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AGRICULTURE
Decision-Making
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries is responsible for sustainable
agriculture. The Dairy Act and the Veterinary Act were amended in 1989. Women and youth
organizations, local communities and small farmers' organizations are involved in
activities to address sustainable agriculture.
Strategies, policies and plans
Agricultural policy fully addresses sustainable agriculture and rural development issues,
though policy is being further revised especially to include community participation in
rural development. Working groups have been formed to address:
Main Programmes
Some programmes have already been established to address these issues.
Technology
Initial meetings were held to review land tenure and land-holding size, to collect data
and establish databases, to strengthen land use and resource planning, to draw up land
reclamation policy and establish programmes for degraded land, to increase food
production, to make integrated pest management practices available to farmers, to maintain
the integrated plant nutrition approach, to address soil productivity, to initiate the use
of sound energy sources and to strengthen appropriate technology transfer and development.
A working group addresses the availability of know how and technology to farmers. Support is needed for training of local communities.
Financing
National and external funding has been secured in part. Additional funding is needed for
community-based projects. The World Bank, EEC, UNDP, FAO and GTZ are active in sustainable
agriculture projects. They support, inter alia, seed and plant breeding projects,
plant protection services, animal breeding schemes, a milk processing project and a
farming systems support project.
This information is based on Uganda's submission to the 5th Session of the
Commission on Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997
To access the FAOSTAT Data Base for
information by country, item, element and year, click here:
Click here to link to the Biosafety
Information Network and Advisory Service (BINAS), a service of the United Nations
Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), which monitors global developments in
regulatory issues in biotechnology.
Click here to link to Country and
Sub-regional Information on Plant Genetic Resources of the Food and Agricultural
Organization of the United Nations.
Click here to go
to Web Site of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, which includes information on the Codex
Alimentarius and the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme.
Click here to access the Web Site of the
Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).
Click here to access the sixteen
international agricultural research centers that are members of the CGIAR.
ATMOSPHERE
Decision-Making
Legislation, regulations and policy instruments
Uganda ratified the Montreal Protocol in 1988 and the London Amendment in 1994. It
ratified The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1993. Within the
Ministry of Natural Resources, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is
responsible for Protection of the Atmosphere. NEMA is a full member of the National
Coordination Mechanism for Sustainable Development. The most important legislation for
this sector, the National Environment Management Statute, was reviewed in part in 1995.
NGOs and the private sector have contributed to activities in promoting sustainable
development.
Strategies, policies and plans
The Industrialisation Policy promotes the development of environmentally-friendly
industries, and activities are being carried out to sensitize entrepreneurs on
environmental issues. The Government promotes policies and programmes for energy
efficiency, industrial pollution control, sound land-use practices, and management of
toxic and other hazardous waste. Issues related to environmentally sound and efficient
transportation are under consideration. A case study was carried out to identify and
quantify ODS used in the country.
Status
Issues under the topic of energy-transport-industry are of medium or high priority, while
the rehabilitation and modernization of power systems and Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) in energy production have very high priority. A review has been undertaken on new
and renewable energy sources, especially hydropower, and a petroleum exploration programme
has been carried out. Energy/emission-related taxes have not been introduced as first
there is a need to set standards and formulate an energy policy. Activities aimed at a
less polluting and safer transportation system have been addressed in part. There are no
observations yet on emissions from transport. The transportation system is similar to that
in other countries of the region. Achievements have been made in mass transport systems,
but urban commuter services have to be addressed.
In 1992, a national inventory on the sources and sinks of greenhouse gases was undertaken, including recommendations on follow-up actions. Concerning the phase-out of CFC's and other ozone depleting substances, Uganda follows the schedule for article 5 par.1 countries and will take advantage of the 10-year grace period for developing countries. From 1995 to 1997, the Government will receive US$ 64,515 through multilateral channels to address the issue of ozone-depleting substances.
Information
In the area of transboundary atmospheric pollution control the Government has facilitated
exchange of data and information at the national and international levels.
Cooperation
Uganda participates in the Global Climate Observing System with 30 observation stations
(1990: 18 stations) but, due to lack of funds, the stations are not operating at optimum
level. There are no observation stations to participate in the Global Ozone Observing
System. Poorly maintained observation stations, lack of human resources and inadequate
data processing facilities restrict work in this sector. Early detection systems, national
capacity to predict changes and fluctuations and capacity-building in this field are rated
"adequate". National capacity in the area of transboundary atmospheric pollution
is rated "average". Lack of capacity restricts the establishment of early
warning systems and there are no training opportunities in this area.
UN Organizations and IGOs have participated in various programme areas.
This information is based on Uganda's submission to the 5th Session of the
Commission on Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997
Click here for national information from the Web
site of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
For the access to the Web Site of the Ozone
Secretariat, click here:
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BIODIVERSITY
Decision-Making
The following are responsible for biodiversity issues: the Ministry of Natural Resources,
the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Health and the
Ministry of Wildlife, Tourism and Antiquities. The National Environment Bill from 1994
refers to biodiversity issues. Local communities participate in tree planting programmes
and are consulted in decision-making processes about policy issues regarding conservation.
Legislation, regulations and policy instruments
Uganda signed the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992 and ratified it in 1993. It
ratified the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora in 1991.
Strategies, policies and plans
The Uganda Wildlife Authority has been created to undertake the management of wildlife
resources. A National Wetland Policy has been formulated. Wildlife Policy has been
revised, the National Forest Action Plan has been prepared; and the preparation of a
National Biodiversity Strategy was initiated. A study has already been completed to
identify costs, benefits and unmet needs in the field of biodiversity. National parks and
game reserves and sanctuaries have been gazetted and forest conservation was re-emphasized
to improve in situ protection. In the field of ex situ conservation, a tree seed project
has been implemented aiming at the collection, processing, storage and distribution of
high quality seeds. Information is being compiled on ecosystems to enhance conservation.
Awareness is being raised in local communities on the importance of biodiversity
conservation.
Status
Habitat destruction and over-harvesting have a moderate impact on biodiversity loss of
flora and fauna. The inappropriate introduction of foreign plants also has moderate impact
on the loss of flora.
A survey on biodiversity issues was carried out in 1992 and updated in 1994. Uganda has no
access to biotechnologies. There is a lack of trained manpower and appropriate
institutions in this field. Capacity has been developed through the GEF-funded East
African Regional Project for the Protection of East African Biodiversity. A Biodiversity
Data Bank has been put in place at Makerere University, Institute of Environment and
Natural Resources.
Cooperation
An agreement was signed between Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda on the protection of Lake
Victoria. The GEF-funded regional biodiversity project "Institutional Support for the
Protection of East African Biodiversity" has been completed.
This information is based on Uganda's submission to the 5th Session of the Commission on
Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997
For access to the Web Site of the Convention on
Biological Diversity, click here:
For access to the Web Site of
the CITES Convention, click here:
For the Web Site of the CMS
Convention, click here:
For the Web Site of the Convention on the
Protection of the World's Cultural and Natural Heritage, click here:
For the country-by-country, Man in the Biosphere
On-Line Query System, click here:
Click here to link to the Biosafety
Information Network and Advisory Service (BINAS), a service of the United Nations
Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), which monitors global developments in
regulatory issues in biotechnology.
Click here to go to the Web Site of UNEP's
International Register on Biosafety.
Click here for the International Centre
for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Biosafety WebPages
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DESERTIFICATION AND DROUGHT
Decision-Making
Legislation, regulations and policy instruments
The International Convention to Combat Desertification in Countries Experiencing Drought
and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa was signed by Uganda in 1994. A country
case study was prepared as input to the inter-governmental negotiation committee of the
convention to combat desertification. The Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of
Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Local Government are
responsible for addressing desertification issues. Legislation was revised in 1995. NGOs,
women organizations and youth groups participate in combatting desertification at the
field level. At the national level, they have advisory status.
Strategies, policies and plans
There are three areas affected by desertification: the Karamoja Region, the Buruli-Luwero
District and the Rakai District. Details have to be surveyed and more research is needed.
A National Action Plan to Combat Drought and Desertification has been prepared, but
external funding is needed for its implementation. The Action Plan calls, inter alia,
for education measures and raising awareness on desertification issues. Farmers and
herdsmen are encouraged to diversify economic activities and find alternative livelihoods.
Herdsmen are encouraged to settle in one place, and dams are being constructed. Tree
planting is generally encouraged. Health services are being improved. Quick maturing crop
varieties are being developed and introduced in dryland areas to improve food
availability. Transport and communication infrastructure are being improved in dryland
areas.
Constraints
The staffing situation is rated "below par" at the central planning level and
poor at the middle and field levels. There is a general shortage of trained staff and in
particular a lack of management and planning skills and lack of early warning staff. Even
trained staff lack in performance, due to inadequate funding.
An estimated US$ 20 million of local funding and US$ 70 million of external funding are
needed until the year 2000 to implement the National Plan of Action to Combat Drought and
Desertification.
Technology
In 1994, 42 meteorological and hydrological monitoring stations were in use. This coverage
is rated adequate and has improved since 1990. Soil and land monitoring is rated poor, as
there are only two monitoring stations working. The Makarere University and the Kawanda
Research Station make soil analysis and samples, but there is no feedback and advice to
land users yet. Grazing and improper farming are the most serious desertification factors;
effects from fuelwood collection, improper land use and natural causes are rated moderate.
Cooperation
Several international organizations support the country's efforts to combat
desertification, including CARE, the United States Agency for International Development
(USAID), the European Union, the World Bank, International Fund for Agricultural
Development (IFAD) and Intergovernmental Authority for Drought and Development (IGADD).
They have participated in reviewing national strategies and they have provided additional
post-UNCED funding and human resources. Coordination of and cooperation between programmes
could be improved.
This information is based on Uganda's submission to the 5th Session of the Commission on
Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997
For access to the Web Site of the Convention to Combat
Desertification and Drought, click here:
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No information is available
This information is based on Uganda's submission to the 5th Session of the
Commission on Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997
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FORESTS
Decision-Making
Legislation, regulations and policy instruments
The Government supports the effective implementation of the Non-legally Binding Forest
Principles. Within the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Forest Department is
particularly responsible for deforestation issues. The Uganda National Parks and Game
Department is also in charge since one third of all natural forests has been integrated
into National Parks. The Forest Act from 1964 is under review. Mechanisms are being worked
out to integrate local people in forest management and conservation, e.g. through the
establishment of local natural resources management committees. Where this strategy has
been tried, it has had the desired effect of reducing illegal activities in the reserved
forests.
Strategies, policies and plans
In 1995, a National Forestry Action Plan was formulated. The Government has embraced the
Man and Biosphere concept of zoning natural forests which promotes forest management for
multiple use: 20% of the country's forests are to be designated as strict Nature Reserves;
30% are to be low intensity zone; and in the remaining 50%, sustainable harvesting
and non-consumptive uses shall be permitted.
Main Programmes
A biological disease control programme was established to control an Arphid disease that
broke out in plantations. Livestock and wildlife grazing does not pose a big threat to
natural forests. Encroaching agriculture is the most "serious" cause for forest
loss and damages; effects from logging and need for fuelwood are rated
"moderate". Since 1990, more than 110 km2 of encroached forest have
been replanted within an ongoing restoration programme. In addition, 20 km2 of
Eucalyptus plantations have been restocked with the support of NORAD, since, during the
time of political instability, more than 100 km2 had been degraded around major
urban centres. Development of peri-urban forests to provide for wood resource needs of
five urban centres have been accomplished. Reforestation of harvested coniferous
plantations has been too little and almost insignificant due to financial and logistical
constraints.
Major Groups
The formulation of the National Forestry Action Plan has involved seminars and workshops
for local groups and opinion leaders. Local people are consulted in choosing tree species
for planting, on the collection, storage and germination of indigenous tree species and in
the planning of eco-tourism. The rights of local communities are being recognised.
Participatory rural appraisals (PRA) are being carried out. Rights to medicinal plants,
cultural ceremonies and other non-consumptive uses are being recognised and incorporated
in longterm natural resource management strategies. Local knowledge and skills are being
used in planning appropriate interventions around protected areas. NGOs support
afforestation and reforestation projects.
Status
There is growing awareness of the need to further engage in afforestation, but, again,
lack of funding and logistical problems have hampered any meaningful afforestation
programme. Potential exists to establish more plantations in the reserved forest in the
Savannah woodlands. This would reduce pressure on the natural forests. In recent years
7.48 km2 has been added to the area of softwood plantations. Most of the
agro-based industries continue to establish sizeable plantations in order to become self
sufficient in terms of fuelwood. Annual private afforestation is about 3 km2.
In 1990, an estimated 22.3 million m3 of fuelwood were used for commercial and industrial energy requirements. The Government encourages local farmers to plant woodlots and trees on farms for both fuelwood and environmental amelioration. Since 1990, efficient harvesting and processing of wood has been promoted. The Forest Department runs a demonstration sawmill, where sawmillers are trained in sustainable logging techniques. Efforts are also under way to promote the sustained harvesting of non-timber products. Nature-based tourism is popular in Uganda's forests and is still being promoted.
Forest extension officers have been posted at the district level. They have supporting staff at the county and sub-county levels. Staff in forest management increased from 60 in 1980 to 140 in 1990 and 150 in 1995. There are 90 trained foresters working in forest management and forest protection. Thirty foresters are graduating every year. The staffing situation is rated "adequate" at the central and middle planning levels, but "below par" at the field level. An in-service training programme in Natural Forest Conservation has been established to re-orient all cadres of forestry staff in the conservation and sustainable use of forest resources. Curricula for forestry courses at universities have been reviewed. Twenty technical staff have been trained in biological inventory techniques.
Fire presuppression measures are put in place around those forests prone to seasonal fires. Fire patrols are carried out during critical fire seasons. Prior to the 1970s all major plantation blocks had field telephone networks installed, together with fire watch towers. These have since collapsed. Although provision was made to reactivate the fire protection system, not much has been done and this remains a priority in the forestry sector.
Technology
Since 1992, a national biological inventory programme has been underway. Analysis of these
data should lead to the establishment of a scientifically-based Nature Reserve network
throughout the natural forests of Uganda. Surveys were initiated to establish the extent
of natural forests outside the reserves. The studies should lead to a strategy of how to
conserve non-gazetted forests. The Ministry of Natural Resources, in cooperation with
Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), is carrying out a National Biomass
Study.
A national timber inventory was carried out. A planning unit integrating the biomass studies, biological and timber inventories is to be established. The planning team shall have the mandate to carry out forest resource assessments, design appropriate planting programmes and plan, establish, and monitor the nature reserve network in natural forests.
Financing
Forestry contributions to the national GDP are about 20%. The national forestry budget was
US$ 7 million in 1990 and US$ 5 million in 1994. Since 1988, about US$ 38 million has been
allocated to the National Forestry Rehabilitation Project from different donors. The
following organizations support forest projects in Uganda: World Bank, International
Development Association (IDA), European Union (EU), Danish International Development
Agency (DANIDA), NORAD, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural
Resources (IUCN), CARE, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The
GEF provides institutional support for protection of biodiversity and NORAD assists with
the establishment of a GIS. Although Uganda has not ratified the International Tropical
Timber Agreement, the Government has studied the agreement and fully supports it.
This information is based on Uganda's submission to the 5th Session of the Commission
on Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997
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FRESHWATER
Decision-Making
The National Wetlands Unit has several achievements, including:
Strategies, policies and plans
Uganda has made significant progress in this area:
Main Programmes
The Lake Victoria Environment Management Project is a 5-year regional project approved by
the Governments of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, and it is funded by the World Bank and GEF.
It is aimed at sustainable utilization of Lake Victoria and its catchment area for the
benefit of the riparian communities as well as the global community.
This information is based on Uganda's submission to the 5th Session of the
Commission on Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997
LAND MANAGEMENT
Decision-Making
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Lands, Housing
and Urban Development, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Local
Government are responsible for the integrated approach to the planning and management of
land resources. The National Environmental Bill addresses this topic, and a draft bill on
land tenure has been prepared.
Challenges
Most activities in land management have been addressed, but implementation is often
hampered due to limited financial resources. Policies and policy instruments have been
developed and are to be approved from parliament. Planning and management systems will be
addressed at a later stage. Information centres have been set up to strengthen information
systems and to raise awareness. Promotion of public participation is planned.
Scientific understanding of land-resources systems has been addressed and improved, but there is a lack of resources and trained human resources. Initial steps have been taken to improve technological capacity, institutions, education and training; further activities depend on the availability of financial resources.
Cooperation
Activities in land management are being supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization
of the United Nations (FAO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP), United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
and Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammen Arbeit (GTZ). These organizations have
participated in reviewing national programmes and strategies, but they have not provided
additional funding or human resources since UNCED.
This information is based on Uganda's submission to the 5th Session of the
Commission on Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997
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MOUNTAINS
Decision-Making
Legislation, regulations and policy instruments
The Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and
Fisheries, the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Wildlife, Tourism and
Antiquities are responsible for mountain development issues. Legislation referring to
mountain development was revised in 1995. International Union for Conservation of Nature
and Natural Resources (IUCN) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) are involved in
conservation projects, in tree planting projects and in the promotion of sustainable
agriculture in mountain areas.
Status
There are four important mountain areas in the country: the Rwenzori Mountains, Mount
Elgon, Mount Muhavura and the Debesian-Moroto-Kadam Mountains. The most important rivers
in these mountains are Semliki, Manafwa and Kagera. Land use plans or surveys are not
available. All mountain areas are either vulnerable to or currently facing serious soil
erosion, but detailed information on the areas affected is not available. Flooding and
landslides have "significant" impact on mountain areas.
Special programmes for mountain areas have not been developed, but country-wide development and conservation programmes also cover mountain areas. There are no incentives in place for farmers to undertake conservation measures in mountain areas. Income in mountain areas is partly generated from tourism (mountaineering).
National Parks and animal reserves cover mountain areas. Controlled hunting areas have been established.
Constraints
There is a lack of all modern mountain survey and monitoring technology. Environmental
monitoring (air quality, meteorology, hydrology, monitoring of forests, soils, crops and
biological resources) is rated as poor.
This information is based on Uganda's submission to the 5th Session of the
Commission on Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997
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OCEANS AND COASTAL AREAS
Decision-Making
Legislation, regulations and policy instruments
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea was signed in 1982 and ratified in 1990.
This information is based on Uganda's submission to the 5th Session of the
Commission on Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997
For information on the status of ratification of
the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, click here:
TOXIC CHEMICALS
Decision-Making
Legislation, regulations and policy instruments
Guidelines for the management of toxic and hazardous products are contained in the
National Environment Statute No. 4 of 1995.
This information is based on Uganda's submission to the 5th Session of the
Commission on Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997
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WASTE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Solid Waste and Sanitation
Decision-Making
Main Programmes
There are several projects in the country which contain major sanitation or solid waste
disposal components:
This information is based on Uganda's submission to the 5th Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997
Hazardous Wastes
Decision-Making
Legislation, regulations and policy instruments
The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and
their Disposal has not been signed.
Policies addressing the management of hazardous waste, including prevention of illegal international trade in hazardous waste, are entrenched in the National Environment Statute No. 4 of 1995. Draft Waste and Hazardous Waste Management Regulations from 1996, are in place and currently being reviewed.
This information is based on Uganda's submission to the 5th Session of the
Commission on Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997
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Radioactive Wastes
Decision-Making
Legislation, regulations and policy instruments
The National Environment Statute, 1995, provides for sound use and safe disposal of
radioactive materials.
This information is based on Uganda's submission to the 5th Session of the Commission
on Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997
For direct link to the Web Site of the Basel
Convention, click here:
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