: None
Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: None
Current land-use,
a. of the site: Cultivation, hunting, harvesting papyrus and palms, sand extraction.
b. of the surroundingslcatchment: Settlement and subsistence cultivation
Disturbances/threats, including changes ill land-use alld major development projects,
a. at the site: Conversion by filling in and drainage channels
b. ill the surroundings!catchment: Settlements
Social and cultural values: Monitor lizards are hunted to provide skins used for common drums in
Buganda known as " ngalabi" while sitatunga provides game meat. Provides water for domestic
use an d raw materials for crafts and poles for fencing.
Jurisdiction,
a. territorial: LC III Makindye Division
b.functiollal: None
Other remarks: Close to Gaba road, the wetland has been extensively converted for cultivation
and filling in for construction and tree nurseries. On the topographic maps of 1967, the wetland
was classified as permanent with swamp forest dominating. Today it is seasonally flooded, except
for the area close to the lake, probably due to a fall in lake level. 40 % of the wetland upstream is
converted mainly for settlement.
16
2. KINAWATAKA
Geographical co-ordinates: UTM From 457 800. 0039 750 to 462 500. 0033 500
Generalloclltion: Located in Nakawa sub-county, approximately 6.5 km east of Kampala City
Centre. The nearest villages inc lude Kinawataka. Butabika. Ki rombe. Kyambogo and Kireka.
Arell: 4.16 km'
Wetland types: Permanent swamp
Altitude: 3,750 - 3,850 ft. (1,143 - 1, 173 m) a.s.1.
Physical features: Formed along Kinawataka fiver occupies a valley below Banda, Ntinda,
Kireka, Mbuya and Mutungo hills; drains into Lake Victoria.
Ecologicalfeatures: Dominated by papyrus downstream with patches of Phragmites sp. , Typha
sp., Echinochloa sp. and AframomulI1 sp .. Phoenix sp., Seshania seshan and Alchornia sp.
dominate the swamp forest, which was formerly covered with other types of larger trees.
Upstream is permanently converted largely for industrial development. Sitatunga, otter,
bushbuck and wildpigs are common. Birds present include cranes, ducks and other birds with
names not established especially at the lakeshore. Catfish and lungfish are common.
Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Public, leased-hold and mailo
b. Surrounding area: Leasehold and mailo
Conservation measures proposed hut not yet implemented: To be protected Igazetted as buffer
for effluent treatment from industrial area.
Current land-use,
a. Site: Industrial establishments, cultivation at the edges, harvest ing papyrus, brick making,
canoe transport, sand extraction, hunting sitatunga.
b. Surroundinglcatchment: Settlements, subsistence cultivation, woodlots, and stone quarrying.
Disturbances/threats, including changes ill IOlld-use olld major deve/opment projects:
u. at (he site: Conversion for industrial development, siltation
h. the surroundinglcatchment: Eros ion
Social and cultural values: Source of raw material for mat making; provides game meat; canoe
transport channel from Butabika-Kirinya.
Jurisdiction:
a. territorial: LC 1II Nakawa
h. functional: None
Other remarks: It is recommended that the remaining part of the wet land should be left intact to
help in stripping nutrient from the effluent released by the already established industries.
17
3. KAWOYA
Geographical co-ordinates: UTM 459 750, 39 000
General location: Located in Nakawa Division. Nearby villages include Banda, Kireka and Kamuli.
Accessible on J inja road High way
Area: 0.52 km'
Wetland type: Permanent swamp
Altitude: 3,800-3,900 ft. (1 , 158 - 1, 173m) a.s.1
Physical features: Formed along Kawoya river, occupies a shallow and relatively narrow valley below
Banda and Kamuli hills. Drains into Kinawataka swamp
Ecologicalfeatures: Dominated with Echinochloa sp .. Has patches of papyrus and relics of swamp forest
upstream.
a. site: Mailo and leasehold
b. surrounding area: Lease-hold, free-hold and mailo
Current land-use,
a. site: Cultivation
b. surroundings!catchment: Mainly settlements and subsistence cultivation
Disturbances/threats, including changes in land-use and major development projects:
a. at the site: Waste disposal, conversion by filling in and drainage channels
b. the surroundings!catchment: Pressure from industrial developments
Social and cultural values: Source of water for domestic use
Jurisdiction:
a. territorial: LC III Nakawa Division
b. functional: None
Other remarks: The whole wetland is leased to developers and there is a lot of pressure on it for
development, yet it receives a lot of runoff from the surrounding hills and helps to regulate the rate of
flow.
18
4. KULA (MAYINDO)
Geogmphical co-ordillates: UTM 46 1 250, 0035 500
Gelleml locatioll: Located in Nakawa Division. Nearby vi llages inc lude Butabika a nd MlilLingo.
Access ible on Mlitungo road.
Area: 0. 13 km'
Wetland type: Seasona l swamp
Altitude: 3,SOO-ft. ( I, 158-m) a.s. 1
Physical features: Formed along Ku la river, occupies a shall ow valley below Mutungo and Butabika
hi lls. Drains into Kinawataka wet land
Ecologicalfeatures: Rel ics of swamp forest domi nated by Phoenix palms and Alchornia sp .. Has patches
of papyrus, Typha sp. and sedges. Bushbucks and cranes are present.
Lalld tellure/owllership:
a. site: Mailo, leasehold and freeho ld
b. surroulldillg area: Lease-hold, free-hold and mai lo
COllservatioll measures takell: None
COllservatioll measures proposed but 1I0t yet implemellted: None
Currellt lalld-use,
a. site: Brick-maki ng and cul tivat ion.
b. surrou/l{lillgs!catchmellt: Main ly sett lements and some subsistence cultivat ion
Disturballces/threats, illcludillg challges inland-use alld major development projects:
a. at the site: None significant
b. tire surroulldings!catchment: None significant
Social and cultural values: Source of craft material
Jurisdiction:
b. functional: None
Otlter remarks: None
19
5. KIWEMBO - KAWAGA
Geographical co-ordinate.,,: UTM 459 500' 0026300
General location: Located in Makindye sub-county and approximately 10 km south east of
Kampala City centre. forms part of the western boundary for Kampala with Mpigi district.
Accessible on Munyonyo - Kazi road. Nearby villages include Kabuuma, Buggu and Mulungu,
Area: 1,12 km'
Altitude: 3,800-ft, (I, IS8-m) a.s.L
Physical features: Forms part of the larger Kawaga wetland on the fringes of Lake Victoria,
Tributaries include Mayanja river from Kampala district and Lufuka, Walugogo and Mazimaka
from Mpigi district.
Ecological features: Miscanthus sp, dominates much of Kawaga wetland while Kiwembo has
mainly papyrus, Scrubland surrounds the wetland, Sitatunga and bushbuck are said to be
present. Crested cranes are occasionally seen,
a. site: Public
b. surrounding area: Mailo
Current land-use,
(L site: Harvesting of papyrus and hunting
b. surroundings!catchment: Subsistence cultivation, settlements and brick making,
Disturbances/threats, including c!tanges in land-use and major development projects:
u. at the site: None significant
b. the surroundings!catchment: None significant
Social and cultural values: Provides raw materials for local crafts and water for domestic use,
Jurisdiction:
b. functional: None
Other remarks: The old 1964vegetation map indicates that the whole of this wetland -is
papyrus, Miscanthus sp, now dominates the central part, Management may require the co- .
operation of Kampala and Mpigi cistricts as the wetland forms the boundary between the two
administrations.
20
6. KYETINDA
Geographical co-ordinates: UTM From 457 000, 00340500 to 459 000, 0027 500
Generallocatian: Located in Makindye Division, approximately 9-km south east of Kampala
City centre. Accessible on Gaba and Salaama roads. Nearby villages include Katuuso. Kirudu,
Gaba and Salaama.
Area: 1.43 km'
Wetland type: Permanent and seasonal swamp
Altitude: 3,750-11. (I, 143-m) a.s.1.
Physical features: Formed along river Kyetinda, occupies a valley between Buziga and Bunga-
Gaba hill s; drains into Lake Victoria.
Ecologicalfeatures: Dominated with papyrus with patches of Typha sp. and Cladiul11 s p. in the
permanently wet areas. The seasonal part of the swamp near Katuuso village has been converted
for cultivation and mainly settlement although there are patches of sedges and Phragmites sp ..
Land tenure/ownership,
a. of the site: Public, mailo and leasehold
h. of the surrounding area: Mailo, lease-hold and free-hold
COnservation measures taken: None
Conservation measures proposed hut IIOt yet implemented: None
Current land-use,
a. of the site: Harvesting of papyrus and converSIOn of large areas for cultivation and
settlements
h. of the surroundings!catchment: Settlement and subsi stence cultivation
Disturballces/threats, including challges in lalld-use alld major developmellt projects,
a. at the site: Conversion by filling in and proposed drainage channel.
b. the surroundillgs!catchment: Pressure for settlements
Social alld cultural values: Provides raw materials for local crafts and water for domestic use.
Jurisdiction:
a. territorial: LC III Makindye Divi sion
h. fUllctional: None
Other remarks: Most of the wetland upstream is converted for cultivation and settlement..
2 1
7. MAYANJA
Geographical co-ordinates: UTM From 452 000, 0032 000 to 456 000, 0027 750
General location: Located in Makindye sub-county, approximately 5 km sout h of Kampala City
centre forms part of the district boundary with Mpigi district. Nearby villages include Luwafu,
Munyonyo, Mulamula, Makindye and Masajja. Accessible on Salaama and Busaabala roads.
Area: 0.70 km'
Wetland type: Seasonal swamp
Altitude: 3,800-ft. (I, 158-m) a.s.l.
Physical features: Formed along river Mayanja, occupies a narrow valley between Masajja,
Makindye, Kongi and Buziga hill s. Drains into lake Victoria.
Ecological features: Dominated by a mosaic of Raphia sp., Phoenix sp. , A/chornia sp. ,
Aframomum sp., papyrus and sedges. Trees such as Maesa sp. and Voacanga sp. were common
but are depleted. Some cultivation of yams and sugar cane.
a. site: Public and mailo
h. surrounding area: Mailo and free-hold
Current land-use,
a. site: Cultivation, settlement, harvesting palms and papyrus, firewood collection.
h. surroundings!catchmellf: Settlements, subsistence cultivation.
Disturbances/threats, including changes in land-use alld major development projects:
a. at the site: Conversion for settlement
h. the surroundings!catcltment: Pressure for settlement
Social alld cultural values: Source for herbal medicine, water for domestic use, craft material
and firewood.
Jurisdiction:
b. functional: None
Otlter remarks: The upstream is completely conv'erted to settlements and suffers flooding.
22
8. NAKIVUBO (WAKALlGA)
General location: Located in Nakawa sub-county, approximately 5.5-km south east of Kampala City
centre. Accessible on Old Port Bell and Namuwongo - Muyenga roads as well as the railway line to Port
Bell. Nearby villages include Luzira, Mpanga, Kitintale, Bugolobi, Kiwuliriza, Namuwongo and
Kyeitabya.
Area: 4.87 km'
Altitude: 3,750-ft. (1,143-m) a.s.1.
Physicalfeatures: Large wetland fringing lake Victoria at Murchison Bay, below Bugolobi, Mpanga and
Muyenga hills. Receives water from Nakivubo, Kitante and Lugogo channels.
Ecological features: Dominated by papyrus and Miscanthus sp .. Much of the swamp especially before
the railway line has been converted to yam cultivation. The seasonal edges are filled in for settlement and
partly converted for cultivation.
a. at the site: Public land
h. surrounding area: Lease-hold, free-hold and mailo
Conservation nzeasures taken: None
Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: National Wetlands Programme with other
stakeholders intends to gazette it as a protected area
Current land-use,
a. at the site: Tertiary treatment of effluent from National Water and Sewerage Works, cultivation,
papyrus harvesting and brick-making.
b. surroundings !catchment: Settlement and cultivation
Disturbances/threats, including changes in land-use and major development projects,
at the site: Conversion by filling in and drainage channels, brick pits, water hyacinth infestation.
b. the surroundings!catc7tment: Increasing settlement.
Social and cultural values: Source of craft materials and water for domestic use.
Jurisdiction,
b.functional: National Walerand Sewage Corporation
Other remarks: Recommended to become a protected area because of its purifying function for lake
waters and City water supply. A former sugar plantation (Mpanga) was abandoned and most of it
converted for settlement. A big slum close to Namuwongo is expanding into the swamp.
23
9. LUBIGI
Geographical co-ordinates: UTM From 452 250, 0039 000 to 445 500,0034 500
Generallocation: Located in Rubaga and Kawempe sub counties, approximately 7.5 Km west
of Kampa la City centre. Accessible on Masaka, Hoima, Mityana and Sentema roads. Nearby
vi ll ages include Blisega, Natete, Masanafu, Kawa la and Namll ngona.
Area: 2.98 km'
Altitude: 3,800 3,850 ft. (1 , 158 - 1, 173 m) a.s .1.
Physical Jeatures: Formed along the Lubigi n ver, occupies a shall ow but wide valley.
Tributaries include Nsooba, Nabisasiro and Nalukolongo. Drains into Mayanja Kato.
Ecological Jeatures: Dominated by papyrus with patches of Loudetia sp., Typha sp. Miscallthus
sp. , Echinochloa sp. and Phoenix palms; the area adjacent to the swamp is cultivated except for
the immediate fringe. Sitatunga are present.
a. site: Public
b. surrounding area: Mailo and freehold
Current lalld-use,
a. site: Harvesting of papyrus/palms, brick making, sand extraction, edge cultivation
b. surroundings/catchment: Subsistence cultivation, brick making and settlements.
Disturbances/threats, including changes inland-use and major development projects:
b. the surroundingslcatchment: Pressure for sett lements
Social and cultural values: Source of crafts material and water for domestic use.
Jurisdiction:
a. territorial: LC V Kampala and Mpigi Di strict at hi gher leve ls but mainly LC !II Rubaga and
Kawempe.
b. Junctional: None
Other remarks: Lubigi swamp borders Kampala and Mpigi distri cts, and may
require joint act ion. Conversion is on the increase along the edges.
24
10. JUGULA
General location: Located in RlIbaga Divis ion. Nea rby villages include Kawaa la Namll ngona and
Lubya. Accessible on Hoima road.
Area: 0.26 km'
Altitllde: 3,850 - 3,900 ft . ( 1,173 - I, 189 m) a.s.1
Physical featllres: Fonned as a result of impeded drainage in the vall ey below Kawaa la and Namungona
hills. Drains into LlIbigi swamp.
Ecologicalfeatllres: Patches of papyrus. Most ly modified for brick-making and crop cultivat ion.
Land tenllre/ownership:
a. site: Mai 10
Current land-lise,
a. site: Cultivation and brick making.
b. surrollndings!catchment: Settl ements
Disturbances/threats, inclllding changes in land-use and major development projects:
a. at the site: Convers ion by filling in and drainage channels
b. the sllrrollndillgs!catchment: Pressure for settlements
Social and cultllral values: Source of water for domestic use
Jurisdiction:
a. territorial: LC III Rubaga Division
~ f"nctional: None
Other remarks: Liable to permanent conversion.
25
11 . NABISASIRO
Gel/erallocation: Located in Rubaga Division, approximately 3.5 km west of Kampala
City centre. Nearby villages includes Lugala, Lunguja, Nami rembe and Lusaze.
Area: 1.94 km'
Wetlllnd type: Seasonal swamp
Altitude: 3,850fl. (1, 173-m) a.s.1.
Physical jeatures: Formed along river Nabisasiro, stretching eastwards from the Lubigi
swamp and occupies a shallow but relatively wide valley. Drains into Lubigi swamp.
Ecological jealures: Patches of papyrus, sedges and Loudetia sp .. Most of it is converted
for cultivation and settlement.
a. site: Mai 10
b. b. surrounding area: Mailo
Current land-use,
a. at the site: Cultivation, brick-making, livestock farm, water collection, waste dumping
b. in the surroundings!catchment: Subsistence cult ivation and settlements
Disturhances/threats, including changes in land-use and major development projects,
a. at the site: Conversion by drainage channels and filling in
Social and cultural values: Source of water for domestic use and watering animals; clay
Jurisdiction,
a. territorial: L C III Rubaga Division
b. junctional: None
Other Remarks: Floods heavily during peak rains .
26
12. NALUKOLONGO
Geogmphiml co-ordillates: UTM 448 250, 0033 000
Generallocatioll: Located in Rubaga sub-county, about 5.5 km west of Kampala City centre. Access ible
on Masaka road. Nearby villages include Mutundwe, Ndeeba, Nalukolongo and Natete.
Area: 0.91 km'
Wetlaml type: Permanent and seasona l swamp
Altitude: Between 3,800 -3,850 f1. (1,158 - I,I73m)a.s.1
Physical features: Formed along Nalukol ongo river, occupies a shallow vall ey below Mutundwe and
Rubaga-Lungujja-Busega hills. Drains into Mayanja Kato swamp
Ecological features: Largely converted for cultivation and settlement, wetland vegetation especially
papyrus and sedges, is now restricted to a few waterlogged places downstream towards Lubigi swamp.
Land tenure/owllership:
a. site: Mai lo and leasehold
h. surroundillg area: Lease-hold, freeho ld and mailo
COllservatioll measures proposed hut IIOt yet implemellted: None
Currellt lalld-use,
a. site: Settlements, industrial establishments and cul tivation.
h. surroulldillgs!catchment: Mainly sett lements and some agricultural activities.
Disturballces/threats, illeludillg challges ill lalld-use alld major developmellt projects:
a. at the site: Industri al waste di sposa l, conversion by filling in and drainage channels
h. the surroulUlillgs!catchmellt: Pressure for sett lement
Social ami cultural values: Source of water for domestic use
Jurisdictioll :
a. territorial: LC 111 Rubaga Divi sion
h. fUllctiollal: None
Other remarks: Area floods excessively during peak rains affecting many homes and industries built in
formerly wet land area. The constructed channel does not accommodate the rate of storm water flow from
the surrounding hills. .
The wetland is gazetted by Kampala City Council in their Urban Plann ing Struct ure Plan as an industrial
area.
27
13. NSOOBA
Geographical co-ordillotes: UTM From 454500, 0038500 to 450 000, 038750
Gelleral locatioll: Located in Kawempe sub-county, approximately 4.5 km nort h of
Kampa la City centre. Nearby vill ages incl ude Kazo, Bwaise, Kamokya, Mu lago, Bukoto
and Makerere Kavul e. Accessibl e on Gayaza road, Mulago-Kyebanda road.
Area: 1. 24 km
2
Wetlamltype: Seasona l swamp
Altitude: Between 3,850 - 3,900 ft. (1,173 - 1, 189 m) a.s.1..
Pllysicalfeatures: Formed along ri ver Nsooba, occupies a shall ow vall ey below Kyebando
and Mulago hi ll s. Tributaries include Kyabatola, Kiyanj a, Bul yera, Kiwunya and
Nakalama. Drains into Lubigi swamp.
Ecologicalfeatures: Most of the wet land vegetation has disappeared due to conversion but
patches of sedges and Typha sp. st ill remain in water-l ogged areas.
Land tenure/ownersllip,
a. site: Leasehold and mailo
h. surroundillg area: Lease-hold, free-hold and mai lo
Current land-use:
a. site: Cultivation (e.g. sugar cane, yams, maIze and vegetables), sett lement, brick-
making and waste disposal.
h. surroundings!catcllment: Settlement
Disturballces/tllreats, including cllanges inland-use and major development projects,
at tile site: Permanent settlement; pollution from motor veh icle wash ing; garbage disposal;
especially of non bi o-degradabl e material s (e.g. polythene/plastic materi als); improved
drainage channels.
h. tile surroundings!calcllment: Soi l erosion and pollution from motor vehi cle washing.
Social and cultural values: Source of water for domest ic use.
J urisdiclion,
a. territorial: LC III Nakawa and Kawempepivisions
b. fUllctional: None known
Otller remarks: The City Council should note that the wetland is important far flood
storage and moderati on and protect those' parts not yet tampered with. It will be more
expensive to control floods in the area in the near future. Floods heavil y and submerges
some settlements.
28
14. BULYERA
Geographical co-ordinates: UTM 454 000,041 000
General location: Located in Kawempe Divis ion. Nearby vi ll ages incl ude Kumamboga, Kanyanya,
Kisaas i, Kikaya. Accessibl e on Kikaya and Ka nyanya-Kumamboga roads.
Area: 0.93 km'
Wetftllld type: Seasonal swamp
Altitude: 3,900-ft. ( I, I 89-m)a.s.1
Physical features: Formed along Bu lyera river, occupies a shallow vall ey below Kanyanya and Kikaya
hills. Drains into Kiyanja river.
Ecological features: Has patches of sedges but most ly converted to cul tivation.
a. site: Mailo and freehold
b. surrounding area: Lease-hold, free-ho ld and mailo
COllservation measures taken: None
COllservation measures proposed but IlOt yet implemellted: None
Currellt lalld-use,
a. site: Cultivat ion, brick making and woodlots.
c. surroulldillgs!catchmellt: Mainly sett lements and subsistence cult ivation
Disturballces/threats, illcludillg challges ill land-use and major development projects:
a. at the site: Industrial waste disposal , convers ion by drainage channels and fi lli ng in
b. the surroundings!catchment: Pressure from sett lements
Jurisdiction:
a. territorial: LC III Kawempe Division
b. functional: None
Other remarks: The fish factory c close to the wet land on Gayaza road dumps waste in the wet land. Car
washing also takes place close by and car oi ls are washed into the water.
29
15. KIYANJA
Geographical co-ordinates: UTM 452 500, 004 1 000
General location: Located in Kawempe Division. Nearby vill ages incl ude Mpererwe, Kawempe,
Kanyanya and Kyebando. Accessible on Gayaza road.
Area: 1.74 km'
Altitude: 3,850 - 3,900 ft. (1,173 - 1, 189 m) a.s.1
Physical features: Formed along river Kiyanja, occupies a shal low vall ey below Kawempe, Kyebando
and Kanyanya hill s. Drains into Nsooba river.
Ecological features: Most ly modified for cultivation of yams and sugarcane as wel l as settlement. Has
patches of sedges in a few areas.
a. site: Mai lo
b. surroulldillg area: Lease-hold, free-hold and mailo
Conservatioll measures taken: None
Conservatioll measures proposed but not yet implemented: None
Current lalld-use,
a. site: Settlements and culti vation.
b. surroulldillgs!catchment: Mainly settlements and some subsistence culti vati on
Disturballces/threats, ill eluding cltallges ill lalld-use alld major developmelll projects:
a. at tlte site: Waste disposal, conversion by filling in and drainage channels, si lting
b. tlte surroulldings!catcltmellt: Erosion
Social alld cultural values: Source of water for domesti c use
Jurisdictioll:
b. fUllctiollal: None
Other remarks: Prone to heavy floods
30
16. KYABATOLA
Geographical co-ordinates: UTM 455 ODD, 0039 800
General location: Located in Nakawa and Kawempe Division, forms pal1 of the bOLlndary between the
two Divisions. Nearby villages include Kigowa, Kikaya, Bukoto and Kyebando. Access ible Ntinda -
Kisaasi and Kisaasi-Bukoto roads.
Area: 0.06 km'
Altitude: 3,900-ft. (I, I 89-m)a.s. 1
Physical features: Formed along Kyabatola river, occupies a shallow valley below Bukoto, Kikaya and
Kyebando hills. Drains into Nsooba wetland .
Ecological features: Has patches of sedges and Typha sp. but mostly converted to settl ements.
a. site: Mailo
h. surrounding area: Lease-hold, free-hold and mailo
Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemellled: None
Current land-use,
a. site: Settlements, waste dumping from households, brick making, cultivation.
b. sllrroulldings!catchmellt: Mainly settlements and subsistence cultivation
Disturbances/threats, including changes inland-use and major development projects:
b. the surroundings!catchment: Pressure from sett lements
Social alld cultural values: Source of water for domestic use
Jurisdiction:
a. territorial: LC 1IJ Nakawa and Division
b.functiollal: None
Other remarks: None
31
17. WABUSANKE
Geographical co-ordinates: UTM 448 000,036250
General location: Located in Rubaga Division. Nearby villages include Lugal a and Masanafu.
Accessible on Sentema road.
Area: 0.03 km'
Wetland type: Seasona l swamp
Altitude: 3,850-ft a.s. 1
Physical features: Formed as a result of impeded drainage 111 a shallow valley below Lugala and
Masanafu hills. Drains into Lubigi swamp.
Ecological features: Relics of swamp forest with Phoenix palms. Has patches of papyrus, Loudelia sp.
and sedges. Partially modified for cultivation.
Lalld tenure/ownership:
a. site: Mailo
b. surroundillg area: Mailo
Conservation measures proposed but 1I0t yet implemented: None
Current land-use,
a. site: Cultivation and brick making
b. surroulldings!catchment: Settlements and some subsistence cultivation
Disturbances/threats, inc/udillg changes in land-use and major development projects:
h. tlte surroundings!catchment: Pressure for settlement
Social amI cultural values: Source of water for domestic use
Jurisdiction:
a. territorial: LC III Rubaga Division
b. functional: None
Otlter remarks: Part of Kabaka' s land
32
18. KONDI
Geographical co-ordillales: UTM 452 000, 043 250
General locatioll: Located in Kawcmpe Di vision. Nearby villages include Mperenve and Nalllcrc.
Accessible on Mpererwc-Ka\vempe road.
Area: 0.21 km'
Wellalld Iype: Seasonal swamp
Altitade: 3,850 - 3,900 ft.( 1, 173 - 1, 189 111) a.s.1
Physical fealures: Formed as result of impeded drainage in a shallow valley below Mpercrwe and Tula
hills. Drains into Mayanja wetland (Mpigi district).
Ecological fealures: Relics of swamp forest with Phoenix palms. Mostly modified cultivation and fish
fanning.
Lalld lenure/ownership:
a. site: Mailo
b. surroundillg area: Lease-hold, free-hold and mailo
Conservation nzeasures taken: None
Conservation measures proposed but not yel implemenled: None
Currenlland-use,
a. site: Cultivation and fish fanning.
b. surrouII{lings/catchment: Mainly settlements and some subsistence cultivation
Disturbances/threats, including changes in lalld-use alld major development projects:
a. at the site: Conversion by drainage channels
b. Ihe surroundings/calchment: Pressure for settlement
Jurisdiction:
b.Ianctiona/: None
Other remarks: Liable to permanent conversion by settlements . .
33
19. NAKALERE
Geographical co-ordinates: UTM 459 250, 00
41
000
General location: Located in Nakawa Division. Nearby villages include Kiwatule, Nalya and Banda.
Accessible on 1110torable tracks offNtinda - Kiwatule road.
Area: 0.13 km'
Altitude: 3,800 - 3,900 ft. (1,158 - 1,189 m) a.s.1
Physical features: Formed along Nakalere river, occupies a shallow narrow valley below Kiwatule and
Nalya. Drains into Lwajali wetland (Mpigi district).
Ecological features: Depleted swamp forest with relics of trees (names not established) Raphia and
Phoenix palms and Alchornia sp. with papyrus downstream. Animals present include bush bucks,
wildpigs, edible rats and monkeys.
a. site: Mailo and leasehold
Current land-use,
a. site: Settlements, livestock farm and cultivation.
b. surroundings!catchment: Settlements and some subsistence cultivation
a. at the site: Conversion by filling drainage channels
b. the surroundings!catchment: Increasing pressure for settlement
Jurisdiction:
b. functional: None
Other remarks: None
34
20. NALUBAGA
Generallocation: Located in Nakawa Division. Nearby villages include Kisaasi, Kyanja, Ku[ambiro and
Kumamboga. Accessible on motorable tracks offNtinda-Kisaaai road.
Area: 0.74 km'
Altitude: 3,800 -3,900 ft. (1,158 - 1, 189 m) a.s.[
Physicalfeatures: Formed along Na[ubaga river, occupies a shallow valley below Kulambiro and Kyanja
hills. Drains into Nakalere wetland.
Ecologicalfeatures: Dominated by shrubs and Phoenix palms. Modified for cultivation on the edges.
a. site: Mai 10
Current land-use,
ll. site: Harvesting trees
b. surroundings!catchment: Mainly settlements, some subsistence cultivation and murram
extraction/stone quarrying on Kyanja hill.
Disturbances/tltreats, including changes in land-use and major development projects:
ll. at tlte site: None significant
Social and cultural values: Source of firewood
Jurisdiction:
ll. territorial: LC III Nakawa Division
b. functional: None
Other remarks: None
35
21. NYANJERADE
Gellerallocatioll: Located in Nakawa Divi sion. Nearby villages include Kulambiro, Buye, Kiwatule and
Kigowa. Accessible on motorable tracks offNtindaKiwatule road.
Area: 0.91 km'
Altitude: 3,800 - 3,900 ft. (1,158 - 1, 189 m) a.s.1
Physicalfeatures: Formed along Nyanjerade ri ver, occupies a shallow but relatively narrow valley below
Kulambiro and Buye hills. Drains into Nalubaga wetland.
Ecological features: Highly modified for sugarcane but relics of swamp forest with Phoenix palms
remam
a. site: Mailo
Conservation measures pmposed but not yet implemented: None
Current land-use,
a. site: Cultivation.
b. surroundings!catchment: Mainly settlements and some subsistence cultivation
a. at the site: Conversion by drainage channels, silting
b. the surroundings!catchment: Erosion
Social alld cultural values: Source of water for domestic use
Jurisdiction:
b. functional: None
Otlter remarks: None
36
22. WALUFUMBE
Geographical co-ordil/ales: UTM 454 000, 0045 000
Generallocalion: Located in Kawempe and Nakawa Divisions approximately 10 km north of Kampala
City centre, forms part of the northern boundary wit h Mpigi District. Access ible on Gayaza and K isaasi-
Kyanja roads. Vill ages nearby includes Mpererwe, Lusanja, Kumamboga, Kyanja, Naalya, Magere and
Bukwate.
Area: 1.33 km'
WellalUllype: Seasonal swamp
Allilude: Between 3,750 - 3,850 ft . (1 , 143 - 1, 158 m) a.s.1.
Physical features: Formed along river Walufumbe, occupies a shallow and relatively broad vall ey below
several hill s. Kafukabi is a tributary; drains into Nakalere wetland.
Ecologicalfealures: A mosaic of Loudelia sp., sedges, and Hyparrhenia sp. with Acacia sp. trees,
Phoenix palms and thickets.
a. sile: Mailo
Conservalioll measures takell: None
COllservatioll measures proposed buillol yet implemellted: None
Currenllalld-use,
a. sile: Cultivation, livestock farm, grazing, water collection, and brick making
b. surroundillgslcatchmenl: Subsistence cultivation, grazi ng, and settlements (sparse).
DisturbanceS/lhreats, includillg challges in lalld-use and major developmelll projecls:
a. allhe sile: Conversion by drainage
b. the surrounding,/catcitmelll: None significant
Social and cultural values: Source of clay, water for domestic use and watering animals.
J uristiiction,
a. lerrilorial: LC III Kawempe and Nakawa Division
b. fUllcliollal: None
Ollter remarks: The upstream near Katalemwa has ~ e n completely converted for cultivati on
37
23. KALUNGI
Geographical co-ordinates: UTM 454 500,0044 000
General location: Located in Kawempe Division. Nearby villages include Kyanja and Kumamboga.
Accessible on Nt inda-Kisaasi road.
Area: 0.22 km'
Altitude: 3,800 - 3,900 ft. (1,158 - 1,189 m) a.s.1
Physical featllres: Formed along Kalungi river, occupIes a shallow vall ey below Kyanja and
Kumamboga hills. Drains into Walufumbe wetland
Ecological features: Relics of swamp forest with Phoenix palms. Modified for Eucalyptus woodlots and
cu ltivation.
a. site: Mai 10
Current land-lise,
a. site: Cultivation, woodlots and brick making.
b. surroundingslcatchment: Mainly subsistence cultivation and settlement
a. at the site: Convers ion drainage channels
b. the surroundings/catchment: None significant
Social and cliltural vallles: Source of water for domest ic use
J IIrisdiction:
b. functional: None
Other remarks: None
38
APPENDIX III: OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND SETTING PRIORITIES FOR THE
SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF UGANDA WETLANDS
Background
Why manage wetlands?
All wetlands are important they all pl ay signi fi cant roles in waler resources, supply of goods, climatic
moderation and other benefits. A ll contain significant habitats, fauna and nora; all are under threat (l) of
degradati on. Consequently, all are in need of sustainable management through wise li se to ensure the
long-t erm provi sion of wetland benefits. The rati onale lor assessing the importance or wetlands is
illust rated in Table 2.
However, some are morc impOJ1ant than others either loca ll y, nationally or internationally because their
loss, or s ignificant modificati on, wou ld result in totall y unacceptable adverse social, economic and
environmental impacts and it is these vital wetlands that need to be rapidly identified and brought under
protective management as soon as poss ible.
Vita lly important wet lands need "special protection" and it is these wetlands (or wetland sections) which
need to be identified and prioritised for gazettment and actively managed. Some are suffering ongoing
degradation and/or conversion and are regarded as critical. These vitallcriti cal wetlands require legal
protection as soon as possible; for thi s reason they are often referred to as critical or 'hot-spot' wetlands.
Today, these tend to be located in urban areas of the country where "reclamation" of wetlands for
industrial , commercial and residential developments is the main cause of wetland loss.
The need to prioritise
Prioritisation is necessary because the need for management is greater than the resources avai lable for
management. Human and financial resources are in short supply. It is, therefore, necessary to focus
attention on those wetlands that are currently under st rong pressure from development but are also
providing goods and services at local, regional and national level; the loss of which may potentially have
greater negative impacts that the positive benefits hoped for from the development degrading the wet land.
Criteria to assist setting priorities
The purpose of criteria is to:-
1. Assist decision makers to focus their management efforts on the more important wet lands in
_ the nation; leading to gazetting of those deemed especially important;
2. To assess the best use or uses to encourage in a particular wetland or wetland section;
3. To assess the current ecological status of wetlands in terms of biodiversity; and the level and
impact of human use and abuse.
(1 ) Threat is as likelihood that a weiland site, or portion thereof, will be destro;ed or degraded, directly or indirectl y,
through human actions.
Underlying principles
:. \Vetland hydrology is the si ngle most imp0l1ant component of
wet land ecosystems and a ll susta inable ma nage ment interven-
t ions must provide for the long-term maintenance of water flows.
.:. Wet lands need management on a catchment basis; they fOfm and
cross m3ny admini strat ive boundaries.
.;. Equi table dist ribution of wetl and benefi ts to all citi zens.
.:. To maintain the opt imum var iety of uses and ll sers.
.;. When in doubt about a management opti on - appl y the
precautionary princ iple.
Options
Although we consider a ll wet lands to be imp0l1ant we must,
nonetheless, accept that some wetlands do provide more benefits than
others do. We must also acknowledge the fact that some may be more
useful or socio-economicall y valuable in a modified state while others
more useful or valuable in the ir natural state; in either case a ll are in
need of sustainable management.
The management continuum
The opt ions for wetland management form a continuum and run the
full gamut from, at one extreme, the total protection or preservation of
the wetland in its pri stine natural state. At t he other extreme the
wetland may be totally converted to gain greater socio-economic or
environmental benefits. This continuum and some examples of the
kinds of activities that may be permitted under five different sca les of
wetland management are shown in Table 3.
The scale or category of management to be applied to a particular
Table 2 .
ASSESSING THE IMPORTANCE
OF A WETLAND
Why do we need to assess the importance of
wetlands?
"-
Because wet lands provide cons iderable
benefits t o people
oed
Becouse wetlands are being degraded and we
risk losing these benefits
"-
How con we protect the wet lands and their
benefits?
"-
By managing them through sustainable use
"-
Con we manage all the wetlands in Uganda?
"-
No - we canl'lOt manage them all because of
limited resources
humon resources
financial resources
they are too widespread and often inaccessible
.j.
Therefore, we need to prioritise wetlands
according to their impor tance - ecological
socially and economically
to do this,
"-
Criteria ore needed to help decide which
wet lands are the most important or valuable
and to rank them for management .
"-
Criteria are based on the values and benefits
derived from wetlands
wetland or wetland section will be deci ded by using the '5V' system as summari sed in Table 4. The five
management sca les and t he '5 Values' criteria generally conform and complement each other.
Criteria
A range of criteria is used to assess the " importance" of a particular wetland and what its " best use" might
be. Importance is based on the perceived value al!d level of benefits, derived or latent, provided by the
wetland to local or wider communities (see Table 5). Best use is identified by consideration of t he
hydrology, soil s and topography, in conjuncti on with biodi vers ity issues.
At the international level , the Ramsar Convention has deve loped speci fi c criteria on Wetlands of
International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat; these are summarised in Table 6.
Settin.9 priorities
The "5 V" (for Values) system has been developed to assist wetland managers prioriti se or rank wet lands
under their juri sdict ion using specific criteri a. The characteristics of the five categories of wetland are
shown in Table 4. The system involves two cross-cutting parameters: (a) the value or importance of the
wetland in terms of the benefit s it provides locally and on a wi der scale, and ( b) an assessment of whether
the wet land is under on-going degradation or is onl y potenti ally threatened in the future.
lt is also recognised that some wet lands may be beyond threat mainl y because of their size and lor their
connecti on to permanent lake systems. Others are beyond threat because they are already so hi ghl y
mod ifi ed that they are not economically recoverable or, are more valuable in their modified state than in
their natural state . Such may apply to some wet lands converted in the past to dairy fanning or to urban
functions.
2
Table 3. THE WETLAND MANAGEMENT CONTINUUM
DRAW
resource harvesting
existing species
ger p
ge total , l and makmg
'ge scale irrig;
See separate criteri a for selecting wetlands for listing as Ramsar sites
(1) yams, sugar cane. vegetables elc.
(2) excluding very water demanding species
(3) excluding mirror carp
Reduced protection of the system;
wider sustainable use and access
allowed; hydrology not modified.
Limi ted ecosystem modification
allowed; hydrology may be
managed; no drainage or infilling.
Total modification of the natural
environment allowed, including
hydrology.
3
Table 4. THE 5V's PRIORITY CLASSES and DEFINITIONS
CLASS I - VITAL WETLANDS (Critical)
these wetlands are of such importance that they need immediate and effective management and protection
from ongoing development and degradation,
these wetlands provide at least one known essential good or service or other attribute for which there is
either no alternative source of supply; or the alternative is not practically or economically viable,
they include:-
D wetlands that provide and help purify urban drinking water supplies,
o those treating wastewater,
o provide major flood protection and flow regulation I seasonal redistribution of water,
D provide dry season water supply for livestock / wildlife in arid zones; oasis wetlands,
D wet lands which harbour rare, endangered or endemic species,
D wetlands with an especially high biodiversity value,
D wetlands that are unique or 'type' wetlands for the district,
o wetlands of international importance,
D Ramsar and other protected area wet lands.
CLASS II - VITAL WETLANDS (Non-critical)
these have the same characteristics as Class I but are not currently under development or degradation but
still require a high level of protection to avert future problems.
CLASS 111- VALUA"HLE WETLANDS (Criticalj
these provide essential resources comparable to Class I and II but these resources are available
economically from alternative sources, though these may be less economical and of poorer quality,
they are classified as critical because they are subject to ongoing degradation, whichjeopardi ses the
continuation of their attributes or existence.
CLASS IV VALUABLE WETLANDS (Non-critical)
these are defined as per Class III above but are not subject to ongoing degradation.
CLASS V - VARIOUS WETLANDS
these either do not provide essential goods or services upon which many people depend or, they do
provide such resources but tlcese are so locally abundant that degradation or over-harvesting is in
the foreseeable future;
they harbour no endangered, endemic or rare species, nor unique habitats; they represent the majority of
the nations wetlands
D VICTOR wetlands are generally ioo big to be seriously threatened by wholesafe drainage or
permanent degradation by existing technology; this threat may however grow in future;
D VICTIM wetlands are dispensable wetlands that could be 'sacrificed' or traded for other socio-
economic development uses e.g; agriculture or urban development;
D VANQUISHED wetlands ;;tethose that are either (I) totally converted to productive alternate uses
e.g. dairy farming or irreversible urban development; these should remain converted: (2) those totally
converted but not productively used; restoration should be applied where economically viable.
NOTE:
CRITICAL: is a qualifier and refers to a time element or to urgency in the need for immediate action e.g. gazetting, to
curtail further abuse and degradation of the wetland or its attributes and associated resources.
WETLANDS: refers to either entire wetlands or more commonly to specified sections within larger wetland systems.
Most wetlands do not exist in isolation; they are parts of larger systems (usually) and therefore dependent on the continuing
support from the upstream and downstream sections of the main wetland system; a catchment approach to wetland
management is essential in most cases
4
Table 5. CRITERIA
T he purpose of tile Criter ia is "'0 assi .H decision mllke)"s /O fOClfS {heir COJ/.\C!/ T(lli()1I Oil fhe /l}ore
i mjJononlll'cJ!ol1ds ill the flUliol/" (ldclllificalioll ofConsen"atioll Areas in Uganda).
Criteria are used to (J) assess fh e e.\';sling sfolliS wetland inlerl1lS a/ lise olld abuse.
(2) /0 assess fhe uses 10 ll'hich purl i clflor wellonds. 1l'e!lond sectiollS oj lreiloJld types em1 be! pilI.
Basic Criterion Point ofImpact Comment
Biodiversity
Sites can be select ed lIs ing the
species divc- rsi ty
WetlCl lld Biodiversity Report
genetic resources
Lake George
Lake Nabugabo
Conservation
The Opcla- Bis ina complex
ECOLOGY
wil dl ife
Luternbe
endangered species
rare species
Tourism
Recreation
Water supply These cr it eria woul d apply to al l
domestic
permanent wetland systems and many
livt: stQck
seasona l olles also.
irrigat ion
WATER RESOURCES
Wastewater treatment
Water qual ity protection
Flood control
Flow regulation
Each District to have 'type' Define the typology. Is protecting a
DISTRICT
wet lands protected type sufficient justification?
District type (Reserve)
'TYPE' WETLANDS
National type (National Park)
International type (Ramsar)
Food Applies to nearly all wetlands
human
li vestock
SUPPLY OF GOODS Materials
medicine
construction mater ials
craft material s
Critical 'Crit ical' emphas ises a lime e le ment ;
"THREAT" STATUS
ongoing conversion
we need to consider t he ' value ' of the
based on:-
endangered
wet land plus the immanence of
unique wetland type
degradation / convers ion etc.
a. urgency of act ion req uired
Moderate
-
b. importance of the facto r in
jeopardy
Negligible
too big to convert
well protected by exist ing law
PROTECTION OF
Rights to be protected from
DOWNSTREAM USERS
upstream and downstream
use/abuse impacts
Note: the deSignation of a wet land on these criteri a may only apply to a speciJi c section of a wetland and one wt:l land system
may have different sect ions under different categories of protection
5
Table 6 RAMSAR: Criteria for Identifying Wetlands of International Importance
A wetland is identified as bei ng of international importance i f itl1lcct s at least one of the
criteria set out below:
1 . Criteria for representative or unique wetlands
A wet land should be considered internationa ll y impol1ant if:
(a) it is a pal1icu lar1y good represent ative example of a natural or near-natural wetland.
characteristic of tile appropriate biogeographi ca l region;
or ( b) it is a particul arl y good represcntative example ofa natu ral or near-nalUral
wet land, common to more than one biogeographical region;
or (c) it is a particularly good representative example ofa wetland, which plays a sub-
stant ial hydrologica l, biological or ecological ro le in the natural functioning of
an major river bas in or coastal system) especially where it is located in a trans-
border pos ition;
or (d) it is an example ofa specific type of wetland , rare or unusual in the appropri ate
biogeographical region.
2. General criteria based on plants or animals
A wetland should be considered internationally important if:
(a) it supports art appreciable assemblage of rare, vul nerable or endangered species or subspecies
of ~ n or a1imal , or an appreciable number of individuals of anyone or more of these
species;
or (b)
or (c)
it is of special va lue for maintaining the genetic and ecologica l diversity of a
region because of the quality and peculiarities of its flora and fa una;
it is of special value as the habitat of plants or animals at a critical stage of their
biological cycle;
or (d) it is of special value for one or more endemic plant or animal species or
commun ities.
3. Specific criteria based on waterfowl
A wetland shou ld be considered internationally important if:
or
or
(a)
(b)
(c)
it regularly supports 20,000 waterfowl;
I
it regularly supports substantial numbers of individuals from particular groups
of waterfowl, indi cative of wetland values, productivity or diversity;
where data on popu lations are ava il able, it regularly supports 1% of the indi vidua ls
in a population of one species or subspecies of waterfowl.
4. Specific criteria based on fish
A wetland should be cons idered internationally important if:
(a) it suppOtts a significant proportion of indigenous fi sh subspecies, species or families , life-
history stages, species interactions and/or populations that are representative of wet land
benefits and/or values and thereby contributes to global biological diversity;
or (b) it is an important source of food for fi shes, spawn ing ground, nursery and/or
mi grat ion path on which fish stocks, e ither wit hin the wetland or e lsewhere, depend.
6
1. GENERAL
APPENDIX IV: WETLAND INVENTORY DATA SHEETS
(Wetland Section Observation Sheet)
ddmm yy
Date I I I I I I I
Compilers names
~ ~
District District code CD
2. WETLAND IDENTIFICATION (obtain dat a from maps and 10call .,"yCL) __________ -----,
Name of wetland I I Name of system I
~ ~
Local name I I Local name of system I
~ ~ L ______________
Wetl and code I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
3. OBSERVATION SITE IDENTIFICATION
Map name LI ____________ -'I Map no I I I I Observation site code I I I I
Geographical UTM coordinates of observation site
Eastings I I I I I I I Northings I I I I I I I I
Village name at observation site I
4. WETLAND TYPE AT OBSERVATION SITE
(Do not leave boxes blank: d=dominant c=common o=occasional n=none)
Swamp forest D Shrubland D Bushland/palms D Papyrus D
Natural grassland D Converted to farmland D Open water D
5. ECOLOGICAL FEATURES AT OBSERVATION SITE
Vegetation (give local names when scientific name is not known)
Community YIN!? -Significant species
Floating
Submerged
Emergent
Shrubs/thickets/palms
Trees
.
Mixed community
Original vegetation (only when modified) I
Mammals, reptiles, amphibia (do not leave space blank. ? when no or conflicting information)
Fish (do not leave space blank. ? when no or confli cting information)
Birds (do not leave space blank. ? when no or conflicting information)
Reeds/sedges 0
Woodland 0
6. USES OF WETLAND RESOURCES/PRODUCTS/GOODS IN OBSERVATION SITE
(1)): gender of users: f=female, ml=male, c=children, x=not gender specific (2): level of use: h=high, m=moderate, t=l ow, n=none, ?=no info,
(3): impact on the wetland system: h=high, m=moderate, 1=low, n=none, ?=no info
Activity Goods/uses
(1 )
(2) (3)
Describe/comment and state whether activity
Gender
Level Impact
is commercial
Food
Harvesting of
Fuel (e.g. peat, papyrus)
natural
herbaceous
Building material
vegetation
Craft material
(papyrus,
Mulch material
sedges etc)
Medicines
Salt
Clay
Excavation of
Sand
minerals
Gravel
Gold, gemstones, minerals
Food
Cultivation
Fibre/other
Rural domestic water
Urban domestic water
Water
Water for livestock
collection/use
Industrial water
Irrigation water
Food
Fuel/firewood
Harvesting of
Building poles or timber
natural trees
Craft material
Medicines
Building / fencing materials
Plantation tree
Food
.
.
cultivation/ Fuellfirewood
harvesting
Craft material
Medicinal
Fisheries Food / skins
Livestock grazing
Beekeeping
Human
Housing
settlement
Industrial development
Meat
Hunting Skins
Craft material
Tourism
Other
2
7. ABUSE OF WETLAND AT THE OBSERVATION SITE
(1)' level of use' h=high m=moderate 1=low n=none ?=no info (2)' impact on the wetland system' h=high m=moderate 1=low, n=none, ?=no info ..
Activity (1 )
(2) (3) Describe/comment (also state whether activity is
Gender
Level Impact commercial)
Artificial drainage
Dam construction/water diversion
Virgin land clearing ongoing
Burning of vegetation
Propagation of exotic plant/animal
species
Solid waste disposal
Liquid waste disposal
Other
Other
8. LAND USE AND MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN THE CATCHMENT AROUND THE OBSERVATION
SITE:
Gender of users: f=female, ml=male, c=children, x=not gender specific (2): level of use: h=high, m=moderate, I=!ow, n=none, ?=no info,
[31: i 1 the wetland system: h=high, , 1=low, r =none, 7=no info
Activity
(1)
(2) (3) Describe/comment (also state whether activity is
Gender
Level Impact commercial)
Dry land agriculture
Irrigated agriculture
Livestock grazing
Virgin land clearing ongoing
Deforestation
Harvesting of local animals
Propagation of exotic
plants/animals
.
Soil erosion
Fertilisers/ pesticides use
Population density
.
.
Urban development
.
Industrial development
Excavation/filling/mining
Buildings/structures, settlements
Other
Other
Note: Leave blank spaces only if shaded, otherwise if the listed activity is NOT present write NONE;
tenure
3
9. LAND OWNERSHIP AS PERCEIVED BY LOCAL COMMUNITIES AT OBSERVATION SITE
In the wetland (do not leave boxes blank: ./'when present, X when not present, ? when no or conflicting information)
Lease D Freehold D Communal D Publ ic 0 Mailo 0 Gazetted 0
In the surrounding areas (do not leave boxes blank: '/"when present, X when not present, ? when no or conflicting information)
Lease D Freehold D Customary D Public 0 Mailo 0 Gazetted D
10. CONSERVATION MEASURES TAKEN AROUND THE OBSERVATION SITE:
In the wetland area
In the surrounding area
11 . CONSERVATION MEASURES PROPOSED
In the wetland area
In the surrounding area
12. OTHER REMARKS
4
APPENDIX V: WETLAND MONITORING DATA SHEET
1. GENERAL
d d m m

Compilers names Date
I I
I
District District code
CD
2. WETLAND IDENTIFICATION (obtain data from maps)
Name of wetland I I Name of system I

Local name I I Local name of system I

Wetland code II. -I I I I
3. MONITORING SITE IDENTIFICATION
Map name LI ____________ -.J.I Map no L---'-_-'----'I Observation site I I 1 I
Geographical UTM coordinates of observation site
Eastings I I I I I I r Northings II

Village name at observation site I
4. WETLAND TYPE AT MONITORING SITE
(Do not leave boxes blank: .fwhen present, X when not present, ? when don't know)
Swamp forest D Shrubland D Bushland/palms D
Natural grassland D Converted to farmland D
5. SOILS AT MONITORING SITE (texture and colour)
(Do not leave boxes blank: .fwhen present. Xwhen not present,? when don't know)
Sandy D Silty D Clayey D
Reddish-brown D Greyish/blue D
6. WATER QUALITY AT MONITORING SITE
pH I I 1 I I Conductivity I I I I Temperature I
Papyrus D
Open water D
Peaty D
Dark/black D
I I 'c
Reeds/sedges
Woodland
D
D
Mottled D
Color I Smell LI _______ ----'
Stationary/flowing S/F
Transparency [I] em
D Oil sheen YIN D
7. ECOLOGICAL FEATURES AT OBSERVATION SITE
Vegetation (give local names when scientific name is not known)
.
Community . Y/N/? Significant species
Floating
Submerged
Emergent
Shrubs/thickets/Palms
Trees
Mixed community
Original vegetation (only when modified) LI ________________________ _
Other ecological features at the monitoring site
8. LAND OWNERSHIP AT MONITORING SITE
In the wetland (do not leave boxes blank; ./when present, X when not present, ? when no or conflicting information)
Lease 0 Freehold D Customary D Public D Mailo D Gazetted D
Land dispute at monitoring site I
9. CONSERVATION MEASURES AT THE MONITORING SITE
10. DISTURBANCES/THREATS OBSERVED AT MONITORING SITE
Impact: current Impact on wetland system: h=high, m=moderate, 1=low, n:=:none, ?=don't know}
A.

. ,F., .
./>.<\{
IY;;.;.
.
I "
. c,
.,;F ;
..
.....
U'C;' . / . . ..
. . ... ',' , ,,/ ....
Artificial drainage
Land clearing
Excavation or filling
Deforestation/de-vegetation
Burning of vegetation
Human settlement
Urban or industrial pollution
Other
Other
Other
Other .
.
11. OTHER REMARKS
2
APPENDIX VI: LEGISLATION AFFECTING WETLANDS OWNERSHIP, USE & ACCESS
Box 2: The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (1995)
National objective and directive principle of State policy
XI: Protect ion of natural resources.
The State shall protect impOJiant natura l resources, including land, water, wetlands,
era Is, oil , fa una and flora on behal f of the peoplc of Uganda.
XXI: Clean and safe water.
The State shall take all practi cal measurcs to providc a good water management system at
all levels . .
XXVll : The environment.
1. The State shall promote sustainable development and public awareness of the need to
manage land, air, water resources in a balanced and sustainable manner for the
present and future generations.
II . The utilisation of the natural resources of Uganda shall be managed in sLich a way as
to meet the development and environmemalneeds of present and future generations
of Ugandans; and in particular, the State shall take all possible measures to prevent or
minimise damage and destructi on to land, air and water resources resulting from
pollution or other causes.
III. The State shall promote and impl ement energy policies that will ensure that people's
basic needs and those of environmental preservation are met.
IV. The State, including local govemments, shall-
a) create and develop parks, reserves and recreation areas and ensure the
conservation of natural resources;
b) promote the rational use of natural resources so as to safeguard and protect the
biodiversity of Uganda.
The Constitution: Chapter 15: Land and Environment
Land
237. ( I) Land in Uganda belongs to the ci tizens of Uganda and shall vest in them in accordance with
the land tenure systems provided for in this Constituti on.
(2) notwithstanding clause (I) of this article-
a) the Government or a local government may, subject to article 26 of this Const ituti on,
acquire land inlhe public interest; and the conditions governing sli ch acqui sition sha ll be
prescribed by Parli ament;
b) the Government or a local government as determincd by Parli ament by law, shall hold in
trust for the people and protect, natura l lakes, ri vers, wetlands, forest reserves, game
reserves, national parks and any land to be reserved for ecological and touri st ic purposes
for the common good of all ci ti zens;
c) non-citizens may acquire leases in land in accordall ce with the laws prescribed by
Parl iament and the laws so prescribed shall define a non-ci ti zen for the purposes of lhi s
paragraph.
(3) Land in Uganda shall be owned in accorda nce with the followi ng land tenure systems -
a) customary;
b) freehold;
c) mail o; and
d) leasehold.
(4) On the coming into force of this Constitution -
a) al l Uganda citizens owning land under customary tenure may acquire cert ificates of
ownership in a manner prescribed by Parl iament; and
b) land under customary lenure may be converted to freehold land ownershi p by
registration.
(5) Any lease whi ch was granted to a Uganda citizen out of publi c land may be convelted to
freehold in accordance with a law whi ch shall be made by Parliament.
(6) For the purposes of clause (5) of thi s article, "publi c land" includes statutory leases to urban
authorities.
(7) Parli ament shall make laws to enable urban authorities to enforce and implement planning
and development.
(8) Upon the coming into force of this Const itution and unt il Parliament enacts an appropriate_
law under clause (9) of the article, the lawful or bonafide occupants of mai lo land, free hold or
leasehold shall enjoy security of occupancy on the land.
(9) Within two years after the first sitting of Parliament elected under this Constitution,
Parli ament shall enact a law - .
regulating the re lationship between. the lawful or bonafide occupants of land referred to in clause
(8) of this article and the registered owners of that land;
providing for the acqui sition of registerable interest in the land by the occupant
Environment
245. Parli ament shall , by law, provide for measures intended -
a) to protect and preserve the environment from abuse, pollut ion and degradation;
b) to manage the environment for sustai nable development; and
c) to promote environmental awareness .
2
Box 3: The National Environment Statute (1995)
Wet lands in Uganda are now protected in law under clauses 37 and 38 of the Nati onal Environment Statute,
1995. The Statute states that; "Without written approval from The Nat ional Envi ronment Management
Authority (NEMA), it is now an offence for any person to:
i) Reclaim or drain any wetland,
ii) Erect, construct, place, alter, extend, remove or demol ish any structure that is fi xed in, on, under or
over any wet land;
iii) Di sturb any wetland by drilling or tunnelling in a manner that has or is likely to have an adverse
effect on the wetland;
iv) Deposit in, on, or under any wetland any substance in a manner that has or is likely to have an
adverse effect on the wetland;
v) Destroy, damage or disturb any wetland in a manner that has or is likely to have an adverse effect on
any plant or animal in a wetland;
vi) Introduce or plant any exotic or introduced plant or animal in a wetland".
However, NEMA will exempt traditional uses of wetlands from these restrictions and the Authority shall, in
consultation with the lead agency, establish guidelines for the sustainable management of all wetlands in
Uganda. In addit ion, the Authority shall, with the assistance of the Local Environment Committees, District
Environment Committees and lead agency, ident ify wetlands of local, national and intemational importance
as ecosystems and habitats of species of fauna and flora and compi le a national regi ster of wetlands.
Similarly, the Policy Committee ofNEMA may, in consultat ion with the lead agency and the District
Environment Committee, declare any wetland to be a protected wetland thereby excluding or limiting human
acti vities.
3
Box 4: The National Policy For The Consen' ation And Management Of Wetland Resources (J 995):
An Overview.
The overall aim of this poli cy is to promote the conservation of Uganda's wetlands in order to sustain their
ecological and socia-economic functions.
The pol icy has five goals, namely;
i) to establi sh principles for optimal use of wet land resources,
ii) to end practices which reduce wetland productivity,
iii) to maintain the biological diversity of wetlands,
iv) to mai ntain wetland functions and values,
v) to integrate wetland concerns in planning and decisi on making.
In pursuit of these goals, three principles are adopted;
i) Wetland resources fonn an integral part of the environment and their management must be pursued
in the context of an interaction between conservation and development strategies.
ii) Wetland conservation can only be achieved through a co-ordinated, co-operative and participatory
approach.
iii) For sustainable management of wetlands, it is imperative that the present public attitudes towards
wetlands be changed.
The policy lists ways in which the goals will be achieved. These include strategies on; drainage of wetlands,
environmentally sound management, sustainable lise and conservation of wetlands, water supply and effluent
treatment, tenure and use, restoration of degraded wetlands, EIA and monitoring, public awareness, research
and inventory, capacity building, international co-operation and wetlands legi slation and institutional
arrangements.
By and large, the policy calls for:
i) no drainage of wetlands unless more important environmental management requirements supersede,
ii) sustainable use to ensure that wetlands benefits are maintained in the foreseeable future;
iii) equitable access to wetland resources and maintaining an optimum diversity of uses and users.
iv) application ofEI:A procedures before developing any wetland.
The policy defines the roles and responsibilities of district authorit ies in controlling activities within wetlands
and outlines procedures to be followed.
4
Box 5: The Land Act (1998)
Part ill-Control of Land Use
Section 43:
Acquisition ofland by Government
Government or Local Government may acquire land in accordance with the provisions of article 26 and clause
(2) of article 237 of the Constitution.
Section 44:
Utilisation of land according to various Statutes
A person who owns or occupies land shall manage and utilise the land in accordance with the Forest Act, the
Mining Act, the National Environment Statute, 1995, the Water Statute, 1995, and any other law.
Section 45:
Control of environmentally sensitive areas
(I) The Government or local government shall hold in trust for the people and protect natural lakes, rivers,
ground water, natural ponds, natural streams, wetlands, forest reserves, national parks, and any other land
reserved for ecological and touristic purposes for the common good of the citizens of Uganda.
(2) A local government may, upon request to the Government, be allowed to hold in trust for the people and the
common good of the citizens of Uganda any resources referred to in subsection (I) of this section.
(3) Any resource that is not covered under subsection (I) 'ofthis section, which is identified after the coming
into force of this Act may, upon request to the Government and with the approval of Parliament, be held in
trust for the people and for the common good of the citizens of Uganda by a local government.
(4) Government or a local government shall not lease out or otherwise alienate any natural resource referred to
in this section.
(5) The Government or local government may grant concessions or licenses or permits in respect of a natural
resource referred to in this section subject to any law.
(6) Parliament or any other authority empowered by Parliament may from time to time any land held in
trust by the Government or a local government whenever the community in the area or district where the
reserved land is situated so demands. "
Section 46:
Land use planning and zoning
Any use of land shall conform to the provisions of the law relating to the Townand Country Planning Act and
any other law.
PART IT - Land
Sections 16 - 28: (these clauses consider various aspects of common land holdings bOut are too detailed to
summarise here; Section 16 and 25 are the most important)
Section 16: Communal Land Associations
(I) A Communal Land Association may be formed by any group of persons in accordance with the provisions
of this Act for any purpose connected with the communal ownership and management ofland, whether under
customary law or otherwise. _
Section 25: Management.of areas of common land
(I) An area ofland set aside for common use shall be used and managed in accordance with the terms of a
common land management scheme.
A common land management scheme shall be made by an Association, but shall only come into effect when it is
agreed to by the community on whose behalf the Association holds land.
5
KAMPALA DISTRICT WETLANDS
.. '
:ai.'

LEGEND
1- -- 1
1 1
i i
, ,
Wetland Types
Depleted Swamp forest
Bush and Thicket
Glassland
Papyrus
Permanent

Lake
N
N
N
ROADS
All Weather, Bound Surface
All Weather, Loose surface
Other roads and tracks
RailWay Line
ADMINISTRATIVE BOUNDARIES
Division
N
A
1000 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 Meters

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