Final Draft
MOROTO
DISTRICT WETLAND INVENTORY REPORT
by
Lotyang John
&
Ogwang N.S.
Produced: June 2002
Based on fieldwork: July – December
2000
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The compilation of this report has been carried out in close collaboration between Moroto
District Administration and the National Wetlands Programme in the Wetland Inspection
Division, Ministry of Water, Lands and Environment. The two institutions would like to
acknowledge the efforts of the National Wetlands Programme staff, particularly Ms. Norah
Namakambo, who spearheaded the inventory process assisted by Ms. Phoebe Luwum, Mr.
Musinguzi Moses and the Technical Advisors, Dr. Mac Litterick and Mr. Reint Bakema, for the
technical backstopping.
We are grateful to Mr. Lotyang John, District Environment Officer and Mr. Ogwang N. S ,
District Forest Officer who participated in the inventory exercise as well as the various Local
Council members who accorded the necessary assistance.
The Programme would like to record its gratitude to the National Biomass Study Project in the
Forest Department for processing the maps and providing data for input into the wetland
database.
We are also indebted to the Netherlands Government for financial support and IUCN - the World
Conservation Union - for technical assistance.
i
FOREWORD
Uganda is endowed with a rich natural resource base and generally favourable climate.
Wetlands are one of the key natural resources covering about 13% of Uganda's total area.
They are potentially highly providing areas with a wide variety of bio-physical and socioeconomic goods and services. However, these benefits are in jeopardy from poor
management practices.
The threats to wetlands and their potential importance to national socio-economic
development were recognized in 1986 by the National Resistance Movement (NRM)
Government which has since then put in place a series of measures to manage and conserve
wetlands for the benefit of the present and future generations. The most important of the
measures was the formulation and adoption of a National Policy for the Conservation and
Management of Wetland Resources, which is backed up by the National Environment
Management Statute, 1995. An important step to further strengthening of wetland
management in Uganda has been the establishment of the Wetland Inspection Division in the
Ministry of Water, Lands and Environment. This institution carries the responsibility to build
capacity at central, district and resource user level for sustainable management of our
wetlands.
To make sustainable management of wetlands a reality, there is need for baseline information
on wetlands through inventories and ecological studies. Currently, there is little information
on the size, stock, location, and uses, values and threats to wetland resources in the country.
The district inventories will go a long way in providing such information.
District Wetland Inventory Reports are intended to provide district administrations with
baseline information on their local resources, to enable them discharge their responsibilities
under the National Wetland Policy and the National Environment Statute.
I therefore believe that you will find this report informative and useful.
ENG. B. K. KABANDA
PERMANENT SECRETARY,
MINISTRY OF WATER, LANDS AND ENVIRONMENT
ii
ACRONYMS
DTPC
DWI
WID
EIA
GIS
IUCN
KCC
LC
MP
MWLE
NBS
NEAP
NEMA
NRM
NWI
NWP
WID
WIS
District Technical Planning Committee
District Wetland Inventory
Wetlands Inspection Division
Environmental Impact Assessment
Geographical Information Systems
International Union for Conservation of Nature
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
Acknowledgement....................................................................................................i
Foreword...................................................................................................................ii
Acronyms..................................................................................................................iii
Table of contents .....................................................................................................iv
1
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................... 1
1.1
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..................................................... 3
1.5
Role Of Districts In Wetland Management And Protection.................................................... 4
1.6
The National Wetlands Inventory............................................................................................. 4
2
STATUS OF WETLANDS IN MOROTO DISTRICT.............................................. 8
2.1
Topography And Size................................................................................................................ 8
2.2
Wetland Systems In the district................................................................................................. 8
2.3
Wetland Types........................................................................................................................... 9
2.4
Ecological features..................................................................................................................... 9
2.5
Economic And Socio-Cultural Values Of Wetlands............................................................... 10
2.6
Major Uses And Threats.......................................................................................................... 10
2.7
Management And Ownership.................................................................................................. 10
2.8
Conservation Measures........................................................................................................... 11
2.9
Discussion And Conclusion..................................................................................................... 11
2.10
Proposal For Action................................................................................................................. 11
3
APPENDIX I: SUMMARY TABLE OF WETLANDS IN MOROTO DISTRICT..... 13
4
APPENDIX II: INVENTORY OF WETLANDS IN MOROTO DISTRICT.............. 15
5 APPENDIX III OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND SETTING PRIORITIES FOR THE
SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF UGANDA WETLANDS....................................48
6
APPENDIX IV: WETLANDS INVENTORY DATA SHEETS................................57
iv
7
APPENDIX V: WETLANDS MONITORING DATA SHEETS...............................62
8 APPENDIX VI: LEGISLATION AFFECTING WETLANDS OWNERSHIP, USE
AND ACCESS............................................................................................................65
v
1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Wetlands in Uganda
Wetlands in Uganda cover about 13% or 30,000 km2 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 locally
relevant; others have a regional, national or international importance. All together, the goods,
services and attributes constitute a considerable ecological, social and economic value, which
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.
Ecological 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
with the wetland. Human activities in wetlands generate a wide range of products, which are
used locally, or traded over hundreds of kilometers. Many of the socio-economic values are
essential for the wellbeing of local communities adjacent to the wetlands. Ugandans interface
with wetlands on a regular basis, and the resources in the natural wetlands contribute directly
and significantly 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 wetland area
somewhat, but this is mainly restricted to the seasonal wetlands. 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 welldeveloped legal framework that regulates wetland use. The lack of legal framework is
compounded by the limited understanding of how wetlands 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
1
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 public
health at risk.
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 International Union for Conservation of Nature (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 of Wetland Resources was adopted in 1995. It 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 generations”
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 has to be considered
within the framework of four main principles:
 The hydrological and ecological integrity of the wetland ecosystem must be
maintained
2
Sustainable use of wetlands, or wise use according to the Ramsar terminology, means
using wetlands 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 options
for resilient wetlands 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 irreversible 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, will have to
support wider ecosystem management objectives. 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 sustainable 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 wetlands worldwide, 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. Until
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 of the precautionary principle.
Human and financial resources available for wetland management are in short supply.
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
essential 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 wetland (see appendix III on options, criteria and setting priorities
for the sustainable management of Uganda wetlands).
1.4 Legislation Affecting Wetlands Ownership, Use & Access
Since 1995, some important legislation has been developed that provides some level of
protection against unsustainable wetland management (See appendix VI).
3
The major ones are:
 The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (1995)
 The National Environment Statute (1995)
 The National Policy for the Conservation and Management of Wetland Resources (1995)
 The Land Act (1998)
In addition the National Environment Wetlands, River Banks and Lakeshores Management
Regulations (2000) have been gazetted and are the most important management legislation for
wetlands to date.
According to the Constitution (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 other land
reserved for ecological and touristic purposes for the common good of the citizens 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 with the provisions in
the relevant legislation.
1.5 Role of Districts in Wetland Management and Protection
The Local Governments Statute (1997) decentralizes services and activities, which include
the management of the district's wetlands. The decentralization process transfers the
administrative, financial and planning authority from the center to local government councils.
As far as wetlands are concerned, this basically means that the districts are responsible for
managing the wetlands within the framework of the National Environment Statute and other
relevant laws. In order to be able to do so, the districts need comprehensive wetland
knowledge and wetland management skills, so that they can produce realistic wetland
management plans, carry out wetland resource monitoring and surveillance, and if needed,
enforce adherence to the National Environmental Statute and regulations. One of the tasks of
the National Wetlands Program is to help build capacity at district level to enable local
administrations to fulfill their role in wetland management and conservation effectively.
1.6 The National Wetlands Inventory
Since 1993 the NWP has been undertaking a National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) in which all
Uganda wetlands are being surveyed, described, quantified and mapped. Two trained district
officers designated by each district carry out the exercise supported by NWP staff. This
contributes to the build-up of wetland expertise and capacity in the districts and stimulates the
development of wetland action plans at district level. Wetland values are generally site-specific
and difficult to assess, and a wetland inventory to delineate the resource is therefore a
prerequisite in the planning process and rational management of these resources.
The NWI is based on wetland-related thematic maps stored in a computer-based Geographical
Information System (GIS) and a database of site-specific information (see Box 1). Key
information on wetlands gathered during the inventory will be stored in the National
Wetlands Information System (WIS) and any up-dates made later on will be incorporated.
The WIS will enable analysis and manipulation of stored data to produce relevant reports on
wetlands as systems or within administrative boundaries.
4
1.6.1 The District Wetlands Inventory (DWI)
The District Wetlands Inventory (DWI) 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 DWI is carried out jointly between NWP, the National Biomass
Study (NBS) and district staff, the DWI is an important tool helping to build capacity for
wetland management at the district level.
The DWI 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 information.
(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 production of the inventory up to the district inventory report takes
approximately 4 months.
1.6.2 The District Wetland Inventory Report
The District Wetland Inventory Report comprises an inventory of all wetland systems and their
natural resources; a summary of the status of these wetland resources in the district concerned
and a detailed district wetland map.
Methodology
(a) Mapping
The National Biomass Study Project (NBS) Forest Department carries out the classification
and mapping of wetlands in the districts in collaboration with the NWP. The NBS field team
collects data on wetlands and records it according 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 ArcView programmes.
The NBS field staff may make use of the district staff, especially for the proper naming of
wetlands and their surrounding areas. However, much of the work is highly technical. The
satellite 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 1:50,000 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
• Drainage systems
(b) Fieldwork
Fieldwork was carried out to provide information on the status of the wetlands.
5
District staff carried out the fieldwork with backstopping from NWP staff. Physical
observations were done in the field, whereby sections of a wetland were observed and its
general characteristics recorded in a Wetland Section Observation Data Sheet (see appendix
IV). The observations were used to up-date information on the maps, to obtain specific
information on the wetland, which cannot be derived from the satellite imagery, such as
wetland 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 1). A Monitoring Sheet (see appendix V) 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 especially 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.
Topographical Y732 maps covering the district were also carried along for navigational
purposes.
Y733 maps on land cover/use from NBS covering the whole district were used as base maps
for field surveys alongside one giving an overview of wetlands within the district.
(c) Reporting
The District and National Wetland Programme staff involved in the inventory exercise
summarized the wetland descriptions, and compiled a Wetland Inventory Report
describing the state of the wetlands in the district. The information collected at the
observation and monitoring sites, together with the secondary information was
summarized in a Wetland Information Sheet, for each wetland in the district. The
Wetland Information Sheets form an appendix to this report (see appendix II).
The final draft was presented to the District Technical Planning Committee (DTPC) 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 sitespecific databases to provide Districts with baseline information about the wetlands under
their jurisdiction. District Wetland Inventory Reports are intended to assist Districts discharge
their responsibilities under the National Wetlands Policy and National 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-use 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 within the framework of the National
Environment Statute, wetland inventory up-dates will be made during data compilation for the
production of the District State of Environment Reports, which are produced every two years.
The wetland 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
1) Geographical co-ordinates: (latitude and longitude) are an approximation of the centre of
each site. Where the wetland meanders over a long distance, an approximation is given for
the beginning and end.
2) General location: is a description of the wetland location in relation to the nearest subcounties, trading centres, villages, roads and accessibility
3) Area: of the site is given in square kilometres, calculated from the computerised database.
4) Wetland type: is based on the perennial status of water i.e. permanent or seasonal.
5) Altitude: is read from the nearest contour on the 1:50,000 topographic map and is expressed
in metres above mean sea level.
6) Physical feature: is a short description of the physical characteristics of the site, covering
origin, inflow and outflow, soil type and catchment area.
7) Ecological feature: is a brief description of the main habitats and vegetation 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 protection at or around the wetland, restriction
on development and management practices beneficial for retention of wetland functions.
10) See (9)
11) 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 materials,
religious etc.
14) Territorial jurisdiction: names the LC III level in the district responsible for the wetland in
case of conflict resolution and functional jurisdiction names the authority for conservation
purposes.
15) Other remarks: Any remarks relevant but which do not fit in other categories.
7
2
2.1
STATUS OF WETLANDS IN MOROTO DISTRICT
Topography and Size
Moroto District is situated in the north-eastern part of Uganda covering a total of 14.25 km2,
bordering Kotido in the north, Katakwi and Kumi in the south west and Mbale, Kapchwora
districts in the south. The whole of its eastern part is bordering the Republic of Kenya. It is
between latitude 33-38E and 35-02E, Longitude 1-022N and 3-07N. The perimeter is 693 Km
long, out of 14,256km2, about 23.8 km2 (about 0.17%) is covered by water bodies.
The geology is such that 4 main features exist in the district as outlined below, one category
under the tertiary (and Mesozoic) system, and the other 3 under the pre-cambrian systems.
The volcanic areas are the mountainous areas of Kadam Park Moroto. The rest of the district
is underlain with pre-cambrian rocks.
Geomorphology/relief characteristics exhibit a regular gradient, slopping from east to west,
the same direction in which the rivers flow. The western part of the district merges in to
lower flats and swamps. There are at least seven predominant geomorphologic features seen
in Moroto district as briefly outlined below:

Pre-pleistocene volcanic centre: Mainly comprising of the mountainous areas of the
district, marked by the following mountains: Moroto (3084.8m) Napak (2499m), and
Kadam (3021.9m), while Akisim is at 1843.6m).

Major watershed: The watershed cover the area stretching from east to south-west along
the border between Katikekile, Nadunget and Lororo sub-counties, to Moruta,
Kakomongole and Namalu to Karita sub-county.

Bevels in eastern up warp: In mainly Iriri, Lolachat, Mornita and Karita sub-counties,
and Matheniko county. Fossil localities of C14 dated horizons are found north-west of
Mt. Moroto (Rupa).

Remnants of Lowland surface: This covers mostly Upe at the fringes of Mt Napak and
parts of Bokora and Namalu.

Out-wash fans: found at the fringes of Mt Napak and south of Mt Kadam.

Areas of in-fall: Predominant in the western parts of Matheniko, Bokora, Pain and Pokot
counties.
The wetlands in the district are of seasonal type, they are not uniformly distributed in the
district. These however, cover 0.17% of the total district area.
2.2
Wetland Systems in the district
There are no drainage basins in the district. The main wetland systems identified include:

Okok – Nakodiokodio: This is a system of several tributaries feeding Okok river which
is also a seasonal river flowing towards the west of Bokora County; Kolinyang and
Lopogoth as being the main seasonal rivers feeding the system.

Okere – Nangolol apolon system: these is a small long and narrow seasonal rivers
tributary system/network they include Lokichar river which continues to become a
seasonal swamp at Waliwali and Nangole bwal later to drain in Kocolut, Kotipe and
Loaka dams.

Lochilimukat wetland system: Is fed by small rivers from Lolachat and Namalu.
Namalu river and Amaler are fairly permanent. Much of the water has been diverted into
Lochilimukat Dam. River Napenanya is seasonal but during the rainy season it carries a
lot of water because of its width.

Kanyangareng: Is a big seasonal river flowing south of Amudat and joins Konyao before
entering into Kenya to drain in to Lake Turkana.
8




2.3
For the wetland system of Okok – Nakodoikodoi, there are seasonal swamps of Lokicar
and Kolinyang. These are fairly large seasonally flooded wooded grasslands.
Locoman is along a narrow seasonally flooded wooded grassland that is the main feature
in Okere – Nangolol apolon system in Bokora County.
Locilimukat system has a complex of small seasonal rivers that drain in rivers Amales
and Napenanya. Those are outstanding semi-permanent wetlands dominated by sedges,
palms, Hyparrhenia and a mixture of Setaria and Cynodon species.
Kanyangareng and Konyao are seasonal rivers. Where they meet they form a seasonal
swamp with acacia – Cynodon vegetation in a place called Akore. There are also fairly
small permanent wetlands in Lokoona in Nakapiripit Township and Chosan at the
junction of Upe – Moroto – Nakapiripit road with sedges and palms.
Wetland Types
Most wetlands are seasonally flooded grasslands dominated by Acacia – Hyparrhenia
species.
2.4
Ecological features
2.4.1 Flora
The most dominant flora in these wetlands include Hyparrhenia grass and scattered woody
biomass of Acacia, Terminalia, Ficus, Balanites, Combretum and other shrub compositions.
There are sedges and palms in Amaler wetland and a combination of sedges and Acacia in
Lokichar and Chosan wetlands.
2.4.2 Fauna
Dik diks. Monkeys, Antelopes and Ostriches were particularly seen in the wetlands of Kelim
and Locilimukat. Lung fish were also common in Amaler and Namalu rivers. It was also
reported that fish (Tilapia and lung fish) exist in Chosan wetland.
Several reptiles and Amphibians are also found in not only the above stated wetlands but also
the rest of the seasonal wetlands. Herons were sited in Kanyangareng and Lokicar while
cattle egrets were a common sight in all the wetlands.
Hunting is particularly common in wetlands of Bokora County, while fishing is a seasonal
activity in wetlands of Namalu sub-county. Hunting is mainly done at subsistence level for
wild meat for home consumption.
2.4.3 Soils
The soils of Moroto district generally fall under seven categories:

Vertisols: these are black calcareous clays including clay loams. Permeability is low and
internal drainage of these soils is generally poor. These soils are found in mostly Bokora
(in Lopei, Iriri, Lotome sub-counties), Pian (Kakomongole, Lolachat, Morvita subcounties and Mathemiko (central and north of Rupa sub-county).

Ferruginous tropical soils: Found in Lokopo sub-county, east of Katikekile sub-county,
Loroo, Amudat sub-counties and Lorengedwat sub-counties. These soils consist of an
ABC profile and the profiles are usually less than 2.5 metres thick.

Eutrophic soils of Tropical Region: These are soils of volcanic origin and occur on
volcanic ash associated particularly with Mt Kadam (in Namalu). They are intensively
cultivated under a variety of crops.
9




2.5
Ferrisols: Are a transitional group of soils of high altitudes and are predominantly found
on the higher slopes of Mt Moroto (the western and southern slopes).
Lithosols: Weakly developed soils found along the border with Kenya i.e. to the southeast of Lororo sub-county, eastern parts of Rupa and Katikekile sub-counties.
Hydromorphic soils: Saline soils formed from a wide range of unconsolidated parent
materials, they are found along the border between Lokopo and Matany sub-counties.
Organic soils: Are often water logged and are confined to relatively poorly drained
depressions and swamps. They are found especially adjacent to Mt Kadam.
Economic And Socio-Cultural Values Of Wetlands
All the wetlands in the district are used for watering and grazing livestock. In times of dry
seasons these wetlands are also used for domestic water use. Fishing is a small scale activity
for domestic consumption in the wetlands in south Karamoja and parts of Bokora county –
Lokopo sub-county.
There is also collection of wood and sand in these wetlands for building. Cultivation is done
mainly in Lokoona – Chosan systems in Nakapiripit and Napenanya – Amaler – Namalu
complex. Mainly beans, maize and sorghum are grown.
2.6
Major Uses and Threats
Most wetlands are used for grazing and watering livestock. Harvesting of medicinal plants,
fruits, firewood and cultivation is also done.
However, the major threats include bushfires, overgrazing especially during dry season.
Wetlands in south Karamoja especially Lokoona and Napenanya have been encroached on
heavily by cultivators. This has resulted to floods in wet season.
2.6.1 Ranking on the level of encroachment
i) Napenanya, Lokoona and Amaler. These have been encroached by cultivators.
ii) Lokicar, Waliwali: These have been encroached by bushfires and tree cutters for brick
making.
2.6.2 Ranking according to the need for conservation




2.7
Lokoona in Nakapiripit township
Namalu-Amaler, Napenanya in Namalu sub-county
Lokicar in Lopei sub-county
The river banks of R. Omaniman.
Management and ownership
Most wetlands are in remote areas and there are no management practices in place except for
bush burning for tick control and rejuvenation of fresh grass for livestock.
Ownership is communal, where every member of the community has free access to the
resources. There are no management options for most wetlands except that in Lokoona and
Chosan where fish farming has been proposed because of their fair retention of water.
10
2.8
Conservation Measures
Almost all the wetlands fall under wildlife protected area e.g. Pian – Upe and Matheniko –
Bokora wildlife areas. Most of the wetlands are still virgin free from adverse human
interference because they are in the wilderness.
2.9
Discussion and Conclusion
Wetlands in general are still intact for the reason that most are in the wilderness. Their
remoteness and the prevailing insecurity could have contributed to very little human
interference. Most wetlands are dry river beds and seasonal flood plains characteristic of
grasses and Acacia species.
Few wetlands in Namalu and Nakapiripit have been encroached e.g. Lokoona and Napenanya
where people have cultivated maize, beans, and sweet potatoes. There is also fishing in
Amaler, Namalu and Kelim rivers. In this part of the district, the climate is conducive i.e. it
receives more rain than other areas and that most people have migrated in there to cultivate.
The other areas of the district are occupied by mainly cattle keepers who graze and water their
livestock in the remote wetlands especially in the west and south of Bokora County.
The community still benefit from these wetlands as they are a source of food – wild meat,
fruits, farm lands, grazing areas, watering areas, grass for thatching, wood, medicinal plants
and recently sand from rivers of Omaniman, Nadunget and Lolachat. Generally people are
aware of the benefits of wetlands except for their law education and limited extension
services that have made it difficult form conservation measures.
In Nakapiripit, Lokoona wetland people expressed the need to convert the wetland into fish
pond, others were asking if they could be availed with extractor scheme so that they could
cultivate, citing the good harvest of maize and beans which they used before the 1970‘s
insecurity which chased people away to Namalu and Nabilatuk. Presently, there are no
guidelines or local regulations regarding the use of wetlands at district and local levels.
2.10 Proposal for Action



There is need for Wetland Action Plans
There is also need for awareness campaigns among the communities
A Wetland Officer could be recruited to be in charge of South Karamoja
2.10.1 Critical areas





Namalu sub-county – Amaler, Namalu and Napenanya. These are threatened by
cultivators. There is need for soil and water conservation campaign.
Nakapiripit township
Lokoona/Chosan wetland. This has been cultivated heavily. Also needs soil and water
conservation
Campaign.
Locar: This wetland in Lopei Sub-county has been heavily encroached by brick burners,
there is massive tree cutting and charcoal burning by UPDF who have a detach near it.
2.10.2 Valuable areas

Banks of rivers Omaniman, Namalu and Amaler. These have been cultivated.
11

Waliwali in Lokopo sub-county. This is affected by tree cutting for brick burning and
grazing.
2.10.3 Threatened



Lokicar in Lopei sub-county
Nakacumet – Kotonia in Matany sub-county.
The above are threatened by tree cutting for brick burning.
12
3
APPENDIX I: SUMMARY TABLE OF WETLANDS IN MOROTO DISTRICT
Wetland Name
Area
(Km2)
Type1
Landuse
S
Agricultural
farmland,
settlement (in Kraals),
livestock
Grazing, agriculture
Akore
Alakas
Threats
human
grazing
S
Amaler
Agricultural practices, tree planting
S
Atere
S
Wildlife
reserve,
grazing,
agriculture, human settlement
Atere
S
Grazing
Kalukumeri
Wildlife Reserve, grazing
S
Kamothing
S
Agricultural farmland, grazing
Kananyait
S
Wildlife Reserve
Kanyangarene
S
At the upstream the wetland is being
used for agriculture and small scale
fish farming
Grazing, agricultural fields
Kanyangareng/Kreswo
S
Kelim
Deforestation opening
land for farmland,
human settlements
Clearing
for
agriculture,
small
scale bush burning
Tree
cutting,
agricultural practices
Bush
burning,
grazing,
human
settlement
Over grazing, bush
burning
Bush burning, over
grazing
Deforestation due to
opening land for
agriculture
fields,
bush
burning,
settlement
Tree cutting for the
construction of the
army detach
Agriculture in the
wetland
Agricultural
overgrazing
fields,
Wildlife reserve
None
Wildlife reserve
Wild fires, hunting
S
Kelim
S
Kolinyang
S
Kolinyang
S
Kotipe
Wildlife
livestock
reserve,
grazing
of
Wildlife reserve, grazing
Grazing
Grazing of livestock,
bush burning
Burning
of
vegetation
Bush fires
the
S
Kotipe
S
Grazing, small scale hunting
Kotonia
S
Grazing, collection of firewood and
grass
for
thatching
houses,
agricultural farmland
Bush burning, small
scale hunting
Cutting
down/clearing bushes
for farmland and
trade as fuel wood,
clearing areas for
settlement,
overgrazing
1 P – Permanent; S - Seasonal
13
Wetland Name
Area
(Km2)
Type1
Landuse
Threats
Lochilimukat
S
Wildlife reserve, grazing, hunting
Loturut, Kanyangareng
S
Agricultural
practices,
human
settlement, grazing of Livestock
Nabarachar
S
Wildlife reserve, grazing
Overgrazing,
uncontrolled
bush
burning, poaching
Deforestation due to
agriculture,
wood
cutting
for
sale,
human settlement –
bush fires
Overgrazing,
bush
fires,
hunting
(poaching)
Bush burning, small
scale hunting
Nakichumet
S
Livestock grazing and sometimes
watering, small scale hunting
Agriculture, grazing
Nakurwok
Agriculture,
over
grazing, cutting wood
for
poles
and
firewood, settlement
Deforestation due to
agriculture,
wood
cutting,
human
settlement, fires
Agricultural practices
S
Napenanya
NapenanyaNakiryonget
S
Agricultural practices
S
Nasigirya
S
Okerionot
S
Okok-Nakodiokodioi
Farmlands, grazing
S
Okudud-Kanapa
Wildlife
reserve,
grazing,
agriculture, human settlement
Grazing livestock, collection of
grass for thatching houses
Grazing, wildlife reserve
Bush
fires,
overgrazing
Bush
burning,
poaching
Wildlife Reserve
S
Okudud-Kanapa
Torounai
S
S
Toroune
S
WALIWALI
S
Wildlife reserve
Agriculture,
livestock,
excavation
Grazing
Wildlife reserve, grazing
Bush
burning,
grazing,
human
settlement
Bush
burning,
overgrazing
sand
None
Agricultural practices,
burning of vegetation
during dry season,
over grazing
None
Bush burning, over
grazing of livestock
14
4
APPENDIX II: INVENTORY OF WETLANDS IN MOROTO DISTRICT
1. AKORE
22. NAKURWOK
2. ALAKAS
23. NAPENANYA
3. AMALER
24. NAPENANYA-NAKIRYONGET
4. ATERE
25. NASIGIRYA
5. ATERE
26. OKERIONOT
6. KALUKUMERI
27. OKOK-NAKODIOKODIOI
7. KAMOTHING
28. OKUDUD-KANAPA
8. KANANYAIT
29. OKUDUD-KANAPA
9. KANYANGARENE
30. TOROUNAI
10. KANYANGARENG/KRESWO
31. TOROUNE
11. KELIM
32. WALIWALI
12. KELIM
13. KOLINYANG
14. KOLINYANG
15. KOTIPE
16. KOTIPE
17. KOTONIA
18. LOCHILIMUKAT
19. LOTURUT, KANYANGARENG
20. NABARACHAR
21. NAKICHUMET
15
1. AKORE
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 713500 E – 200000 N
2. General location: In Amudat Sub-county. It is accessed by Namalu – Amdat – Karita road
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1280ft –1260 ft above sea level
6. Physical features: It is thickly wooded flat wetland gently sloping towards east. It has a tributary
draining into Kenyan River which also draws Kanyangeren to enter Turkana Lake in Kenya
7. Ecological features : This wetland is densely forested with Acacia, Balanites, Grevellia, Terminalia and
Combretum. Animals in this wetland include Monkeys, Wild pigs, baboons dik diks. Birds are as
mentioned in WSOS.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Customary
b. Surrounding area: Customary
9. Conservation measures taken: Nil
10. Conservation measures proposed yet implemented: Nil
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Agricultural farmland, human settlement (in Kraals), grazing livestock
b. Surrounding area: As above
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Deforestation opening land for farmland, human settlements
b. Surrounding/catchment: As above
13. Social and cultural values: Agricultural farmlands, grazing livestock, wood collection
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Amudat Sub-county
b. Functional: Amudat Sub-county
15. Any other remarks:
16
2. ALAKAS
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 722500E, 0204600N
2. General location: In Amudat Sub-county in Alakas village, can be accessed by Amudat Karita road
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1240ft – 1220ft above sea level
6. Physical features: It is a flat valley with a small river originating from the Eastern part of Mt. Kadam.
The soils are clay
7. Ecological features : Dominated by Acacia woodland and Hyparrhenia grassland, shrubs and bush are
also common. Other tree species common are Zyziphus species, Banalites and a few Terminalia. There are
a lot of dik diks, guinea fowls and small rodents.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Customary
b. Surrounding area: Customary
9. Conservation measures taken: None
10. Conservation measures proposed yet implemented: None
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Grazing, agriculture
b. Surrounding area: Grazing, agriculture
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Clearing for agriculture, small scale bush burning
b. Surrounding/catchment: Clearing for agriculture, small scale bush burning
13. Social and cultural values: Grazing lands, land for agriculture, small scale hunting
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Amudat Sub-county, Alakas Parish
b. Functional: Amudat Sub-county, Alakas Parish
15. Any other remarks:
17
3. AMALER
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 675400E – 194500 N
2. General location: It is in Namalu sub-county. It is accessed by Mbale – Namalu road. It is south of
Namalu Trading Center and just adjacent to Amaler Agricultural Demonstration Farm.
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1160ft – 1140ft above sea level
6. Physical features: It is a plain gently sloping towards the west. River Amader originates from Mt.
Kadam and drains into Lolachat and finally into Lochilimukat. The wetland has clay soils.
7. Ecological features: It is a grassland dominated by Hyparrhenia grass with a few tree species of Kigelia
africana and Ficus along the river.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Customary
b. Surrounding area: Customary
9. Conservation measures taken: Tree planting, agricultural trial plots
10. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: Tree planting by Forest Department
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Agricultural practices, tree planting
b. Surrounding area: Agricultural practices
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Tree cutting, agricultural practices
b. Surrounding/catchment: Tree planting, agricultural practices
13. Social and cultural values: Agricultural practices
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Namalu sub-county III
b. Functional: Uganda Government Prisons Farm
15. Any other remarks: Forest Department plans to plant trees in the wetland but the tree are not yet
known
18
4. ATERE
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 654206E, 265184N
2. General location: In the Sub-county of Natany near Kokaris corner going to St. Kizito Hospital
(Motary). It is accessed by Moroto to Iruri – Soroti Road.
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1200ft – 1180ft above sea level
6. Physical features: Flooded plain with Atere river flowing to the west during wet season. The landscape
is generally flat sloping gently towards the west.
7. Ecological features: Wooded grassland dominated by Zyziphus, Balanites, Acacia, Lemna with
Hyparrhenia grasses, also dominating. Soils are clayish. Animals include monitor lizards, dik diks. Birds:
ostriches, Lunging, doves, guinea fowls.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Wildlife Reserve
b. Surrounding area: Wildlife Reserve
9. Conservation measures taken: Wildlife Reserve
10. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: NIL
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Wildlife reserve, grazing, agriculture, human settlement
b. Surrounding area: Wildlife reserve, grazing, agriculture, human settlement
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Bush burning, grazing, human settlement
b. Surrounding/catchment: Bush burning, grazing, human settlement
13. Social and cultural values: Grazing, hunting/poaching
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Matany sub county
b. Functional: Wildlife reserve
15. Any other remarks:
19
5. ATERE
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 651500E – 265450N
2. General location: In Matany Sub-county, Lokuwas parish. Can be accessed by Matony – Kokeris road
to the south of Kokeris village – Nabokat
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1180ft – 1160ft above sea level
6. Physical features: Fairly deep valleys with rivers flowing towards the west during rainy season
7. Ecological features:. The dominant vegetation being Acacia segal, and senegal, Balanites aegyptiaca,
Zyziphus species occasionally the Tamarindus also occurs. Setaria, Cynodon and Hyparrhenia grasses
grow. Soils are clay black cotton soils. Doves are mainly in the thickets.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Customary
b. Surrounding area: Customary
9. Conservation measures taken: None
10. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: None
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Grazing
b. Surrounding area: Grazing
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Over grazing, bush burning
b. Surrounding/catchment: Over grazing, bush burning
13. Social and cultural values: Grazing, seasonal watering of livestock
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Matany Sub-county – Lokuwas Parish
b. Functional: Matany Sub-county – Lokuws Parish
15. Any other remarks:
20
6. KALUKUMERI
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 645400E – 274730N
2. General location: In Lokopo Sub-county and in also Mathanko –Bokora Wildlife Reserve
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1160ft – 1140ft above sea level
6. Physical features: Flood plain with Kalunkumeri river flowing to the west, during rainy season. The
landscape is generally flat sloping gently towards the west.
7. Ecological features: Wooded grassland dominated by Zizyphus, Balanites, Acacia with Hyparrhenia
grasses also dominating. Soils are clayish and animals like warthogs, monitor, lizard, dik diks also always
observed. Birds include doves, ―logilios‖, weaver birds and guinea fowls.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Wildlife Reserve
b. Surrounding area: Wildlife Reserve
9. Conservation measures taken: Wildlife Reserve
10. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: Nil
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Wildlife Reserve, grazing
b. Surrounding area: Wildlife Reserve, grazing
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Bush burning, over grazing
b. Surrounding/catchment: Bush burning, over grazing
13. Social and cultural values: Grazing, hunting
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Lokop Sub-county
b. Functional: Wildlife Reserve
15. Any other remarks:
21
7. KAMOTHING
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 667000E – 0231000N
2. General location: In Nabilatuk sub-county. It is above 2 ½ km from Nabilatuk trading centre on
Nabilatuk – Lerngohora road.
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1160ft – 1140 ft above sea level
6. Physical features: It is gently sloping flood plain with a congestion of Acacia It flows westwards
towards Kamothing river draining into Lochehimbat River which ends at Lake Bisina/Opeta in Kumi
district.
7. Ecological features: The vegetation comprises of Acacia, sedges and Hyparrhenia are common all
along the plain. The soils are clayey (dark black).
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Customary
b. Surrounding area: Customary
9. Conservation measures taken: Nil
10. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: Nil
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Agricultural farmland, grazing
b. Surrounding area: Agricultural farmland, grazing
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Deforestation due to opening land for agriculture fields, bush burning, settlement
b. Surrounding/catchment: As above
13. Social and cultural values: Agriculture, settlement
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Nabilatuk sub-county
b. Functional: Nabilatuk sub-county
15. Any other remarks: -
22
8. KANANYAIT
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 672100E, 185180N
2. General location: Found in Namalu sub-county, about ½ km away from Marujore Game Camp. It is
accessed by Mbale-Moroto via Namalu road, it is found in Moruajore Wildlife Reserve
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1140ft – 1120ft above sea level
6. Physical features: Seasonal river that flows to the west during rainy season, generally the topography is
flat. Mbale – Moroto road passes through the wetland.
7. Ecological features: It is an expanse of a grass land dominated by Hyparrhenia grass with Acacia and
Butyrospermum
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Gazetted as Wildlife Reserve
b. Surrounding area: Gazetted as Wildlife Reserve
9. Conservation measures taken: Wildlife Reserve
10. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: Moruajore National Park
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Wildlife Reserve
b. Surrounding area: Wildlife Reserve
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Tree cutting for the construction of the army detach
b. Surrounding/catchment: Firewood collection for Game rangers and the army
13. Social and cultural values:
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Namalu sub-county
b. Functional: Uganda Wildlife Authority
15. Any other remarks:
23
9. KANYANGARENE
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 693000E, 0210000N and 691500E, 204700N
2. General location: It is located in Mornita sub-county; it originates from south east of Nakapiripit
township up in Mt. Kadam, flowing northwards crossing Moroto-Nakapiripit –Amudat junction joining
river Kanyangareng eventually flowing to the east. It can be accessed by Moroto – Nakapiripit road.
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1140ft – 1380 above sea level
6. Physical features: Gently sloping flat valley towards north, to the east and south is Mt Kadam. River
Chosan flows into River Kanyangareng.
7. Ecological features: It is clay soils and in Nakapiripit, soils are silty. The general vegetation comprises
of Acacia at the downstream while palms, Piliostigma thorningii and Albizia at the upstream. Sedges and
Hyparrhenia grass is also common in both up and down stream.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Customary
b. Surrounding area: Customary
9. Conservation measures taken: NIL
10. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: NIL
11. Current land use:
a. Site: At the upstream the wetland is being used for agriculture and small scale fish farming
b. Surrounding area: Agriculture, mainly maize production, Cutting wood for building poles and
firewood
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Agriculture in the wetland
b. Surrounding/catchment: Cutting of building poles and firewood collection
13. Social and cultural values: Water for domestic use and livestock at small scale level
Small scale fishing
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Moruita sub-county and Nakapiripit town Council
b. Functional: Moruita sub-county and Nakapiripit sub-county and Nakapiripit Town Council
15. Any other remarks: Some people claiming ownership of the wetland at Nakapiripit township request
government assistance so that they can reclaim it as farmlands. The gazettement of Nakapiripit district
might have a significant impact on the wetland e.g. reclaiming, pollution, etc.
24
10. KANYANGARENG/KRESWO
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 719500E – 0200500N
2. General location: it is Moruita and Amudat sub-counties. It is accessed by Mbale via Namalu
Nakapiripit towards Amudat Trading Centre. It flows towards ending up in Lake Turkana. It is fed by
Kunyou, Loturut tributaries.
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: It ranges from 1260ft – 1240ft above sea level
6. Physical features: Gently clay soils (very sticky when it has rained)
7. Ecological features : It has clay soils (very stick when it has rained). It has a woodland, some of it has
converted in to farmland
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Customary
b. Surrounding area: Customary
9. Conservation measures taken: None
10. Conservation measures proposed yet implemented: None
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Grazing, agricultural fields
b. Surrounding area: Grazing, agricultural fields
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Agricultural fields, overgrazing
b. Surrounding/catchment: Overgrazing, agricultural fields
13. Social and cultural values: Agricultural fields, grazing
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Moruita and Amudat Sub-county
b. Functional: LC III of Amudat & Moruita Sub-counties
15. Any other remarks:
25
11. KELIM
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 665150E – 175300N
2. General location: It is in Namalu Sub-county. It is accessed by Mbale Namalu via Sironko road
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1080ft to 1060 ft above sea level
6. Physical features: Flat plain gently sloping towards west. It drains into Lake Okolitorom in Kumi
district
7. Ecological features : It is a wooded grassland – Hyparrhenia dominating with mainly Acacia There are
also many birds of various species including Ostriches, doves, guinea fowls, the quails. There is some fish
– Tilapia and mud fish. Its soils are clay (dark black)
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Customary
b. Surrounding area: Customary
9. Conservation measures taken: Wildlife reserve (UWA)
10. Conservation measures proposed yet implemented: National Park
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Wildlife reserve
b. Surrounding area: Wildlife reserve
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Wild fires, hunting
b. Surrounding/catchment: Wild fires, hunting
13. Social and cultural values: Fishing, Hunting
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Under Namalu Sub-county, LC III
b. Functional: Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)
15. Any other remarks:
26
12. KELIM
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 67500E – 175250 N
2. General location: It is located south of Namalu sub-county bordering Chepskunya in Kapchorwa
district and Kumi district in the west. It can be accessed using Mbale – Namalu via Chepskunya road.
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1100ft – 1080ft above sea level
6. Physical features: It is a flood plain of river Kiriki that flows towards L. Okoliforom in Kumi District.
The landscape is generally flat but gently sloping towards west. A bridge is erected at the border of
Namalu and Chepsikunya.
7. Ecological features: It has wooded vegetation and dominated by Hyparrhenia grassland, numerous
birds including some ostriches are available. Antelope, dik diks, guinea fowls are also available. Some
fishing is also done in the river – lung fish and tilapia. The soils are clayish.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Gazetted – wildlife reserve
b. Surrounding area: Gazetted – wildlife reserve
9. Conservation measures taken: Wildlife reserve (Moraujore WLR)
10. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: Moraujore National Park
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Wildlife reserve
b. Surrounding area: Wildlife reserve
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Nil
b. Surrounding/catchment: Accidental fires, occasional poaching
13. Social and cultural values: Tourism, sometimes for grazing, small scale fishing in the river
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Namalu sub-county
b. Functional: Uganda Wildlife Authority
15. Any other remarks:
27
13. KOLINYANG
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 025200E-280500N
2. General location: It is located in Lokopo sub-county. It is accessed by Matany – Lokop road
3. Area:
4.Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1140ft – 1120‘ft a.s.l
6. Physical features: It is flat plain grassland having a tributary which eventually joins flowing westwards
7. Ecological features: It is purely Hyparrhenia grassland with isolated shrubs and trees mainly of
Combretum, Terminalia, Acacia. The soils are clayey (dark/black).
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Customary
b. Surrounding area: Customary
9. Conservation measures taken: Wildlife reserve
10. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented:
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Wildlife reserve, grazing of livestock
b. Surrounding area: Wildlife reserve, grazing of livestock
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Grazing of livestock, bush burning
b. Surrounding/catchment: As above
13. Social and cultural values: Grazing
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Lukop Subcounty
b. Functional: Uganda Wildlife Authority
15. Any other remarks:
28
14. KOLINYANG
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 615400E – 276530N
2. General location: It is located in Lokopo sub-county. It can be accessed using Lokopo – Nyakwae road.
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1140-1120ft above sea level
6. Physical features: It is a flood plain whose waters drain into Okok during rainy season through several
culverts and a bridge.
7. Ecological features: it has a wooded grassland type of vegetation, Acacias and Hyparrhenia grass being
dominant. It also has a lot of shrubs. The wetland has a small seasonal swamp just near Lokopo – Nyakwae
road. Antelopes, warthogs and ostriches are said to be existing in this wetland.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Gazetted as a wildlife reserve (Bokora – Matheniko Wildlife Reserve)
b. Surrounding area: Gazetted as a wildlife reserve (Bokora-Matheniko Wildlife Reserve)
9. Conservation measures taken: Wildlife Reserve
10. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: Nil
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Wildlife reserve, grazing
b. Surrounding area: Wildlife reserve, grazing
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Burning of the vegetation
b. Surrounding/catchment: Burning of the vegetation
13. Social and cultural values: Grazing
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Lokopo sub-county
b. Functional: Uganda Wildlife authority
15. Any other remarks:
29
15. KOTIPE
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 621000E – 260000N
2. General location: Matany sub-county – Nakichumet parish along Moroto – Soroti road
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1120 – 1100ft above sea level
6. Physical features: Flat flood plain with river Kotipe flowing westwards through the plain, there are
culverts
7. Ecological features: Acacia woodland and Hyparrhenia grass dominant. Clay soils; dicks, doves and
also reported are ostriches
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Customary
b. Surrounding area: Customary
9. Conservation measures taken: Nil
10. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented:
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Grazing
b. Surrounding area: Grazing
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Bush fires
b. Surrounding/catchment: Bushfires
13. Social and cultural values: Grazing lands, clay extraction (Emunyen called Kotipe) for use
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Matany sub-county – Nakichumet Parish
b. Functional: Matany sub-county – Nakichumet Parish
15. Any other remarks:
30
16. KOTIPE
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 650700E – 255300N
2. General location: Matany Sub-county – Nakichumet Parish, along Moroto Soroti road
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1180ft – 1160 ft above sea level
6. Physical features: Flat flood plain with river Kotipe flowing westwards through the plain. Drains into
Nakichumet river which later joins Okere – Nangololapolon. Culverts are laid on the river.
7. Ecological features:
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Customary
b. Surrounding area: Customary
9. Conservation measures taken: Nil
10. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: Nil
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Grazing, small scale hunting
b. Surrounding area: Grazing, small scale hunting
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Bush burning, small scale hunting
b. Surrounding/catchment: Bush burning, small scale hunting
13. Social and cultural values: Medicine is collected, pastures
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Matany Sub-county – Nakichumet Parish
b. Functional: Matany Sub-county, Nakichumet Parish
15. Any other remarks:
31
17. KOTONIA
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 645490E – 2255170N
2. General location: Matany Sub-county – Nakichumet Parish
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1180ft –1160ft above sea level
6. Physical features: Flat flood plain gently sloping towards the west with culverts on the road
7. Ecological features: Dominated by Acacia and Lemna trees. The soils are sandy clay, very sticky and
slippery during rainy season.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Customary
b. Surrounding area: Customary
9. Conservation measures taken: Nil
10. Conservation measures proposed yet implemented: Nil
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Grazing, collection of firewood and grass for thatching houses, agricultural farmland
b. Surrounding area: As above
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Cutting down/clearing bushes for farmland and trade as fuelwood, clearing areas for settlement,
overgrazing
b. Surrounding/catchment: As above
13. Social and cultural values: Grazing livestock, cutting /collecting poles and grass for building
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Matany sub-county
b. Functional: Matany Sub-county
15. Any other remarks:
32
18. LOCHILIMUKAT
1. Geographical co-ordinates: At point 152, its co-ordinates are: 6753000E-0195300N
At point 154, its co-ordinates are: 640100E – 0181500N
2. General location: it is in Namalau Sub-county near Namalu Trading Centre. It is accessed by Mbale –
Namalu –Moroto road.
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: Ranges from1120ft – 1140ft above sea level
6. Physical features: It is gently sloping towards two rivers of Amaler and Namalu flowing towards the
west feed it. It drains into Lake Opeta in Kumi District
7. Ecological features : The common tree species include: Combretum. Terminalia with Hyparrhenia
grass being dominant. Animals found there include Antelopes, Dik diks with various bird species including
ostriches, egrets.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Customary
b. Surrounding area: Customary
9. Conservation measures taken: It is under Pian-Upe Wildlife reserve (UWA)
10. Conservation measures proposed yet implemented: National Park
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Wildlife reserve, grazing, hunting
b. Surrounding area: Wildlife reserve, grazing, hunting
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Overgrazing, uncontrolled bush burning, poaching
b. Surrounding/catchment: Overgrazing, uncontrolled bush burning, poaching
13. Social and cultural values: Grazing, Hunting
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: It is Namalu Sub-county
b. Functional: Uganda Wildlife Reserve
15. Any other remarks:
33
19. LOTURUT, KANYANGARENG
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 719500E, O216000N
2. General location: It is in Amudat Sub-county. It is accessed by Namalu to Amudat road
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1260ft to 1240ft above sea level
6. Physical features: It is a flood plain water draining into Kanyangereng during rainy season and end up
in Turkana Lake in Kenya
7. Ecological features : It has a wooded grassland with quite a number of trees close to each other at the
river sides/beds. Tamarindus Acacia, Terminalia , Ficus, Tamarindus, Kigelias africana. It has baboons,
monkeys and monitor lizards in plenty. The birds in this wetland are spelt out in Pokot language in WSOS
attached. Soils are silty, clay and dark black.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Customary
b. Surrounding area: Customary
9. Conservation measures taken: Nil
10. Conservation measures proposed yet implemented: Nil
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Agricultural practices, human settlement, grazing of Livestock
b. Surrounding area: Agricultural practices, human settlement, grazing of livestock
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Deforestation due to agriculture, wood cutting for sale, human settlement – bush fires
b. Surrounding/catchment: As above
13. Social and cultural values: Agricultural lands, wood collection, grazing livestock
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Amudat Sub-county
b. Functional: Amudat Sub-county
15. Any other remarks:
34
20. NABARACHAR
1. Geographical co-ordinates: At point 15 its co-ordinates are 645301 E – 028501 N
At point 18 its co-ordinates are 615384 E – 026174 N
2. General location: It is in Lokopo Sub-county in Bokora county. If flows towards the west ending up in
Lake Bisina in Soroti District. It is accessed by Lokop, Apeitolim – Kapelebyong road
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: It lies between 1160ft to 1110 ft above sea level
6. Physical features: Gently sloping towards the west with tributaries of Omaniman, Lokicar feeding it
west wards. There is a dam at one point of Kotipe. The soils there are clay sandy loam.
7. Ecological features : The main tree found there include Acacia, Zyzyphus, Terminalia, Combretum,
Balanites with Hyparrhenia grass being dominant. Birds found Ostriches, Doves, Weaverbirds. Animals
found there include Dik diks, hares, lizards, wild rats, fish. The soils there are sandy-clay.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Customary
b. Surrounding area: Customary
9. Conservation measures taken: Matheniko – Bokora wildlife reserve (UWA)
10. Conservation measures proposed yet implemented: Nil
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Wildlife reserve, grazing
b. Surrounding area: Grazing, agriculture in Apeitolin
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Overgrazing, bush fires, hunting (poaching)
b. Surrounding/catchment: Over grazing, bush fires, hunting (poaching)
13. Social and cultural values: Grazing and hunting
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Under Lokop Sub-county LC III
b. Functional: Wildlife Reserve (UWA)
15. Any other remarks:
35
21. NAKICHUMET
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 644000E – 252000N
2. General location: It is located in Matany Sub-county in Nakichumet Parish. It is accessed by Moroto –
Soroti road, in the middle of Lorengecora and Lokwas Parishes
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1180ft – 1160ft above sea level
6. Physical features: General flat plain being fed by Kotipe and Kotonia rivers flowing towards the west
to join Okere – Nangolol apolon system
7. Ecological features: The wetland is dominated by Acacias and Hyparrhenia grassland ie. it is a wooded
grassland, Balanites and shrubs also are available; soils range from clay to reddish brown and sometimes
sandy. Various species of birds and small animals are also said to be present.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Customary
b. Surrounding area: Customary
9. Conservation measures taken: Nil
10. Conservation measures proposed yet implemented: Nil
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Livestock grazing and sometimes watering, small scale hunting
b. Surrounding area: Livestock grazing and watering, small scale hunting
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Bush burning, small scale hunting
b. Surrounding/catchment: Bush burning, small scale hunting
13. Social and cultural values:
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Matany sub-count, Nakichumet
b. Functional: Matany Sub-county, Nakichumet Parish
15. Any other remarks:
36
22. NAKURWOK
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 674000E, 023000N
2. General location: Just a kilometre from Nabilatuk trading centre in Nabilatuk sub-county. Accessed by
Namalu-Nabilatuk-Moroto road. Nabilatuk Catholic Mission to the east and Arengesiep Senior school to
the south. It is located near Lodamaca village.
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1180ft – 1200ft above sea level
6. Physical features: it is a low lying flat valley gently sloping towards Nakurwok river is seasonal. The
soils comprise of sandy clays and brown stony soils. The general landscape slopes gently towards the west.
7. Ecological features: The dominant vegetation comprise of Acacia woodland and scattered Tamarindus
indica. There are a few Ficus as well towards the river. The grass is short probably because the area has
been heavily cultivated. Birds and small reptiles are available e.g. doves, cattle egrets, lizards, wild rats and
hares.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Customary
b. Surrounding area: Customary
9. Conservation measures taken: Nil
10. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: Nil
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Agriculture, grazing
b. Surrounding area:
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Agriculture, over grazing, cutting wood for poles and firewood, settlement
b. Surrounding/catchment: Agriculture, over grazing, cutting wood for poles and firewood
13. Social and cultural values: Agriculture, grazing, watering livestock
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Nabilatuk sub-county
b. Functional: Nabilatuk sub-county
15. Any other remarks:
37
23. NAPENANYA
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 674200E, 209200N
2. General location: Located in Namalu sub-county and Napenanya Parish. Its about 2 km away from
Namalu Trading Centre Northwards and can be accessed by Mbale – Moroto via Namalu road
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1120ft – 1110ft above sea level
6. Physical features: It is a flat valley gently sloping towards the west. To the east is Mt. Kadam, River
Napenanya originates from Kakomongole sub-county from the mountain and is also fed by river Chekwii
in Tokora.
7. Ecological features: The dominant grass species include Hyparrhenia, star grass and shrub trees are
scattered of Acacia. The soils are sandy silting clays and much of the wetland has been converted into
farmland.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Customary
b. Surrounding area: Customary
9. Conservation measures taken: Nil
10. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented:
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Farmlands, grazing
b. Surrounding area: Farmlands, grazing
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Deforestation due to agriculture, wood cutting, human settlement, fires
b. Surrounding/catchment: Deforestation due to agriculture, wood cutting, human settlement and bush
fires
13. Social and cultural values: Agricultural lands, grazing livestock, wood collection
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Namalu sub-county
b. Functional: Namalu sub-county
15. Any other remarks:
38
24. NAPENANYA-NAKIRYONGET
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 685300E – 203000N
2. General location: It is in Kakomongole Sub-county. It is just after Tokora Trading Centre. It is
accessed by Mbale – Namalu Nakapiripit road
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1460ft – 1500ft above sea level
6. Physical features: It is a steep sided along the river flowing westwards draining into Napienenya main.
7. Ecological features : It has congregations/ concentrations of large/big trees along the river beds
including Terminalia, Kigelia africana, B. paradoxum and Ficus It is quite dominated by baboons,
monkeys, wild pigs, rabbits, and dik diks. Birds found there include: Horn bills, doves etc.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Customary
b. Surrounding area: Customary
9. Conservation measures taken: Nil
10. Conservation measures proposed yet implemented: Nil
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Agricultural practices
b. Surrounding area: Human settlement
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Agricultural practices
b. Surrounding/catchment: Agricultural practices, deforestation, settlement
13. Social and cultural values: Agricultural practices, settlement
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Kakomongole sub-county
b. Functional: Kakomongole Sub-county
15. Any other remarks:
39
25. NASIGIRYA
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 654206E, 265184N
2. General location: In the Sub-county of Natany near Kokaris corner going to St. Kizito Hospital
(Motary). It is accessed by Moroto to Iruri – Soroti Road.
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1200ft – 1180ft above sea level
6. Physical features: Flooded plain with Atere river flowing to the west during wet season. The landscape
is generally flat sloping gently towards the west.
7. Ecological features: Wooded grassland dominated by Zyziphus, Balanites, Acacia, Lemna with
Hyparrhenia grasses, also dominating. Soils are clayish. Animals include monitor, lizards, dik diks. Birds:
Ostriches, Lunging, doves, guinea fowls.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Wildlife Reserve
b. Surrounding area: Wildlife Reserve
9. Conservation measures taken: Wildlife Reserve
10. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: NIL
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Wildlife reserve, grazing, agriculture, human settlement
b. Surrounding area: Wildlife reserve, grazing, agriculture, human settlement
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Bush burning, grazing, human settlement
b. Surrounding/catchment: Bush burning, grazing, human settlement
13. Social and cultural values: Grazing, hunting/poaching
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Matany Sub-count
b. Functional: Wildlife Reserve
15. Any other remarks:
40
26. OKERIONOT
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 645150E –254000N
2. General location: It is in Matany Sub-county in Nakichumet Parish
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1180ft – 1160ft above sea level
6. Physical features: Flat flood plain gently sloping towards the west also with culverts on the road
7. Ecological features: It is wooded grassland dominated by Hyparrhenia grass usually collected /cut and
stored for thatching houses. The wetland is very much productive in thatching grass. Tree species found
here include Lemna and Acacia. It harbours quite a number of birds including ostriches, antelopes, wild
pigs, porcupines and wild rats.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Matany Sub-county
b. Surrounding area: Matany Sub-county
9. Conservation measures taken: Nil
10. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: Nil
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Grazing livestock, collection of grass for thatching houses
b. Surrounding area: Grazing livestock, collection of grasses
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in land use and major development projects:
a. Site: Bush burning, overgrazing
b. Surrounding/catchment: Bush burning, over grazing
13. Social and cultural values: Grazing, collecting grass
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Matany Sub-county
b. Functional: Matany Sub-county
15. Any other remarks:
41
27. OKOK-NAKODIOKODIOI
1. Geographical co-ordinates: At point 3 its co-ordinates are 595009E – 0260000N. At point 5 its coordinates are 615005E – 0273000N
2. General location: It is in Lokopo Sub-county. It flows towards the west ending up in Lake Bisina in
Soroti District. It is fed by Lopogot and Kolinyang tributaries flowing towards west. It is accessed by
Lopei via Lokopo – ApeitOlim – Kapelebyong road.
3. Area: 4. Wetland type(s): Seasonal
5. Altitude: It ranges from 1120ft – 1100 ft above sea level
6. Physical features: Flat plain gently sloping towards the west and fed by Kolinyang and Lopogot
tributaries flowing towards west
7. Ecological features : The soils are sandy clay loam (mainly black). It is mainly a savannah, wooded
grassland with Combretum. Zyziphus and Terminalia being dominant with Hyparrhenia grassed being
dominant. Birds found there include Ostriches, Doves, weaver birds, water bucks, dik diks, hares and
warthogs.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Customary
b. Surrounding area: Customary
9. Conservation measures taken: Wildlife reserve (under UWA)
10. Conservation measures proposed yet implemented: Nil
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Grazing, wildlife reserve
b. Surrounding area: Livestock grazing
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Bush fires, overgrazing
b. Surrounding/catchment: Bush fires, over grazing
13. Social and cultural values: Grazing, hunting
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Lokopo Sub-county LC III
b. Functional: Under Uganda Wildlife Authority
15. Any other remarks:
42
28. OKUDUD-KANAPA
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 674100E, 184000N
2. General location: It is in Namalu Subcounty. It is accessed by Mbale Namalu road. It is just next to
Moru Ajore Wildlife Barracks on the southern end.
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1140ft – 1120ft above sea level
6. Physical features: It is flat plain gently sloping towards west. It has no river
7. Ecological features: It is purely grassland with no river with isolated Balanites. Its soils are clay
(dark/black). Animals present include: antelopes, dik diks, wild pigs, wild rats. Birds include: Ostriches,
doves.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Wildlife reserve (UWA)
b. Surrounding area: Wildlife reserve (OWA)
9. Conservation measures taken: Wildlife reserve
10. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: Moru Ajore National Park
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Wildlife Reserve
b. Surrounding area: Wildlife reserve
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Bush burning, poaching
b. Surrounding/catchment: Bush burning, poaching
13. Social and cultural values: Hunting
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Namalu sub-county LC III
b. Functional: UWA
15. Any other remarks:
43
29. OKUDUD-KANAPA
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 675220E – 185400 N
2. General location: It is in Namalu sub-county. It is accessed by Mbale – Namalu road.
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1140ft – 1120ft above sea level
6. Physical features: It is a plain gently sloping towards the west. To the east is Mt. Kadam from where it
originates. It drains into Kalim. Kananyait is its tributary.
7. Ecological features: It is a grassland dominated by Hyparrhenia grass, with a few isolated trees of
Combretum and occasional shrubs. It is soil clay-dark/black.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Customary
b. Surrounding area: Customary
9. Conservation measures taken: Wildlife reserve
10. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: Moru Ajore National Park
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Wildlife reserve
b. Surrounding area: Wildlife reserve
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Nil
b. Surrounding/catchment: Nil
13. Social and cultural values: Nil
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Namalu subcounty LC III
b. Functional: UWA
15. Any other remarks:
44
30. TOROUNAI
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 675300E, 0215250N
2. General location: It is in Lolachat sub-county III. It is accessed by Mbale to Moroto via Namalu road.
It is south of Lolachat Training College (T/C)
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1140ft – 1120ft above sea level
6. Physical features: It is a long side the river bed which flows towards west during rain season. It is a
plain gently sloping towards west.
7. Ecological features: The main vegetation types include Acacia and Ficus along the river beds. Its soil
are sandy clay (reddish brown). The main bird species include cattle egrets and doves.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Customary
b. Surrounding area: Customary
9. Conservation measures taken: Nil
10. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: Nil
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Agriculture, livestock, sand excavation
b. Surrounding area: Agriculture, livestock grazing
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Agricultural practices, burning of vegetation during dry season, over grazing
b. Surrounding/catchment: Agricultural practices, burning of vegetation during dry season, over grazing
13. Social and cultural values: Grazing, agriculture, sand excavation
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Lolachat sub-county III
b. Functional: Lolachat sub-county III
15. Any other remarks:
45
31. TOROUNE
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 674500E, 221000N
2. General location: It is in Lolachat sub-county. It is accessed by Namalu-Nabilatuk road
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1160ft – 1140ft above sea level
6. Physical features: It is a flood plain of river Toroune that flows towards River Lokilimukath that drains
into Lake Opeta in Kumi District. It has sandy clays soils which are reddish brown.
7. Ecological features: It has a densely wooded vegetation dominated by Hyparrhenia grasses and
Terminalia, Balanites, Combretum and Acacia animals encountered here include antelopes, dik diks, wild
rats and guinea fowl, quails and doves.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Customary
b. Surrounding area: Customary
9. Conservation measures taken: NIL
10. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented:
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Grazing
b. Surrounding area:
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site:
b. Surrounding/catchment:
13. Social and cultural values: Grazing livestock
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Lolachat sub-county
b. Functional: Lolachat sub-county
15. Any other remarks:
46
32. WALIWALI
1. Geographical co-ordinates: 1043000E – 274950N
2. General location: Located in Lokopo Sub-county. It just lies in Matheniko – Bokori Wildlife Reserve
3. Area:
4. Wetland types: Seasonal
5. Altitude: 1160ft – 1140ft above sea level
6. Physical features: It is a flood plain with river Waliwali that flows to the west during rainy season. The
landscape is generally flat, gently sloping towards the west.
7. Ecological features: A wooded grassland dominated by Acacia, Zizyphus and Balanites, star and
Hyparrhenia grasses dominate. Soils are clayish, animals like dik diks, warthogs, monitor, lizards, frogs,
and toads are often observed. Birds include: ―logilio‖, ―arothe‖, weaverbirds and guinea fowls.
8. Land tenure/ownership:
a. Site: Gazetted as Wildlife Reserve
b. Surrounding area: Gazetted as Wildlife Reserve
9. Conservation measures taken: Wildlife Reserve
10. Conservation measures proposed yet implemented: Nil
11. Current land use:
a. Site: Wildlife reserve, grazing
b. Surrounding area: Wildlife reserve, grazing
12. Disturbances/threats including changes in landuse and major development projects:
a. Site: Bush burning, over grazing of livestock
b. Surrounding/catchment: Bush burning, overgrazing
13. Social and cultural values: Grazing, hunting
14. Jurisdiction:
a. Territorial: Lokopo Sub-county
b. Functional: Uganda Wildlife Authority
15. Any other remarks:
47
5. APPENDIX III: OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND SETTING PRIORITIES FOR THE
SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF UGANDA WETLANDS
Background
Why manage wetlands?
All wetlands are important — they all play significant roles in water resources, supply of goods, climatic
moderation and other benefits. All contain significant habitats, fauna and flora; all are under threat (1) of
degradation. Consequently, all are in need of sustainable management through wise use to ensure the
long-term provision of wetland benefits. The rationale for assessing the importance of wetlands is
illustrated in Table 2.
However, some are more important than others locally, nationally or internationally because their loss, or
significant modification, would result in totally 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 possible.
Vitally important wetlands need ―special protection‖ and it is these wetlands (or wetland sections) which
need to be identified and prioritized for gazettment and actively managed. Some are suffering ongoing
degradation and/or conversion and are regarded as critical. These vital/critical wetlands require legal
protection as soon as possible; for this 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 prioritize
Prioritization is necessary because the need for management is greater than the resources available for
management. Human and financial resources are in short supply. It is, therefore, necessary to focus
attention on those wetlands that are currently under strong 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 wetland.
Criteria to assist setting priorities
The purpose of criteria is to:1. Assist decision makers to focus their management efforts on the more important wetlands 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 defined as ―the likelihood that a wetland site, or portion thereof, will be destroyed or
degraded, directly or indirectly, through human actions.
48
Underlying principles
 Wetland hydrology is the single most important component of
wetland ecosystems and all sustainable management interventions
must provide for the long-term maintenance of water flows.
 Wetlands need management on a catchment basis; they form and
cross many administrative boundaries.
 Equitable distribution of wetland benefits to all citizens.
 To maintain the optimum variety of uses and users.
 When in doubt about a management option — apply the
precautionary principle.
Options
Although we consider all wetlands to be important 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-economically valuable in a modified state while others
more useful or valuable in their natural state; in either case all are in
need of sustainable management.
The management continuum
The options 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 pristine natural state. At the 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 scales of
wetland management are shown in Table 3.
The scale or category of management to be applied to a particular
wetland or wetland section will be decided by using the ‗5V‘ system
as summarized in Table 4. The five management scales and the ‗5
Values‘ criteria generally conform and complement each other.
Table 2.
ASSESSING THE IMPORTANCE
OF A WETLAND
Why do we need to assess the importance of
wetlands?

Because wetlands provide considerable
benefits to people
and
Because wetlands are being degraded and we
risk losing these benefits

How can we protect the wetlands and their
benefits?

By managing them through sustainable use

Can we manage all the wetlands in Uganda?

No - we cannot manage them all because of
limited resources
 human resources
 financial resources
 they are too widespread and often inaccessible

Therefore, we need to prioritise wetlands
according to their importance - ecological
socially and economically
to do this,

Criteria are needed to help decide which
wetlands are the most important or valuable
and to rank them for management.

Criteria are based on the values and
benefits derived from wetlands
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 and 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 the
hydrology, soils and topography, in conjunction with biodiversity issues.
At the international level, the Ramsar Convention has developed specific criteria on Wetlands of
International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat; these are summarized in Table 6.
Setting priorities
The ―5 V‖ (for Values) system has been developed to assist wetland managers prioritise or rank wetlands
under their jurisdiction using specific criteria. 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 benefits it provides locally and on a wider scale, and (b) an assessment of whether
the wetland is under on-going degradation or is only potentially threatened in the future.
It is also recognized that some wetlands may be beyond threat mainly because of their size and /or their
connection to permanent lake systems. Others are beyond threat because they are already so highly
modified that they are not economically recoverable or, are more valuable in their modified state than in
their natural state. Such may apply to some wetlands converted in the past to dairy farming or to urban
functions.
49
Table 3. THE WETLAND MANAGEMENT CONTINUUM
DRAW — 5V Priority Class
I – Vital critical
II – Vital not critical
III – Valuable critical
IV – Valuable not critical
V
–
Victim
Vanquished
1
Management option
Total Protection
Conservation HIGH
Conservation LOW
Conversion LOW
Conversion HIGH
2
Description
------------------------------------- Activity types
Total protection
of the ecosystem;
access and use
very restricted.
Total protection of the
ecosystem;
some
sustainable uses and
access allowed.
Reduced protection of
the
system;
wider
sustainable
use
and
access
allowed;
hydrology not modified.
Limited
ecosystem Total modification of
modification
allowed; the natural environment
hydrology
may
be allowed,
including
managed; no drainage or hydrology.
infilling.
Tourism, research
Biodiversity
protection:
Ramsar sites
Renewable
resource
harvesting
 Water
(domestic
&
livestock)
 Herbaceous plants
 grazing
of
livestock
(traditional)
 Timber
 Fishing (traditional)
 Hunting
/
if converted to pasture
Non-renewable
resource
harvesting
 Sand and clay
Enhancement of existing
species
 Tree planting
 Increasing existing fish
stocks
Introduction of new species
 Wetland
tolerant crops (1)
(2)
 Trees(3)
 Fish
50
 wetland rice
Ecosystem modification
 Small scale crop irrigation
 Fish pond development
 Liquid waste disposal
 Solid waste disposal
 Finger ponds
 Drainage - limited
 Drainage - total, land
making
Infra-structure
developments
 Urban
residential,
industrial
 Rural large scale irrigation
schemes
 Rural conversions to dairy
farms
 permanent dwellings
See separate criteria for selecting wetlands for listing as Ramsar site___
1) Yams, sugar cane, vegetables etc.
2) Excluding very water demanding species
3) Excluding mirror carp
51
Table 4. THE 5V‘s PRIORITY CLASSES and DEFINITIONS
.3
.4
.6
.8
.9
.10
C L A S S I - V I T A L W E T L A N D S ( C r i t i c al )

1.5

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:








Wetlands that provide and help purify urban drinking water supplies,
Those treating wastewater,
Provide major flood protection and flow regulation / seasonal redistribution of water,
Provide dry season water supply for livestock / wildlife in arid zones; oasis wetlands,
Wetlands which harbor rare, endangered or endemic species,
Wetlands with an especially high biodiversity value,
Wetlands that are unique or ‗type‘ wetlands for the district,
Wetlands of international importance,
Ramsar and other protected area wetlands.
CLASS II – VITAL WETLANDS (Non-critical)

1.7
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.
C L A S S I I I – V A L U A B L E W E T L A N D S ( C r i t i c al )

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, which jeopardises 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 these
are so locally abundant that degradation or over-harvesting is unlikely in the foreseeable future;
They harbour no endangered, endemic or rare species, nor unique habitats; they represent the majority of the nations wetlands



VICTOR wetlands are generally too big to be seriously threatened by wholesale drainage or permanent degradation by existing
technology; this threat may however grow in future; these are!
VICTIM wetlands are dispensable wetlands that could be ‗sacrificed‘ or traded for other socio-economic development uses e.g.
agriculture or urban development;
VANQUISHED wetlands are those that are either (1) 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.
52
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.
53
Table 5. CRITERIA
The purpose of the Criteria is ―to assist decision makers to focus their conservation efforts on
the more important wetlands in the nation‖ (Identification of Conservation Areas in Uganda).
Criteria are used to (1) assess the existing status of a wetland in terms of use and abuse,
(2) to assess the uses to which particular wetlands, wetland sections of wetland types can be
put.
Basic Criterion
ECOLOGY
Point of Impact
Biodiversity
species diversity
genetic resources
Conservation
wildlife
endangered species
rare species
Tourism
Recreation
Comment
Sites can be selected using the
Wetland Biodiversity Report
Lake George
Lake Nabugabo
The Opeta-Bisina complex
Lutembe
Water supply
These criteria would apply to all
permanent wetland systems and
many seasonal ones also.
 domestic
 livestock
 irrigation
WATER RESOURCES
Wastewater treatment
Water quality protection
Flood control
Flow regulation
Each District to have ‗type‘ Define the typology. Is protecting
a type sufficient justification?
wetlands protected
DISTRICT
‘TYPE’ WETLANDS
 District type (Reserve)
 National type
(National
Park)
 International type (Ramsar)
Food
Applies to nearly all wetlands
 human
 livestock
SUPPLY OF GOODS
Materials
 medicine
 construction materials
 craft materials
―THREAT” STATUS
based on:a.
b.
urgency of action required
importance of the factor in
jeopardy
Critical
 ongoing conversion
 endangered species
 unique wetland type
‗Critical‘ emphasises a time
element; we need to consider the
‗value‘ of the wetland plus the
immanence of degradation /
conversion etc.
54
Moderate
Negligible
 too big to convert
 well protected by existing
law
Rights to be protected from
PROTECTION
OF
upstream
and
downstream
DOWNSTREAM USERS
use/abuse impacts
Note: the designation of a wetland on these criteria may only apply to a specific section of a wetland
and one wetland system may have different sections under different categories of protection
55
Table 6 RAMSAR: Criteria for Identifying Wetlands of International Importance
A wetland is identified as being of international importance if it meets at least one of the
criteria set out below:
1 . Criteria for representative or unique wetlands
A wetland should be considered internationally important if:
(a) it is a particularly good representative example of a natural or near-natural wetland,
characteristic of the appropriate biogeographical region;
or
(b)
it is a particularly good representative example of a natural or near-natural
wetland, common to more than one biogeographical region;
or
(c)
it is a particularly good representative example of a wetland, which plays a substantial hydrological, biological or ecological role in the natural functioning of
an major river basin or coastal system) especially where it is located in a transborder position;
or
2.
(d)
it is an example of a specific type of wetland, rare or unusual in the appropriate
biogeographical region.
General criteria based on plants or animals
A wetland should be considered internationally important if:
(a)
it supports an appreciable assemblage of rare, vulnerable or endangered species or
subspecies of plant or animal, or an appreciable number of individuals of any one or more of
these species;
or
(b) it is of special value for maintaining the genetic and ecological diversity of a
region because of the quality and peculiarities of its flora and fauna;
or
or
3.
(c) it is of special value as the habitat of plants or animals at a critical stage of their
biological cycle;
(d) it is of special value for one or more endemic plant or animal species or
communities.
Specific criteria based on waterfowl
A wetland should be considered internationally important if:
(a) it regularly supports 20,000 waterfowl;
or
(b) it regularly supports substantial numbers of individuals from particular groups
of waterfowl, indicative of wetland values, productivity or diversity;
or
4.
(c) where data on populations are available, it regularly supports 1% of the individuals
in a population of one species or subspecies of waterfowl.
Specific criteria based on fish
A wetland should be considered internationally important if:
(a)
it supports a significant proportion of indigenous fish subspecies, species or families,
life-history stages, species interactions and/or populations that are representative of wetland
benefits and/or values and thereby contributes to global biological diversity;
or
(b) it is an important source of food for fishes, spawning ground, nursery and/or
migration path on which fish stocks, either within the wetland or elsewhere, depend.
56
6. APPENDIX IV: WETLAND INVENTORY DATA SHEETS
(Wetland Section Observation sheet)
1. GENERAL
d
Compilers names
Date
District
District code
d
m m y
2. WETLAND IDENTIFICATION (obtain data from maps and locally)
Name of wetland
Name of system
Local name
Local name of system
Wetland code
3. OBSERVATION SITE IDENTIFICATION
Map name
Map no
Observation site code
Geographical UTM coordinates of observation site
Eastings
Northings
Village name at observation site
4. WETLAND TYPE AT OBSERVATION SITE
(Do not leave boxes blank: d=dominant c=common o=occasional n=none)
Swamp forest
Shrubland
Natural grassland
Bushland/palms
Converted to farmland
Papyrus
Open water
Reeds/sedges
Woodland
5. ECOLOGICAL FEATURES AT OBSERVATION SITE
Vegetation (give local names when scientific name is not known)
Community
Floating
Y/N/?
Significant species
Submerged
Emergent
Shrubs/thickets/palms
Trees
Mixed community
Original vegetation (only when modified)
Mammals, reptiles, amphibia (do not leave space blank. ? when no or conflicting information)
Fish (do not leave space blank. ? when no or conflicting information)
57
y
Birds (do not leave space blank. ? when no or conflicting information)
Other ecological features
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, l=low, n=none, ?=no info,
(3): impact on the wetland system: h=high, m=moderate, l=low, n=none, ?=no info
Activity
Goods/uses
(1)
Ge
nd
er
(
2
)
L
e
v
e
l
(3)
I
m
pa
ct
Describe/comment
and
state whether activity is
commercial
Food
Harvesting of
natural
herbaceous
vegetation
(papyrus, sedges
etc)
Fuel (e.g. peat, papyrus)
Building material
Craft material
Mulch material
Medicines
Salt
Clay
Excavation
minerals
of
Sand
Gravel
Gold, gemstones, minerals
Food
Fibre/other
Cultivation
Rural domestic water
Urban domestic water
Water
collection/use
Water for livestock
Industrial water
Irrigation water
Food
Harvesting
natural trees
of
Fuel/firewood
Building poles or timber
Craft material
58
Medicines
Building / fencing materials
Plantation
cultivation/
harvesting
Food
tree
Fuel/firewood
Craft material
Medicinal
Fisheries
Food / skins
Livestock grazing
Beekeeping
Housing
Industrial development
Human settlement
Meat
Skins
Hunting
Craft material
Tourism
Other
7. ABUSE OF WETLAND AT THE OBSERVATION SITE
Level of use: h=high, m=moderate, l=low, n=none, ?=no info, (2): impact on the wetland system:
h=high, m=moderate, l=low, n=none, ?=no info
Activity
(1)
Gend
er
(2)
Lev
el
(3)
Impa
ct
Describe/comment (also state whether
activity is commercial)
Artificial drainage
Dam construction/water diversion
Virgin land clearing ongoing
Burning of vegetation
Propagation
species
of
exotic
plant/animal
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
m=moderate, l=low, n=none, ?=no info,
impact on the wetland system: h=high, m=moderate, l=low, n=none, ?=no info
of
use:
h=high,
59
Activity
(2) Level
(3) Impact
Describe/comment (also state whether activity is
(1)
commercial)
Gender
Dry land agriculture
Irrigated agriculture
Livestock grazing
Dam construction/water diversion
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
9.LAND OWNERSHIP AS PERCEIVED BY LOCAL COMMUNITIES AT OBSERVATION
SITE
In the wetland (do not leave boxes blank: when present, when not present, ? when no or conflicting
information)
Lease
Freehold
Communal
Public
Mailo
Gazetted
In the surrounding areas (do not leave boxes blank: when present, when not present, ? when no or
conflicting information)
Lease
Freehold
Customary
Public
Mailo
Gazetted
10.CONSERVATION MEASURES TAKEN AROUND THE OBSERVATION SITE:
In the wetland area
In the surrounding area
11. CONSERVATION MEASURES PROPOSED
60
In the wetland area
In the surrounding area
12.OTHER REMARKS
61
7. APPENDIX WETLAND MONITORING DATA SHEET
d
1. GENERAL
Compilers
names
Date
District
District code
d
m m
y
y
2. WETLAND IDENTIFICATION (obtain data from maps)
Name
wetland
of
Name of system
Local name
Local name of system
Wetland code
3. MONITORING SITE IDENTIFICATION
Map name
Observation
site code
Map no
Geographical UTM coordinates of observation site
Eastings
Northings
Village name at observation site
4. WETLAND TYPE AT MONITORING SITE
(Do not leave boxes blank: when present, when not present, ? when don‘t know)
Swamp forest
Shrubland
Natural grassland
Bushland/palms
Converted to farmland
Reeds/
sedges
Papyrus
Open water
Woodland
5. SOILS AT MONITORING SITE (texture and colour)
(Do not leave boxes blank: when present, when not present, ? when don‘t know)
Sandy
Silty
Reddish-brown
Clayey
Peaty
Greyish/blue
Dark/black
Mottled
6. WATER QUALITY AT MONITORING SITE
pH
Color
Conductivity
Smell
Temperature
°C
Stationary/flowin
g S/F
Transpar
ency
cm
Oil sheen
Y/N
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
62
Trees
Mixed community
Original vegetation (only when modified)
Other ecological features at the monitoring site
8. LAND OWNERSHIP AT MONITORING SITE
In the wetland (do not leave boxes blank: when present, when not present, ? when no or conflicting information)
Free
Customar
Lease
Public
Mailo
Gazetted
hold
y
Land dispute at monitoring site
9. CONSERVATION MEASURES AT THE MONITORING SITE
10. DISTURBANCES/THREATS OBSERVED AT MONITORING SITE
Impact: current impact on wetland system: h=high, m=moderate, l=low, n=none, ?=don’t know)
Activity
Impact
Describe/comment
Artificial drainage
Dam
construction/water
diversion
Land clearing
Excavation or filling
Deforestation/de-vegetation
Burning of vegetation
Human settlement
Urban or industrial pollution
Other
Other
Other
Other
63
11. OTHER REMARKS
64
8. APPENDIX VI: LEGISLATION AFFECTING WETLANDS OWNERSHIP,
USE & ACCESS
Box 2: The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (1995)
1.1
1.2
National objective and directive principle of State policy
XI: Protection of natural resources.
The State shall protect important natural resources, including land, water, wetlands,
minerals, oil, fauna and flora on behalf of the people of Uganda.
XXI: Clean and safe water.
The State shall take all practical measures to provide a good water management system
at all levels.
XXVII: The environment.
i.
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 such a way
as to meet the development and environmental needs of present and future
generations of Ugandans; and in particular, the State shall take all possible
measures to prevent or minimise damage and destruction to land, air and water
resources resulting from pollution or other causes.
iii. The State shall promote and implement energy policies that will ensure that
people‘s basic needs and those of environmental preservation are met.
iv. The State, including local governments, 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.
65
The Constitution: Chapter 15: Land and Environment
1.3
237.
Land
(1) Land in Uganda belongs to the citizens of Uganda and shall vest in them in
accordance with the land tenure systems provided for in this Constitution.
(2) Notwithstanding clause (1) of this article —
a) The Government or a local government may, subject to article 26 of this Constitution,
acquire land in the public interest; and the conditions governing such acquisition shall
be prescribed by Parliament;
b) The Government or a local government as determined by Parliament by law, shall
hold in trust for the people and protect, natural lakes, rivers, wetlands, forest reserves,
game reserves, national parks and any land to be reserved for ecological and touristic
purposes for the common good of all citizens;
c) Non-citizens may acquire leases in land in accordance with the laws prescribed by
Parliament and the laws so prescribed shall define a non-citizen for the purposes of
this paragraph.
(3) Land in Uganda shall be owned in accordance with the following land tenure systems —
a) Customary;
b) Freehold;
c) Mailo; and
d) Leasehold.
(4) On the coming into force of this Constitution —
a) All Uganda citizens owning land under customary tenure may acquire certificates of
ownership in a manner prescribed by Parliament; and
b) Land under customary tenure may be converted to freehold land ownership by
registration.
(5) Any lease which was granted to a Uganda citizen out of public land may be converted to
freehold in accordance with a law which shall be made by Parliament.
(6) For the purposes of clause (5) of this article, ―public land‖ includes statutory leases to
urban authorities.
(7) Parliament shall make laws to enable urban authorities to enforce and implement planning
and development.
(8) Upon the coming into force of this Constitution and until Parliament enacts an appropriate
law under clause (9) of the article, the lawful or bonafide occupants of mailo land, freehold or
leasehold shall enjoy security of occupancy on the land.
245.
(9) Within two years after the first sitting of Parliament elected under this Constitution,
Parliament shall enact a law —
regulating the relationship 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 acquisition of registerable interest in the land by the occupant
Environment
Parliament shall, by law, provide for measures intended —
a) To protect and preserve the environment from abuse, pollution and degradation;
b) To manage the environment for sustainable development; and
c) To promote environmental awareness.
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Box 3: The National Environment Statute (1995)
Wetlands in Uganda are now protected in law under clauses 37 and 38 of the National Environment
Statute, 1995. The Statute states that; "Without written approval from The National Environment
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 demolish any structure that is fixed in, on,
under or over any wetland;
iii)
Disturb 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 addition, the Authority shall, with the assistance of the Local Environment
Committees, District Environment Committees and lead agency, identify wetlands of local, national
and international importance as ecosystems and habitats of species of fauna and flora and compile a
national register of wetlands. Similarly, the Policy Committee of NEMA may, in consultation with the
lead agency and the District Environment Committee, declare any wetland to be a protected wetland
thereby excluding or limiting human activities.
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Box 4: The National Policy For The Conservation And Management Of Wetland Resources
(1995):
An Overview.
The overall aim of this policy is to promote the conservation of Uganda's wetlands in order to sustain
their ecological and socio-economic functions.
The policy has five goals, namely;
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
To establish principles for optimal use of wetland resources,
To end practices which reduce wetland productivity,
To maintain the biological diversity of wetlands,
To maintain wetland functions and values,
To integrate wetland concerns in planning and decision making.
In pursuit of these goals, three principles are adopted;
i)
ii)
iii)
Wetland resources form an integral part of the environment and their management must be
pursued in the context of an interaction between conservation and development strategies.
Wetland conservation can only be achieved through a co-ordinated, co-operative and
participatory approach.
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 use 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
legislation and institutional arrangements.
By and large, the policy calls for:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
No drainage of wetlands unless more important environmental management requirements
supersede,
Sustainable use to ensure that wetlands benefits are maintained in the foreseeable future;
Equitable access to wetland resources and maintaining an optimum diversity of uses and
users.
Application of EIA procedures before developing any wetland.
The policy defines the roles and responsibilities of district authorities in controlling activities within
wetlands and outlines procedures to be followed.
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Box 5: The Land Act (1998)
1.3.1
Part III – Control of Land Use
Section 43:
Acquisition of land 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
(1) 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 (1) of this section.
(3) Any resource that is not covered under subsection (1) of this 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 review 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 Town and Country Planning Act
and any other law.
PART II – Land Holding
Sections 16 - 28: (these clauses consider various aspects of common land holdings but are too detailed to
summarise here; Section 16 and 25 are the most important)
Section 16: Communal Land Associations
(1) 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 of land,
whether under customary law or otherwise.
Section 25: Management of areas of common land
(1) An area of land 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.
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