EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This publication is the sixth report of the State of Environment for Uganda . These reports are prepared biennially aimed at, among others, creating environmental awareness, informing the public, showing key trends in environmental attributes as social and economic development pressures mount on the environment and natural resources, and acting as a resource material for a diverse range of stakeholders. This State of Environment Report for Uganda 2004/05 is intended to meet the aforementioned goals.

The report uses the driving forces-pressure-state-impact-response format, all reported in an integrated way. That is, the report looks at the drivers of environmental change, the ensuing pressures, the state of the environment, the impacts caused, and the responses adopted if any.

Furthermore, the report informs of emerging issues such as attempts to rank countries according to various indices including: biodiversity, adjusted net savings and water scarcity, the latter from both hydrological and social aspects.

The report is divided into three main parts containing nine chapters. Part I of the report deals with the introduction and country overview. Part II is a description of the state of the environment for Uganda for 2004/05 and includes chapters on: atmospheric, terrestrial, aquatic and cross-sectoral resources representing the biophysical component of the environment, and the socioeconomic and cultural environment. Part III contains chapters devoted to management systems and tools including innovative financing approaches, and conclusions and recommendations.

Country Overview

Uganda is a land-locked country sitting astride the Equator, characterised by a number of major transboundary natural resources (lakes, rivers and mountains). The latter call for greater cooperation with neighbouring countries.

From the 39 districts which were in existence in 1994, there are now 70 confirmed, with others proposed but not implemented as of 2005. While the increase in the number of districts will mean greater devolvement of central government functions including that of environment and natural resources management, the move will increase the cost of administration. The new districts will need to appoint environment and natural resources management officers (lands, forestry, environment and wetlands) as defined in the new structures recommended by the Public Service. The new districts will also be candidates for

the environment action plan process.

The extensive habitat variations as a result of the intersection of phytochoria, the location on the Equator, and the wide range of altitudinal variations, extensive drainage systems and relatively fertile soils give the country a mosaic of vegetation, modified climates and extensive wetlands. When climate is considered with agriculture and altitude, one can identify two highland agricultural zones and seven zones with different agroclimatic potentials and environmental impacts associated with production.

Ugandans are a hospitable people consisting of at least 46 indigenous tribes with varying production and consumption patterns and hence varying influences on the environment. The population is growing rapidly at a national average of 3.4% per annum. This growth rate masks differences among the districts, ranging from over 9% for Kotido District to less than 1% for Kabale. The national population is relatively young. Those below 18 years of age make up 56% of the total population. There is also a high dependency ratio with a significant number of orphans. The mean household size is 4.8 persons - 4.2 persons in urban areas and 4.9 in rural settings.

Governance in Uganda is linked to the progressive devolution - as opposed to

deconcentration - of power from the centre to the local governments through the process of decentralisation.

Since 1994, the economy of Uganda has registered an impressive growth rate. Over the period 1994 to 2005, growth of the economy measured by increases in the gross domestic product has averaged over 5% per annum. Headcount poverty levels decreased from 56% of the total population in 1992 to 35% by 2000 and then rose to 38% by 2004. The northern

region is the most disadvantaged region of Uganda with headcount poverty of about 70% as a result of nearly 20-years of civil war and cattle rustling. Furthermore, while the growth of the economy is impressive, there are worries of inequitable sharing of the benefits. There are indications that the gap between the poor and the rich is now wider. In terms of structure, the share of the non-monetary segment of gross domestic product has continued to decline from

1994 and in the fiscal year 2003/4 it accounted for 20.4% of the total compared to the monetary component at 79.6%, an indication of a modernising economy.

Apart from the worry with the distributive aspects of the growth of the economy,

considerations of sustainability suggest there should be additional concerns. One useful measure of sustainable development is adjusted net savings. Using this measure, Uganda 's economic growth is unsustainable, contributed largely by soil nutrient loss. Put another way, the country's natural capital is being ‘mined' without sufficient compensatory formation of physical and human capital.

Since 1991, growth in industrial output has averaged over 10% per annum. Most of the industrial activity is based on agricultural commodities and natural resources products. The growth in industrial production is accompanied by increased levels of air, water and soil pollution. The pollution effects are being mitigated somewhat using the environmental assessment process and cleaner production procedures.

Since 1991, the burden of transportation has eased somewhat. There are now more cars on Ugandan roads while air transport is becoming easier with more frequent international flights. On the other hand, rail and water transport are insufficiently developed. The road network is improving and the environmental effects of road construction and maintenance are mitigated using the EIA guidelines for the Roads Sub-Sector and several guidelines to address other cross-cutting concerns.

Communications have improved significantly compared to 1994 whether one uses the efficiency of postal services, fixed line and cellphone telephone services, radios or TVs. The most dramatic increase has been in the number of cellphone owners from almost none in 1994 to close to 900 000 by 2004. By 2003, there were over 7 000 internet subscribers from almost none in 1994. While communications will facilitate the transmission of environmental

messages, the growth in cellphone use comes with a significant environmental problem, namely, the indiscriminate disposal of the non-biodegradable plastic air time cards and indiscriminate disposal of scrap phones and their parts.

Finally, employment in Uganda is still largely agriculture-based. However, as other sectors of the economy grow, agriculture's share of total employment is expected to decline.

ATMOSPHERIC RESOURCES

Climate is an important resource. Of concern to Ugandans are issues of climate change and climate variability, both imposing adverse impacts on livelihoods, especially of the rural poor. Global research indicates that biodiversity is particularly sensitive to climate change.

The country is a net sink for greenhouse gases. But atmospheric gases know no national boundaries, hence Uganda is also impacted adversely by increases and fluctuations in the earth's temperature. Increased frequencies of floods and droughts are manifestations of climate change. The erratic onset and cessation of rains as a result of climate variability makes it difficult for farmers to plan when to plant crops. There have been instances of frequent crop failures of late. Hence, to reduce vulnerability to the deleterious effects of climate change and climate variability, adaptation plans including early warning systems need to be put in place.

TERRESTRIAL RESOURCES

Land resources and agriculture

Land is a limiting factor of production. Access to land is increasingly becoming difficult, especially for the poorer segments of society. Land degradation, especially through soil erosion is the single largest contributor to the annual cost of environmental degradation. Loss of soil nutrients is the reason the country's adjusted net savings are negative, in the absence of other compensatory factors.

With respect to agriculture, the country's dominant development pathways are: expansion of cereals production; expansion of banana-coffee production; non-farm development; expansion of horticulture; expansion of cotton; and stable coffee production. Each of these development pathways has implications for the environment which will have to be addressed whichever pathways are followed.

Forestry resources

Except for some recent policy failures, the loss of forest cover in the gazetted areas has been reducing and total cover is stabilising. Unfortunately, forests in protected areas make up only 30% of the national forest cover. The remaining 70% are on private and customary lands

where deforestation rates are high as a result of conversion of forest areas and bushland into agricultural and pastoral land. Furthermore, the country's harvestible timber resources are almost exhausted. Hence, to increase forest cover and ensure increased supply of timber, the Sawlog Production Grant Scheme and other licensing measures including charging economic

rents for timber are in place. Furthermore, to ensure that rural communities living adjacent to forest reserves receive equitable benefits, collaborative forest management is being promoted. In recognition of the scarcity of land and goods and services provided by trees, agroforestry systems are also being promoted as integral aspects of farming practices.

Rangeland resources and livestock production

Rangelands, mostly found in the ‘cattle corridor' occupy 107 000 km 2 or 44% of the

country's land area. In some places, the conditions of the rangelands are deplorable - overgrazed, and through wind and soil erosion, bare. The rangelands are also located in arid and semi-arid areas, themselves fragile ecosystems. In the extreme, pasture and water scarcities are contributing to frequent conflicts between cultivators and pastoralists in the first place, and among pastoralists themselves.

The number of cattle, goats and sheep is on the increase and hence there is need to pay attention to the carrying capacities of Uganda 's rangelands. There is anecdotal evidence that in some locales the carrying capacities of the rangelands are being exceeded. Unfortunately, nobody knows for sure. Quantitative studies of rangeland conditions are sorely lacking and ought to be addressed. Carrying capacities of various rangelands have also not been established.

On the other hand, piggery and poultry are intensive operations. Large-scale piggery and poultry operations can generate significant pollution problems. From 1999 to 2003, the numbers of pigs and birds have reduced somewhat for a variety of reasons.

Wildlife resources

Conservation or resistance to it, are the driving forces influencing Uganda 's wildlife

resources. Wildlife constitutes an important resource base for the country – as a source of food and material, recreation, tourism, nature study and scientific research. Wildlife

resources occur in protected and un-protected areas. By 1994, wildlife populations whether inside or outside protected areas represented a small fraction of what they were in the 1960s, with some species such as both the black and the white rhino becoming extinct. By 2004, the populations of wildlife in protected areas had stabilised, and some even increased, although marginally so. Outside protected areas, the decline in wildlife populations continues almost unabated as a result of increased off-take, the blocking of migratory routes and habitat conversions, among others. The Uganda Wildlife Authority is piloting the conservation of The State of Environment Report for Uganda , 2004/05 wildlife populations outside protected areas through measures such as the operationalisation of the different classes of Wildlife Use Rights provided for in the Wildlife Act. Also, communities adjacent to wildlife protected areas are being encouraged to appreciate the prescence of wildlife through benefit (including revenue) sharing.

Mineral resources

Reading from geological formations, there is a significant mineral potential in the country. However, the exact locations of commercially-exploitable deposits in most cases are unknown. Of the ones that are known, on a base case scenario, the value of mineral

production is expected to rise from the 2003 figure of $12 million to over $100 million/year; while on a best case scenario basis the value is expected to increase to over $200 million/year. However, the realisation of these projections is contingent upon availing sufficient capital to the mining sector.

When increased mineral production is realised, it will bring with it higher levels of pollution which will have to be mitigated, through among others, the use of the EIA Guidelines for the Mining Sector and regular supervision of mining operations.

AQUATIC RESOURCES

Wetlands

Wetlands cover about 13% of the area of Uganda and provide a number of direct and nondirect values to the people of the country. Up to late 1980s, wetlands were generally considered ‘wastelands' to be reclaimed for agriculture in rural areas, and ‘drained' as an anti-malarial measure in urban settings. By 1994, the need for conservation was realised and the process of formulating an appropriate policy of wetlands.

By 2001, wetlands came to be regarded as ‘granaries of water'. From being a project in 1994, wetlands had by 2005 obtained an institutional home within government structure. Wetlands

are now better known and better characterised with detailed information up to the district level. The 56 districts existing by 2004 all had District Wetland Action Plans. Some communities in a few districts have gone ahead and prepared Community Wetlands Action Plans. The management of wetlands is governed by a 10-year Wetlands Sector Strategic Plan which qualified for funding under the Poverty Action Fund. Despite such an impressive achievement, the implementation of the various action plans is constrained by lack of resources.

Furthermore, despite a wide array of achievements, wetlands degradation is still evident –

some for basic survival needs of the poor, others as a saving measure where land purchase prices are high, and yet others are the result of ignorance about ownership and legal boundaries of wetlands. Perhaps the most important reason for continued wetland degradation is weak enforcement of the applicable environmental laws and fairly low levels

of awareness among policy makers and rural communities.

The State of Environment Report for Uganda , 2004/05

Water

Water is life, and Uganda has significant quantities of the resource. From both hydrological and social water scarcity considerations, at the moment Uganda is not water stressed.

However, by 2025, indications are that there will be reason to worry as a result of increasing demands for human, livestock, wildlife, irrigation and industrial water. Uganda is ranked in a group of countries that must plan and secure more than twice the amount of water they used as of 1998 inorder to meet reasonable future requirements.

The quality of the water from available sources is another area of concern principally as a result of pollution – residential, industrial and agricultural land discharges into the open waterbodies. To some extent the buffering capacity of wetlands is making a contribution towards reductions in pollution, but this will continue only if the integrity of the wetlands can be sustained.

Fisheries

The fisheries resource of Uganda has been an important source of high quality solid animal protein. On average Ugandans were consuming about 13kg/person/year by 1994. As of 2005,

this consumption was estimated to have declined to about 10kg/person/year, mainly as a result of increasing scarcity and cost. Exports of fish and fish products are also on the

increase. The twin effect of increases in domestic consumption as a result of population

growth and higher levels of export demand has pushed capture fisheries close to its long-run sustainable supply and is threatening to exceed it. There is evidence of localised over-fishing in certain waterbodies. Two lakes (Victoria and Kyoga) and two species (Nile Perch and

Tilapia) account for over 80% of annual harvest, implying a high level of selectivity. On the other hand, the Nile Perch, a carnivore, is having a devastating effect on the fish biodiversity of lakes Victoria and Kyoga.

A new fisheries policy is in place and seeks to address among others enhanced aquaculture development by adding 100 000 tonnes per year to the one of capture fisheries of about 330000 tonnes so as to raise the combined long-run sustainable supply to 430 000 tonnes at least. The development of aquaculture at this magnitude will call for a combination of commercial and artisanal productions. Both modes of production have the potential to generate significant adverse environmental impacts which need to be mitigated. Due to the uniqueness of acquaculture, specific environmental impact assessment guidelines may have to be developed for this activity.

CROSS-SECTORAL RESOURCES

Energy

The dominant source of energy in Uganda is biomass and this is expected to remain so in the foreseeable future inspite of plans to increase hydropower energy production. However, the share of clean energy in total consumption is gradually increasing, in part as a result of programmes like the Energy for Rural Transformation. Production of energy has also been The State of Environment Report for Uganda , 2004/05 liberalised, attracting an increasing interest among private investors. The adverse environmental effects of clean energy production are mitigated through the EIA Guidelines

for Uganda 1997 and the EIA Guidelines for the Energy Sector .

Biomass energy will continue to be an important source of energy, especially for the rural poor, who constitute the majority of Ugandans. In some districts, the scarcity of biomass is already beginning to have impacts on the quality of food prepared. Households are opting for easy to cook but often less nutritious foods. There is need to encourage agroforestry practices so that households can raise their own biomass energy requirements in conjunction with farming practices.

There are some efforts to diversify clean energy sources through the promotion of new

renewable energy such as solar and biogas. Unfortunately, the investments required are still at levels which the rural poor cannot afford. Geothermal energy on the other hand, has potential for increased electricity production. There are at least two promising sites awaiting development.

Biodiversity

Uganda is endowed with a very rich and varied biodiversity due to its biogeographical

setting, varied altitudinal range and extensive drainage systems. This biodiversity is a

national asset supporting rural livelihoods and contributing to commercial economic

activities. The contribution of Uganda 's biodiversity resources, organisms or parts thereof, populations or other biotic component of ecosystems with actual or potential value for humanity has been estimated at $1000 million per year, balanced against economic costs of $ 202 million plus losses to other economic activities of about $49 million per year.

While Uganda continues to lose some of its rich biodiversity, the rate of loss has been reduced somewhat. Reflected in terms of Living Uganda Index, the country out-performs

planet Earth as a whole when the Living Planet Index is considered. The loss of biodiversity in protected areas has to a great extent been stopped and the trend reversed between 1990 and 2005. Outside protected areas biodiversity loss was still continuing as of 2005. The loss of biodiversity is largely the result of habitat conversion and introduction of alien species.

Tourism

The rich biodiversity is one of the reasons tourists come to Uganda . The projections of tourist arrivals from a base of 68 000 in 1993 was about 140 000 by 2002. In retrospect this projection turned out to be conservative because by 2002, actual tourist arrivals reached an impressive number of 254 000; and by 2004, this number had increased to over 500 000

tourists who generated gross foreign exchange earnings of $316 million. Still more tourist revenues are needed if protected areas are to move towards higher levels of financial selfsufficiency instead of depending on government subventions and development-partner assistance.

The State of Environment Report for Uganda , 2004/05

Increased levels of tourist arrivals have several implications for the environment. First, there are potential adverse impacts as a result of the interaction of different cultures. Second, continued growth in tourist numbers may move towards and gradually beyond the carrying capacity of tourist attractions. Third, the development of infrastructure such as roads and lodges also come with potential adverse impacts which have to be mitigated.

While the growth in tourist numbers and earnings in the aggregate is welcome, it also raises equity issues. For example, rural communities are currently receiving minimal benefits from tourism; and their participation in tourism ventures is limited.

THE SOCIOECONOMIC AND CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT

Human settlements, housing and urbanisation

In general, and particularly in rural areas, settlement patterns are wasteful of land and

increase the cost of providing services to the areas. The settlements are also largely

unplanned; and where plans exist, they are often not adhered to. The quality of housing Ugandans live in has improved over the years. When compared to the

situation in 1991 where over 85% of the houses in both urban and rural areas had rammed earth for floor, by 2002 only 29% urban and 77% rural houses had the same. The use of mud and pole for walls has also declined relieving the pressure somewhat on natural forests and woodland areas, but this change may also mean more clay mining for bricks and stone quarrying both of which have adverse impacts on the environment unless mitigated.

Although Uganda is one of the least urbanised countries in the world in absolute terms, the urban population is growing. Beginning from about 635 000 in 1969, the urban population increased to 938 000 in 1980, 1 890 000 in 1991 and 2 922 000 in 2002. The urban population is also growing faster (3.7%) than the national average (3.4%). The growth in the urban population means that pollution issues such as solid waste management, and the provision of adequate safe water and acceptable levels of sanitation coverage will have to be addressed.

Safe water and sanitation

Access to safe water and sanitation in both urban and rural areas has increased compared to the situation 10 years ago. For example in 1991, only 11 towns had the services of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation. Now, the Corporation covers 19 towns. By 2004, rural access to safe drinking water had increased to 57% while the urban one was at 65%. If current trends continue, and incremental investment funds are procured, Uganda should meet

its Millenium Development Goal on water supply.

While safe water access per se has improved, functionality of water points is another key issue. Also, the cost of water in urban areas and the distance traveled to and queuing at water points in rural areas can easily undermine accessibility.

The State of Environment Report for Uganda , 2004/05

As far as sanitation is concerned, latrine coverage, the broad indicator (as a measure) of

environmental health has improved from 41.7% in 1999 to 56% in 2002.

Pollution

As Uganda 's urban areas increase in number and the urban population grows, pollution, whether air, noise, water or solid waste, is emerging as a significant issue in environmental management. Standards have been established for noise and air pollution and effluent discharge, enforcement of the standards notwithstanding. However, while guidelines have been developed for solid waste management, a stronger law is required and the pre-requisite

is a national policy on solid waste management. The Uganda Cleaner Production Centre is assisting several companies to reduce on waste

generation, by conserving raw materials, substituting toxic and dangerous materials, and recovering, recycling and re-using by-products, among others.

Poverty

Headcount poverty has declined from 56% of the national population in 1992 to 38% by

2004. On the other hand, the gap between the rich and the poor is widening. For the poor, natural resources constitute important ‘gifts of nature' and social safety nets on which their livelihoods depend all the time or at certain critical periods such as droughts.

The poor are agents of environmental degradation because they have limited livelihood

alternatives. They are also at the same time victims of environmental degradation because their coping abilities are limited.

Environmental health

Over 80% of all diseases in Uganda can be ascribed to poor environmental conditions.

Malaria is the number one killer disease because mosquitoes have fertile breeding grounds. Waterborne diseases are a result of poor sanitation. Respiratory diseases are encouraged by poorly ventilated houses and dusty environments as well as congestion in such dwellings.

The sick cannot be counted on to invest in environmental management, such as proper soil and water conservation measures. The sick are also unable to be productive and look for opportunities elsewhere, hence resulting in a heavy dependency on the available natural resources in the immediate vicinity.

Treatment costs mean the diversion of a greater share of household incomes to purchase drugs and to consult with medical personnel, leaving little else for other expenditures, including purchase of food items. It is no wonder then that malnutrition is one of the

important health problems among infants and young children in Uganda .

The State of Environment Report for Uganda , 2004/05

Cultural heritage

Cultural heritage is part of humanity's relationship with the world and past achievements and discoveries. The National Environment Act provides for the protection of the country's cultural heritage. Approximately 187 cultural, historical and para-archeological sites have been identified and their specific locations recorded.

Unfortunately, Uganda 's cultural heritage has not featured prominently among the country's

tourist attractions. Yet, the promotion of cultural heritage as a tourist attraction could

enhance community participation and even bring districts on board with respect to tourism.

Some 15 tourist attractions in 10 districts have been highlighted in this report.

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND TOOLS

Policies, laws and institutions

The broad policy, legal and institutional framework for environmental management is in

place, having begun with almost none ten years ago. However, the need for additional sector or issue-specific policies (e.g. solid waste management) still remains. The same is true for laws and regulations. Institutionally, the structure at local government level is still evolving.

There is a new structure for environment and natural resources at the district level. One key area that needs addressing is the need for better and de-personalised institutional coordination. Local governments also need effective institutional structures for vermin control, conservation of biodiversity outside protected areas, and management of cultural heritage.

Environmental standards, assessments and audits

Standards for air quality, water quality, discharge of effluents into water, control of noxious smells, control of noise and vibration pollution, and soil quality are now in place. However,

standards for sub-sonic vibrations, minimisation of radiation and others have yet to be put in place.

There is in place EIA Guidelines, EIA Regulations, and EIA Practitioners Code of Conduct.

In addition, some sector-specific EIA guidelines have been developed, and others in the

process of developing. Guidelines for environmental audits are in place together with a

Practitioners' Code of Conduct. Hence the tools for ensuring the mitigation of adverse

environmental impacts and the enhancement of positive ones exist. The framework for

regular audits is also there.

Environmental planning

Several tools and techniques of environmental planning have been developed since 1994.

These include: district environment action plans, right up to the sub-county and parish levels; mechanisms for mainstreaming of the environment into development plans; adoption of the sector wide approach to planning; and integrated assessment and planning.

Ecosystems approach to management

An ecosystem approach to the management of fragile ecosystems (wetlands, riverbanks, lakeshores, and mountainous and hilly areas) is being implemented in selected districts. If proved successful, opportunities for scaling up to cover other districts would have been created.

Environmental enforcement

While the existence of a wide range of polices and laws should in theory simplify and make

environmental management easier, the evidence on the ground is one of continued violations.

The main reason being the low level of enforcement which in part is due to weak institutional

structures. Environmental Inspectors have been gazetted and trained to improve on

enforcement. The police and judiciary are also being made aware of their roles in

environmental management, particularly the enforcement of environmental laws.

Environmental education and public awareness

An environmental education strategy for the formal sector was developed and incorporated in the curricula of education institutions. The strategy for the non-formal sector was also developed. Hence environmental education and public awareness have, by and large, been enhanced. A new focus now is on education for sustainable development.

Environmental research

Environmental research is scattered among various institutions. In general, the institutions all invariably suffer from insufficient human resources and inadequate equipment and other facilities. There are at least two pertinent challenges. The first is the need to develop a strategic plan for environmental research, highlighting the priorities to be addressed through, among others, inter-institutional collaboration. The second is to ensure that research results are disseminated widely.

Environment information

By 1991, environmental information was scattered and sectoral in nature. After the

formulation and adoption of the National Environment Management Policy, some

improvements have been registered. For one, the Environment Information Network was formed and is operational. Beginning with 6 members, there are now 22 active sectoral members excluding NEMA. To some extent, the latter acts as a metadatabase, meaning that even if the institution does not hold the actual data it knows where the data resides. Second, the Office of the Prime Minister launched the National Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy in March of 2004. Third, there is the Land Information System. Fourth, Makerere University Institute of Environment and Natural Resources houses the National Biodiversity Data Bank. Finally, Uganda is also an active member of the evolving African

Environment Information Network.

Environmental monitoring

While in general monitoring is an expensive undertaking, there is some attempt at low-cost monitoring. Within NEMA, there is inter-departmental co-ordination team to facilitate

environmental monitoring. Attempts have also been made to define appropriate

environmental indicators for purposes of monitoring. However, results in this last regard are not yet conclusive and additional work is required.

Environmental reporting

The sources of information on the environment in Uganda are now more diversified than was the case in 1994. They include, among others: the state of environment reports at national and district levels; the district environment action plans; environment profiles; the participatory poverty assessment process; country environment profiles of the development partners; the poverty eradication action plan; sectoral annual reports; country reports on the Millenium Development Goals; the state of Uganda 's biodiversity; various civil society publications on the environment; environmental impact statements of various development projects; and the national human development reports.

Innovating towards financial sustainability

In recognition of the fact that financial resources for environmental management are limiting

and largely come from support by development partners hence having doubtful sustainability,

different domestic sources are being assessed. One option is to make ecotourism pay an

increasingly larger share of protected area management costs. The second option is to

encourage payment for professional services. The third option involves the popularisation of

payment for ecosystem services (carbon, watershed, etc.). Fourth, where funds can be

accessed, a surer way to financial sustainability is through the establishment of an

endowment fund through, among others, the operationalisation of the National Environment

Fund provided for in the National Environment Act. Finally, environment agencies may look

at generating revenues through property transactions.

POLICY RESPONSES

The State of Environment Report for Uganda 2004/2005 has demonstrated with supporting

data that the investments the country, its development partners and civil society have made

since 1994 have registered significant progress in the way the environment is managed

compared to the baseline situation of 1991 to 1994. However many challenges still remain

and some are emerging, thus calling for a number of policy responses. Some of the key

policy responses required are the following.

1. Increase levels of enforcement, especially at the local government levels.

The State of Environment Report for Uganda , 2004/05

National Environment Management Authority

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2. Formulate a national solid waste management policy to facilitate the development of

appropriate laws to govern the management of solid waste.

3. Create awareness among policymakers that environmental management can

complement national economic development in fulfillment of the objectives of

sustainable development.

4. Prepare a manual to guide local governments on how to mainstream environment

into district development plans so that the practice becomes routine.

5. Create appropriate incentives and disincentives to encourage the more active

participation of local communities and the private sector in environmental

management, and discourage wrong doers.

6. Encourage the Plan for Modernisation of Agriculture and the National Agricultural

Advisory Delivery Services secretariats to increase interventions addressing soil

erosion as a matter of priority since it is the main cause of soil nutrient loss and the

largest share of the annual cost of environmental degradation which has led to

negative adjusted net savings.

7. Complete the formulation and the subsequent adoption of the Land Policy and the

Landuse Policy so as to facilitate the preparation of land use plans.

8. Seek international assistance in the compilation of more current inventory data

(forests, wildlife, fisheries, land use changes, rangeland conditions, etc.) to allow for

more informed decisionmaking in environmental and natural resources management.

9. Encourage different sectors to prepare annual reports as this will provide a rich

source of information which can be used to prepare other reports including the state

of environment reports.

10. Revise both the National Environment Management Policy and the National

Environment Action Plan to accommodate emerging issues such as greater levels of

investment in aquaculture, solid waste management and payment for environmental

services.

11. Encourage Government ministries and agencies, civil society organisations and the

private sector to identify innovative financing mechanisms for environmental

management including creating markets for Uganda 's ecosystem services.