NEMA NEWS L S V E U S D E TA I N a B L E Vol

E National Environment Management Authorityy N T

S N U E R M I N P The National Environment Management Authority Newsletter G O NEMA NEWS L S V E U S D E TA I N A B L E Vol. 19 No. 1 September 2017

President Museveni calls for conservation of Wetlands, Riverbanks and Lakeshores

President Yoweri Museveni addresses a mammoth crowd during the World Environment Day(WED) National Celebrations held on 5th June 2017 at Kibubura Integrated Primary School Grounds, Ibanda District.

Inside this issue... By Bob Nuwagira President Museveni calls for conservation of Wetlands, Riverbanks resident Yoweri Museveni Primary School Grounds, Ibanda and Lakeshores�� 1 has called upon communities District, the 29th celebrations to President Museveni on Drought in Kanungu: “We are reaping what living around rivers and lakes be conducted under the NRM we sowed!” �� 3 Pto leave protection zones of 100 Lake Kakyeera System restored �� 4 Government. metres and 200 metres respectively. Greater Kampala Region takes greater share of Approved Projects �� 5 He said this will protect the integrity In a colourful ceremony hosted They Said It… �� 7 of these fragile ecosystems, keep by Ibanda District, President Private and Public Sector Institutions, Individuals Awarded for Yoweri Museveni called upon all Environment Stewardship �� 8 the water clean and protect against communities living around fragile Miss Earth 2016 and WED �� 9 silting. The President made these ecosystems to observe the 100 I planted trees from Kampala to Ibanda during WED celebrations �� 9 remarks while addressing mammoth metres of river bank catchment Kidepo Project spearheads survival of the marginalised ��10 crowds at this year’s World and the 200 metres lakeshores CSO’S call to Climate Action �� 11 Environment Day (WED) National We can handle waste in our local setting ��12 Celebrations at Kibubura Integrated protection zones. Citing examples in Aflatoxins: the silent and unknown killer diseases to many ��13 Turn to page 2 Supermarkets recognized for compliance to Kaveera Ban ��16 NEMA NEWS September 2017 1 EDITORIAL From page 1 Together We Can

hat an eventful World Environment Day (WED) W2017 commemorations. This was the biggest demonstration of stakeholder collaboration for the stewardship of our environment. 90,000 Tree seedlings from a community supported nursery bed were planted in Manafwa District in an activity spearheaded by State Minister for Environment, Hon. Dr. Goretti Kitutu. Great contributions from Eaton Towers, CNOOC Uganda, Total E&P, National Forestry Authority (NFA), National Water & Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) and others have President Museveni plants a tree at Kibubura Integrated playgrounds on WED 2017 seen the number of seedlings planted and distributed up to 300,000 so far. Kabale, Ntungamo and Bushenyi in western planting campaign where more than Uganda, President Museveni suggested that 250,000 trees were planted countrywide, The Environment Run 2017 in the current dry spells affecting communities a cleanup of Ibanda Town, exhibitions Ibanda in which thousands attended in those districts were as a result of massive of environmentally friendly technologies whose contributions supported the encroachment on the wetlands. and materials, as well as an awards giving restoration of degraded woodlots in ceremony. the district was a massive success. Local “Wetlands, forests and water bodies leaders mobilized by Ibanda Woman contribute 40% of the rains we receive in the In her remarks, the United Nations Member of Parliament, Hon. Jovlet country and contribute to the micro climatic Resident Coordinator, Designated Official Kaliisa contributed massively to public conditions of an area,” he explained, advising and UNDP Resident Representative in education activities in Ibanda district that, “We must protect these catchments.” Uganda, Ms. Rosa Malango, pledged UN’s continued support to Uganda’s quest and the western region ahead of WED. Museveni who has embarked on a country- of becoming a green economy and called Media institutions, development wide education campaign said that upon all Ugandans to become champions partners, Civil Society Organisation communities can sustainably use these for environmental conservation. and Government agencies contributed catchments to support livelihood activities lots of resources to make the most pointing out the use of the different “We are here today to remember the memorable WED celebrations. This wetlands grasses such as sedges and papyrus importance of the environment for our is the kind of collaboration that best for mulching gardens. He added that survival as a people, for the wellbeing for defines the collective responsibility Government was planning to roll out mini our families, our communities, Uganda as a to environmental stewardship. Small irrigation schemes country wide to address nation and for planet earth,” Ms. Malango individual actions that once galvanized the longer dry spells, which would draw said. She also congratulated Uganda could bring exponential results. water from such catchments when protected. for ratifying several United Nations conventions on environment particularly Together we can. On tree planting, the President also called the Convention on Biological Diversity #EveryActionCounts for the planting of trees on hilly and (CBD), the United Nations Convention [email protected] mountainous areas to protect them from on Climate Change (UNFCC) and The soil erosion and reduce on the incidences of NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT United Nations Convention to Combat landslides. AUTHORITY (NEMA) Desertification (UNCCD). This, she P.O.Box 22255 Kampala Uganda World Environment Day, celebrated said, affirms Uganda’s commitment to th Tel.256-414-251064/5/8; Fax. +256-414-257521 every year on 5 June is the United environmental sustainability. Nations’ principal vehicle for encouraging [email protected]; www.nema.go.ug The French Ambassador to Uganda, Ms. worldwide awareness and action for the Stephanie Rivoal, who represented the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Uganda environment. This year’s activities included Need help? Have a question? Is it an Alert CALL NEMA UGANDA Turn to page 3 @nemaug.org 0800144444 the environment run, a national tree 2 NEMA NEWS September 2017 By Bob Nuwagira

resident Yoweri Museveni has launched an irrigation initiative in the accused the people of Kanungu for area to help farmers avoid reliance on rain the indiscriminative encroachment fed agriculture. Pon wetlands and forest reserves which he Museveni also stated that the NRM said had triggered the worst drought to Government had originally chosen a soft hit the district in the recent past. approach to woo encroachers in wetlands Bob Nuwagira Speaking at a public rally at Rushoroza to take self-compliance steps but said Seed School in Kihihi Sub-county in people were not appreciating the message. Chairperson Ms. Josephine Katsya and Kanungu District in July, the President Quoting a case in Kabale, the President establish a solar powered irrigation in a strongly worded address quoted said that he encouraged a one farmer whom scheme on River Kahengye to support the Bible saying “what one sows is what he identified as Mzee Barisigara, who was farmers avert unpredictable weather one will reap,” and said of the increasing carrying out farming in a wetland, to patterns. The President also provided drought and hunger situation in Kanungu vacate and he (Mzee Barisigara) obliged. drought resistant, quick maturing and district that, “we are reaping what we This, he said was NRM’s way of handling high yielding seeds to the district to boost sowed.” cases of encroachment but was concerned food security. These include sorghum, was being abused. He castigated the local communities for millet, three types of maize, cassava and “disobeying God” by turning wetlands “I have been appealing to the people Irish potatoes, and asked local farmers to into gardens. “It is God who planted to leave wetlands and they refused. quickly adopt them. these wetlands with noble intentions Now God has given us a punishment – President Museveni likened those who but you just come and say God did not prolonged drought.” would not heed to advice to the analogy know what He was doing. You now put He added, “Scientists say that 40% of of a foolish man who when he feels potatoes where God had put marshes. the rainfall we receive comes from the hungry, will eat the seeds reserved for But God designed that potatoes will be wetlands and swamps, lakes and forests of planting and when rains come, he will planted on hillsides and valleys so that Uganda. 60% of the rainfall is made by have no seeds to plant but just to smile at wetlands become water reservoirs like we the large oceans like the pacific or Indian the garden. He also proverbially warned have granaries for grain storage, wetlands Oceans. Now to destroy our swamps those unwilling to take advice that “when are for water storage,” he said. “But now means we are depriving ourselves 40% of a wild animal refuses to heed the warnings you are destroying these water reservoirs our potential to create rainfall. Therefore, of a hunter, it becomes roasted meat.” saying God did not know what He was we are the losers we in the valleys because doing.” President Museveni in January asked all the little rain that is available only remains those who had encroached on wetlands The President said this shortly after his in the hills and mountains.” to vacate voluntarily and pave way for impromptu tour of Kameme village, On irrigation, the President ordered irrigation schemes countrywide. which is worst hit by drought and famine the State House Comptroller, Ms. Lucy where he gave out relief food to locals and Additional reporting by Nakyobe to work with the District http://www.statehouse.go.ug

From page 2 President Museveni European Mission in Uganda, spoke Environment and Hon. Ronald Kibuule, MPs on the Climate Change Committee, passionately about collective action the Minister of State for Water. Others Religious and other regional leaders, to save the planet from unsustainable included, Hon John Byabagambi, the the civil society, the private sector, local exploitation as she put it simply, “to Minister for the Karamoja Region, who politicians, schools and residents attended protect the environment is to protect doubles as the area Member of Parliament; the event ceremonies. World Environment ourselves.” the Minister of State for Lands, Hon. Day 2017 in Uganda were celebrated Persis Namuganza, the Minister of State under the local theme “Connect to This year’s event was attended by for Local Government, Hon. Namuyangu nature, Appreciate biodiversity.” several ministers including, the Water Jeniffer; and, the Minister of Tourism, & Environment Minister, Hon Sam The Writer is the Senior Information Wildlife and Antiquities, Prof. Ephraim Cheptoris and his deputies, Hon Dr. Education & Communications Kamuntu, who is the former water and Goretti Kitutu, the State Minister for Officer, NEMA environment docket minister. NEMA NEWS September 2017 3 By Herbert Nabaasa team from the National There was massive encroachment and degradation Environment Management of Lake Kakyeera system through cultivation of Authority (NEMA) and several types of crops and over grazing leaving the Kiruhura District Local shoreline bare. It was observed that cultivation was GovernmentA (DLG) inspected Lake done within the mandatory 100metres buffer zone Kakyeera System to ascertain the which has resulted into siltation of the lake. Several level of degradation and required farmers graze their cattle around the lake and there interventions. The inspection helped are no organised watering points for animals. to contextualise the problem and Animals access water directly from the lake causing appropriately plan for the method of degradation and siltation of the lake. As a result restoration. It also helped to identify of several degradation activities, the areas were Herbert Nabaasa the type and nature of degradation, the affected by prolonged drought which affected food degraders involved (through inventory) production leading to food insecurity. and compliance requirements. Restoration of the Kakyeera system was undertaken of 17 people was formed to The inspections revealed that Kakyeera using the “community approach”. Community spearhead the restoration System is degraded by two groups of members cultivating within the 100 meter exercise as indicated below. people, that is, the landlords/ranchers protection zone were identified and sensitized to The identified community whose land surrounds the lake and the restore the buffer zones using a live fence (Tree members were those currently temporary occupants. The landlords seedlings). A stretch of 50 metres was planted with occupying and encroaching are few individuals owning square trees to act as a protection and another 50 metres on the shoreline. The tree miles around the lake and had leased between the areas planted with trees and the lake species used was gravellier their land to cultivators who eventually was left free to allow for fast natural regeneration being a fast growing tree cultivated both on private land and also and recovery. 20,000 tree seedlings comprised of which also has the ability to degraded the shoreline/protection zone. gravellier species were used to restore about 30 acres fix nitrogen in the soil and The restoration approach thus required of degraded land. Encroachers signed compliance help in the fast recovery and dealing with both the landlords and the agreements to restore the shoreline through re-generation of the degraded temporary occupants. planting trees to act as a live fence. A committee shoreline.

RESTORATION OF LAKE KAKYEERA, KIRUHURA DISTRICT

The Restoration Committee members formed to Status of the Lake Kakyera before restoration. oversee the restoration exercise Turn to page 14

4 NEMA NEWS September 2017 By Margaret Aanyu t 41%, the greater changes, construction materials, Kampala region still creation of settlements. There will dominates the number also be pressure for social services of projects approvals for and public utilities such as water theA reporting period, April to June and electricity supply, sewerage 2017. Kampala had the largest systems, as well as intermittent share with 33 projects, Wakiso migration of labour. with 23 projects and Mukono At 31%, infrastructure projects with 10 projects, of the total 158 including roads, real estates projects approved in the reporting and others are identifiably the Margaret Aanyu period. This trend which has been major activities in the country, also been depicted in previous followed by fuel stations at 19%, and land use change activities such as quarters and past years comes with Mining and quarrying at 15% agriculture. many implications on these three and manufacturing/processing at Districts. A total of 435 scoping reports, project 13%. The rest are shared by other briefs (PBs) & Environmental Impact This will continue to exert increasing investment and welfare activities Statements (EISs) were submitted pressure on the natural resources, including, information technology, within the Quarter. The charts here among others, land-take, land use waste management infrastructures give us more detailed information.

Projects Approved in April–June, 2017, by Total number of PBs+EISs Submitted versus Approvals (Certificates) issued, Percentage and Category of Project by Month in April -June, 2017

120 108 Wildlife – Wetlands, Manufacturing / Education 100 including Fisheries Processing Facility 84 leisure, hotels 1% Industries 6% 80 65 67 2% 13% Total Number 60 49 Water Supply Fuel Station 44 and Sanitation 19% 40 Systems 20 1% Information Waste 0 Management Communication April May June

and Technology PBs+EISs Submitted Approvals (Certificates Issued) Infrastructure 6% 1%

Mining, Quarry The Writer is the Environmental 15% Energy – Impact Assessments Manager, NEMA generation / distribution Land-use 4% Change – e,g., Infrastructure – agriculture e.g., roads, 1% housing, 31%

Please send your articles to the Editor NEMA NEWS P.O.Box 22255 Kampala Uganda Fax +256-414-257521 Email: [email protected]

NEMA NEWS September 2017 5 By Persis Basemera were recognized and awarded. Notable in this category was the Resident District he National Environment Commissioner (RDC) Soroti, Mr. Filbert Management Authority Ocailap who had been instrumental in (NEMA) has recognized the wetland conservation in the district. outstanding contributions He was involved in education and Tof individuals, groups, organizations, enforcement activities, an initiative that institutions, and the private sector to saw the Rt. Rev. George William Erwau, advancing environmental sustainability, Bishop Soroti Diocese, to abandon protecting and enhancing the natural agricultural activities in Odukurin environment in Uganda. wetland and join the crusade for wetland Persis Basemera The prestigious National Environment conservation, a contribution that was Awards which were handed out as one recognized with an award. Individuals of the events to mark this year’s World Also awarded was Jeconious Musingwire, 1) Mr. Jeconious Musingwire, District Environment Day (WED) had seven the long serving Mbarara District Natural Natural Resources Officer, Mbarara categories including the Private Sector, Resources Officer and NEMA’s Focal District Local Government the Lead Agency and Public Sector, Personnel for the western region. His 2) Dr. John B. Kabera Civil Society Organisations, Schools, contribution for more than three decades 3) The Rt. Rev. Steven Namanya, Individuals, Model village/women in natural resources management and Bishop of North Ankole Diocese groups/model community, and Best stewardship highlighted by the Minister 4) The Rt. Rev. George William Exhibitors, categories respectively. World of Water and Environment, Hon. Sam Erwau, Bishop of Soroti Diocese Environment Day National celebrations Cheptoris, who presided over the awards 5) Mr. Filbert Ocailap, Resident District that was officiated by HE President ceremony. Commissioner (RDC), Soroti Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as Chief Guest, 6) Mr. Egunyu George Michael, th were held on 5 June 2017 at Ibanda Below is the list of awardees under selected Chairman LC V, Soroti District Kibubura Integrated Primary School, categories. 7) Captain Santos Okot Lapolo, Ibanda District. Private Sector Organisations Resident District Commissioner For their contribution in restoration of 1) Pearl Dairies Ltd (RDC), Gulu District woodlots across the country, The Rural 2) Hoopoe Trading Company Ltd 8) Rtd. Lt. Dick Lubanga Maka Electrification Agency (REA) was awarded Lead Agencies and Public Model Village/Women Groups/ the Public Sector Award together with Sector Organisations Model Community Ibanda District Local Government, the 1) (KYEMPAPU) Kirinda Youth hosts for this year’s WED celebrations. 1) Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Environmental Protection & Buikwe District based, Hoopee Tannery 2) Ibanda District Local Government Poverty Alleviation Uganda won the Private Sector Award, for their Civil Society Organisations (Kirinda, Kitanda Sub- exceptional compliance to environmental 1) Promoters of Efficient county - Bukomansimbi) standards including the operating one Technologies on Sustainable of the standardized effluent treatment Development (PETSD) Exhibitors plant, which has reduced the incidences 2) Koyinawo Waste Management 1) Best Exhibitor: Conservation of odor nuisance in the surrounding Services Ltd Effort for Community communities. Schools Development (CECOD) Pioneering in this year’s award was 1) Ibanda Kibubura Integrated 2) Second Best Exhibitor: Ibanda the ‘Meritorious Individual Category’ Primary School Women’s Guild (IWG) in which individuals who had played 2) Kibubura Girls S.S.S exceptional roles to promote stewardship 3) Mbarara Junior School The Writer is the Senior Environmental 4) Runengo Primary School of the environment in their communities Education Officer, NEMA

President Museveni hands over the Private Sector Hon. Cheptoris Sam, Minister of Water and Environment, Award to an official from Pearl Diaries Ltd. hands over a plaque to Mr. Jeconious Musingwire as Dr. Tom Okurut, NEMA’s ED looks on 6 NEMA NEWS September 2017 By Priscilla Achieng y name is Priscilla Achieng from Tororo District. MThe past year has been incredible. I felt blessed to be crowned Miss Earth Uganda 2016 along with Miss Earth Air, Water and Fire Uganda out of 16 delegates from different districts in the Country.

Being Miss Earth Uganda is exciting. Priscilla Achieng gives L-R: Tendo, Ivy and Marie - The Little Hands Go It’s a great opportunity to devote remarks during WED 2017 Green Ambassadors at a Green Event Recently yourself as an ambassador for the celebrations in Ibanda protection and conservation of our I had the privilege and great My name is Paula Maria Cruz. environment although it requires responsibility of representing I am a P7 candidate at Agha Khan Primary school enormous devotion, effort and a Uganda in the 2016 Miss Earth in and one of Uganda’s Little Hands Go Green sense of responsibility to strive and Manila Philippines. I proudly wish stand for this great cause. This isn’t to share with you, that just like the Ambassadors. much about being a beauty queen 2015 incumbent Queen, I scooped I have done it all and seen it all and am proud to have wearing a crown on your head, it’s a gold medal in showcasing the best twice been a part of the WED caravan celebrations about the Earth, Mother Earth and National costume that entails the in 2016 on the Northern route to Gulu and 2017 caring for its surroundings. elements and aspects of 5Rs (Reduce, on the Western route to Ibanda District. Reuse, Recycle, Rethink & Respect) I together with the Elemental to address issues of climate change. It is amazing to celebrate World Environment Day Queens, Miss Earth Uganda I also had exposure to experience organization and the Partners by spreading green love all along the Kampala – what other 90+ countries are doing (National Forestry Authority, Ibanda route. Last year (2016) for example as we to address environmental problems National Environment Management headed to Gulu we planted trees in Luwero with and women empowerment. Authority, Chimpanzee Trust, boda boda cyclists and others at Corner Kamdin Youth Go Green, Rotaract Earth It has been a great opportunity for and Kafu Bridge. We also planted with priests at initiative and many others) have me to enrich my spirit, my capacity Lacor Seminary in Gulu and had fun cleaning strived to leave a legacy of beauty to understand others, to deepen my Gulu town ahead of WED. and responsibility with a cause by roots in the Earth and look after my engaging in numerous activities wholeness wellbeing. As a heroine In 2017 we planted in Mpigi, at the Equator, which I know will leave a lasting fighting climate change it was a danced a green dance at Lukaya, and planted a impact on our environment. privilege to work to make Ugandans tree at St. Hellens Girls School in Mbarara where proud. the Ibanda Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. We planted trees (over 100,000 in Jovlet Kaliisa is an Old Girl and she cried when she Hoima, Nakasongola and others I call upon responsible stake holders in over 100 primary and secondary and proud citizens of Uganda to planted the tree. It was really touching. schools within the country), carried support the Miss Earth Uganda I even went to Manafwa in Eastern Uganda where out solid waste management initiative in all its endeavors. we planted 90,000 trees with Hon. Dr. Mary campaigns, graced the World I wish to express my gratitude to my Kitutu, The State minister for Environment. Environment Day celebrations Family, Friends, my Mentors, Miss activities in Ibanda District, and The joy of planting fruit trees and being a part of Earth Uganda and all its Partners, Earth Day celebrations activities NEMA has and will continue to be an exciting my Elemental Queens and every in Kamwenge District. We carried Ugandan who is passionate about experience for me. Also interacting with other out numerous Community clean Mother Earth and God above all for children from different parts of Uganda has been ups, Media sensitization campaigns who I am today. one of my best experiences. and many other activities and all these are a small token given the I am a Woman of the Earth and I am grateful to Little Hands Go Green for this environmental challenges, but a wish best felicitations for Miss Earth opportunity and to NEMA for always supporting highly symbolic gesture of our Uganda 2017. us. commitment to protect and preserve The Writer reigned as Miss Earth The Writer is a Little Hands Mother Earth. Uganda 2016/2017 Go Green Ambassador

NEMA NEWS September 2017 7 n June 5th, Uganda joined the international community to commemorate World Environment Day under the theme “Connect to Nature, Appreciate Biodiversity”. The celebrations which took place at Kibubura Integrated Primary School Grounds in Ibanda District were attended by thousands of people from across the country and graced by His Excellency Othe President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguuta Museveni. Other diplomatic missions such as the United Nations and the European Union too attended the celebrations. Here, some of the highlights of the event.

President Museveni plants a tree at Kibubura President Yoweri Museveni chats with Mbarara District Hon. Cheptoris Sam, Minister of Water and Hon. Cheptoris Sam, hands over an award Mr Jeconious Integrated Primary School Grounds on WED. Natural Resources Officer, Jeconious Musingwire Environment inspects exhibitions Musingwire as Dr Tom Okurut, NEMA ED looks on

A cross-section of dignitories who graced the ocassion Ms Rosa Malango, UNDP Country The French Ambassador to Uganda, Ms Stephanie Rivoal makes Little Hands Go Green Ambassadors Maria (Left) and Ivy Representative, makes her remarks her remarks as Miss Jovlet Kaliisa Ibanda Woman MP looks on (Right) with Hon. Dr. Kitutu during WED Celebrations

Hon. Eng. Byabagambi, Minister for Karamoja, and Ms Rosa Malango, UNDP Country The French Ambassador to Uganda, Ms Mr Paul Mafabi, Director, Environmental Affairs, Ministry Ibanda South MP, and Dr. Tom Okurut wave to guests Representative, inspects Exhibitions Stephanie Rivoal inspects Exhibitions of Water and Environment visits the NEMA stall

President Yoweri Museveni’s wishes for Dr. Tom Okurut’s note on the Enviro-Tree on WED A note by a student of Ibanda Kibubura Eskom Uganda’s CEO Thomas Gangi hands over a cheque the 2017 WED on the Enviro-Tree Integrated Primary School to NEMA ED, Dr. Tom Okurut to support tree planting as Dr. Daniel Babikwa NEMA’s Director DSPE looks on 8 NEMA NEWS September 2017 World Environment Day “Connect to Nature, Appreciate Biodiversity” They Said It… I invite everyone of us to help conserve the environment by becoming a champion today. Ms. Rosa Malango UNDP Resident Representative / UN Resident Coordinator ………………………………………… I call upon all women and men here in Uganda, in France, in Europe, in the world to resist and fight together for our world, for nature, Hon. Cheptoris Sam, hands over an award Mr Jeconious Hon. Dr. Mary Goretti Kitutu State Minister for for our planet. It has given us so Musingwire as Dr Tom Okurut, NEMA ED looks on Environment makes her remarks during WED 2017 much, it is time to give back. HE Stephanie Rivoal, French Ambassador to Uganda ………………………………………… We should not cut down a forest to construct a building, neither should we encroach on a wetland to build a shopping mall. Our environment is far much better than these buildings. Little Hands Go Green Ambassadors Maria (Left) and Ivy L-R: Hon. Persis Namuganza, State Minister for Lands, Hon. Sam Cheptoris (Right) with Hon. Dr. Kitutu during WED Celebrations shares a light moment with Mr. Waiswa Ayazika, NEMA’s Director EMC and Dr. Tom Okurut, NEMA’s ED Minister of Water & Environment ………………………………………… I ask all the Ugandans today to plant a tree. If we did, we would add more than 30 million trees to the environment. Hon. Dr. Mary Goretti Kitutu State Minister for Environment …………………………………………

Mr Paul Mafabi, Director, Environmental Affairs, Ministry Local Leaders from Ibanda and the Human activities are the greatest of Water and Environment visits the NEMA stall neighboring Districts attended WED threat to the integrity of biodiversity. We need to start acting and behaving in a sustainably. Dr. Tom.O.Okurut Executive Director, NEMA ………………………………………… Nature can live without us, but we cannot live without nature. We need to hand over a clean and healthy environment to the future generation. Everyone should play their part. Priscilla Achieng, Eskom Uganda’s CEO Thomas Gangi hands over a cheque Kibibura Girls students make a presentation during WED to NEMA ED, Dr. Tom Okurut to support tree planting as Miss Earth Uganda 2016/2017 Dr. Daniel Babikwa NEMA’s Director DSPE looks on NEMA NEWS September 2017 9 THE DISTRICT ENVIRONMENT

By Richard Kamya he Ik people, estimated about 11,000 are a marginalized ethnic group located in Timu and TMorungole Forest Reserves in Kaabong District. In a 2011 Population Survey, their number was estimated at 11,217 in total. They were displaced from Kidepo Valley in the 1960s as Government was establishing a National Park. Aware of their small numbers, they chose to avoid violent clashes with the Karimojong by taking to the hills which they considered safer. They ended up in the present Timu and Morungole Forest Reserves. They Typical Ik community settlements in Kaboong District; Internet Photo are said to have originally been hunters and gatherers; customs that convinced According to Nyeko Patrick, the National many reserves were gazetted based on Kaabong leaders, to believe this group was Forestry Authority (NFA) Sector the ecological roles they played in those environmentally friendly and found no Manager in charge of Kaabong, this locations. In addition, some species can reason for their proposed eviction from group has continued to encroach on the only thrive in particular locations and the Forest Reserves. remaining forest as they clear vegetation not others (endemism). There is therefore They exhibit traditional conservation for cultivation despite caution from NFA. fear that such ecosystem services may be lost if this particular part of the forest strategies using beliefs that have helped Several debates have raged on concerning is degazzeted. The position of the Ik in in conservation of specific flora. Among the continued stay of the Ik in the the contested area remains untenable these are tree species such as Barati (local two forests. Politicians, Civil Society with the continued position of NFA that name), a broad-leaved member of the Organisations, technocrats and other wants a complete eviction of these people ficus family which the Ik believe harbours stakeholders have weighed in on the in accordance to the Forestry Act. powers for rain formation and should matter with some in support and others therefore be conserved. They originally against eviction of this group from the The National Environment Management reared some animals however, due to forest. For instances, Kamion Sub County Authority (NEMA) with funds from persistent raids from neighbouring tribes, Local Council recently passed a resolution Global Environment Facility (GEF) they are concentrating on cultivating that seeks to protect this minority through UNDP Country Office is crops such as maize, sorghum, finger community in a swap deal that would implementing the Kidepo Critical millet and cabbage as well as bee keeping. leave this part of the forest to the Ik and Landscape (KCL) Project in Six Districts NFA is compensated including Kaabong where the Ik with an equivalent people are found. The first component chunk of land of the project aims at Strengthening elsewhere for forest Management Effectiveness of the Kidepo expansion. Critical Landscape Protected Area Cluster. Using NFA as a Responsible When contacted, the Partner (RP) on the project, the Ik NFA Range Manager community entered into a Collaborative for Karamoja Okot Forest Management (CFM) process with Micheal, clarified the forestry body. that declassification or swapping of The process has so far gone through the forest reserves is not initiation, application, resource mapping a simple case since and negotiation stages. At the end of

Ik Village; Internet picture Turn to page 11

10 NEMA NEWS September 2017 OPINION

By Miriam Talwisa his year’s World Environment Day Celebration Additionally Uganda’s Wetland mapping exercise in was a historical platform for environmentalists 2008 indicated reduction of cover from 15% in 1994 under their umbrella body-Climate Action to less than 10.8% due to pressure from industrial TNetwork-Uganda to caution Ugandans against the development, settlements, agriculture, clay and sand shocks of climate change. mining. Climate champions highlighted the leadership of H.E Conflicting policy frame work linked to environmental the President of Uganda Y.K Museveni for prioritizing protection efforts has hampered effective enforcement the ongoing global and local initiatives to address and implementation leading to environmental environmental degradation and climate change agencies to grapple with balancing between political including the Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2 and interests and what their mandates are under the 13. various legal regimes (Kaveera ban enforcement illustrates the dilemma and Ugandans still ask “What Civil Society Organizations however, were concerned happened to the KAVEERA BAN”). that despite the efforts by various actors, Uganda still faces environmental challenges that continue to Other concerns are environmental compliance by undermine its capacity to deal with the impacts of investors, environmental sector being largely donor climate change. The sporadic, almost chronic, drought supported, yet it’s a pillar of our economic future. and famine that has continued to ravage parts of Uganda Until now the allocations have remained dismal and is attributed to a natural phenomenon that could be much of the subsector budget is outside the Joint prevented through concerted efforts of all stakeholders. Budget Support. The sector support framework does not seem therefore to drive us to achievement of We pointed out number of “concerns” that National Development Plan 11 targets and Vision Government would need to address in order to realize 2040 efforts of environmental conservation. Proposals for robust strategy, laws and policies Rapid population growth although presents an streamlining, environment monitoring mechanism opportunity for a bigger market, hence economic and national platform of environmental actors were growth, presents a unique threat to development the CSO’s call to Action. and quality of lives of many Ugandans. At a rate of 3.2% growth per annum, evidenced by widespread The Writer is the Communication and Advocacy encroachment on delicate ecosystems leads to loss of officer, Climate Action Network- Uganda about 6,000 hectares of forest cover per month (WWF Uganda, 2017). [email protected]

Kidepo Project Spearheads Survival of the Marginalised

From page 10 In addition, the project has supported District in addition CSOs, local politicians NFA to develop Management Plans for and opinion leaders. A draft Management the process a CFM Agreement will be the Eight Forest Reserves in Kaabong. Plan has been produced and the final plan signed between the Forest community Among other things, this Management is expected soon. When this Plan is finally and NFA. In this agreement, user as well Plan will promote conservation and operationalized, the status of the Ik in as ownership rights of the community sustainable management of the reserves Timu and Morungole Forest Reserves will and NFA to the forest are well defined. so that they perform their ecological be cemented as they will be recognized as The agreement further defines where the functions and services while mindful the forest community with Kidepo Project rights of each user group end and provides of the economic benefits to the forest playing the foster role. for punitive measures in case of breach of communities. agreement. For the Ik, the agreement not The Writer is the Project Support only gives them access to forest resources During the process, some individuals Officer Kidepo Critical Landscape but also cements their status as the Forest from the Ik community were selected to (KCL) Project be part of the Planning team together Community with ownership rights in [email protected] Timu and Morungole Forest Reserves. with technocrats from NFA, NEMA and

NEMA NEWS September 2017 11 By Luwazo Joseph

aste is regarded as any waste in our homes, workplaces material nearing the end or community centers. Perceiving of its useful life. In our waste as a baggage, lamenting over dayW to day life, waste takes several and yearning for help from those in dimensions, household waste, waste authority may not be workable as from waste management facilities, you can get rid of it or realize that waste emanating from human or it’s of high value for as long as it is animal health facilities, construction carefully, technically and legally and demolition wastes and that handled. resulting from packaging. The other Currently waste is commercially Luwazo Joseph dimensions include waste from oil, attractive to many entrepreneurs liquid fuels, agriculture and other and the business community materials that are capable of food preparation processes, animal in general. This is witnessed decomposing (organic pollutants). tissue and wood processing. from numerous mushrooming It is important to acquire waste Waste be it solid, liquid or gaseous can companies with the aim of tapping incinerators for schools, medical be of harmful, for example leading the ‘Smelly Gold’ dealing in waste waste and sewage sludge. Poor to infections, produces odor or piles collection, handling/treatment and waste management practices have could attracts flies and rodents. transportation services. intense and long term effects There are several ways how we can It is every ones responsibility to which are socially economically reduce or even overcome evils of have positive measures and attitude and environmentally demeaning. towards to manning what we I commend the business consider waste in our reach. community for investing in waste For example, we can adopt management for this has helped sorting to ease the handling us get rid us of what we do not and transportation, reuse need, as they make returns on as for organic and plastics, investment. pretreatment to do away with Though local authorities are doing nasty odour, collecting waste a lot, the onus is on you and I who from centrally gazzeted points, generate waste and fail to have it pitting what can decompose to properly directed. avoid scenery and this is very ideal for carcass and related [email protected] Communities can engage in designing waste sorting mechanisms

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Waste bins like these ones above can be Innovations of this kind are common Email: [email protected] arranged and labeled neatly in a way that in urban setting and have done a makes sorting waste easy to the community lot in controlling littering of waste

12 NEMA NEWS September 2017 By Kabishanga E.R. Shaka

flatoxins are highly toxic Aflatoxins or contaminated products in chemical poisons produced Uganda mainly by the fungus Aflatoxins are highly toxic chemical Aspergillus flavus in certain poisons produced mainly by the fungus foodA crops. The fungal toxins suppress in maize, groundnuts and yam chips; the immune system, impede growth and they also affect other high value crops development and cause liver disease and such as oilseeds and edible nuts. The Kabishanga E.R. Shaka death. Women, children and the poor are cancer-causing fungal chemicals impede particularly vulnerable. Between 2004 growth and development, cause liver addressing inequalities at all levels during and 2006, nearly 200 Kenyans died after disease and also act as an immune- programs and projects. Gender analysis consuming maize contaminated with suppressant so that affected individuals identifies women and men priorities, high levels of Aflatoxins and in 2010 over become susceptible to a wide range opportunities and constraints across scale 2 million bags of maize in the Eastern and of diseases. Livestock are also at risk sand guides the design of interventions the Central provinces were found to be highly and poultry are particularly susceptible. see policies sufficiently integrate gender. contaminated and were not tradeable. Cattle are not so susceptible but, if they Interventions address men, women and Women, children and the poor are the are fed on contaminated feed, the toxin youth priorities especially implementation ” of adoption options. most vulnerable to prolonged exposure. “Aflatoxin M1 toxin passes into the milk. In the case of Women make important contributions Uganda, high to the agricultural and rural economies levels of Aflatoxin- of all regions of the world. However, a highly toxic, the exact contribution both in terms of carcinogenic poison magnitude and of its nature is evidenced produced by a few on the roles of women in agriculture and species of Aspergillus in rural labour markets. It also looks at –are found in food demographic trends in rural areas with grains including regard to the gender composition of rural maize, cassava, populations. Women make up 60-80 President Museveni addressing PACA participants sorghum, yam, percent of the agricultural labour force. at Entebbe 2016 (Internet Photo) rice, groundnut and As seen above, women play a significant role in the agricultural labour force and in During a meeting of the Partnership for cashews. Most smallholder farmers are agricultural activities, although to a varying Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) of women and unable to prevent Aflatoxin degree. Consequently their contribution the African Union Commission held on contamination during the production th to agricultural output is undoubtedly 12 October 2016 in Entebbe, Uganda. and storage of their crops. H.E President Yoweri Museveni while extremely significant, although difficult Moreover, these women and men officially opening the 2nd PACA echoed to quantify with any accuracy. It has often often lack cost-effective ways to test for the sentiments of many when he among been claimed that women produce 60- these poisons. As a result, many may be others called on the stakeholders to be 80per cent of food. However, assigning chronically exposed to Aflatoxins in their more proactive and find solutions to the contributions to agricultural outputs by diets, putting their health and lives at severe challenges posed by Aflatoxin. He called gender is problematic because in most risk. Gender responsiveness means that we upon partners to join hands in the fight agricultural households both men and against the vexing Aflatoxin challenge. women are involved in crop production. The expected results is leadership and It can be attempted to allocate output by commitment as well developing clear gender by assuming that specific crops are strategy and ambitious yet realistic grown by women and others by men and targeting garnering further support for then aggregating the value of women’s capacity building and implementation Contaminate maize corn and groundnuts with and men’s crops to determine the share moulds leading to Aflatoxins (internet photos) support. grown by women. Turn to page 15

NEMA NEWS September 2017 13 From page 4

Compliance enforcement and eviction was done using a win-win approach which was found prudent to focus on in order to create desirable community collaboration and impact. This was arrived at after the majority of degraders expressed willingness to voluntarily leave the protection zone and only cultivate on the private land where standing partnership with the landlords existed. This was welcomed as an avenue to create strong partnership with the degraders to restore the affected areas and also create ownership for sustainability as well as avoid litigation costs. Community members/degraders participate in A team comprised of district measuring off the 100 metres protection zone technical staff, district police and local leadership was constituted to continue with the monitoring and surveillance to ensure no re- encroachment takes place. NEMA will regularly undertake monitoring and inspection to provide technical backstopping to the district monitoring team.

The community approach to protection and restoration of Lake Kakyera and its catchment was well received and appreciated Communities receive and arrange tree seedlings for planting by the degraders. If this trend is upheld, there In conclusion, the community This will create ownership and approach to protection and restoration sustain the interventions. Continuous will be minimal or no of Lake Kakyeera and its catchment engagement with the degraders and forceful compliance was well received and appreciated by local leadership is necessary to sustain the degraders. If this trend is upheld, the interventions. enforcement. This there will be minimal or no forceful will create ownership compliance enforcement. The Writer is a Senior District and sustain the Support Officer at NEMA interventions.

14 NEMA NEWS September 2017 From page 13 Gender analyses take a close look at permissible levels. However, food method of reducing Aflatoxin in the women’s relationships with men and quality and safety issues resulting field. how these relations define women’s from Aflatoxin contamination have Mycotoxins are produced by moulds roles, rights (access to and control of presented a significant obstacle that are ubiquitous in nature. They resources; other productive resources like to programmes designed to contaminate as much as one quarter land and family property), and division improve nutrition and agricultural of the world’s harvests. More than 400 of labour, interests and needs. This production while linking small mycotoxins have been identified and they distinction in roles and responsibilities farmers to markets. have a range of adverse effects on human may give rise to gender inequalities that Most farmers Uganda do not test and animal health. Aflatoxins are one of systematically favour men over women their soils and products against the better-studied mycotoxins. Ingestion (Bravo-Baumann 2000), gender- related Aflatoxins and mostly the food and concepts and definitions. Participation feed produced locally wanting levels of men and women in agricultural The Ministry of Trade in Uganda of Aflatoxins for tested. Agronomists research and development leads to have urged that contaminate soils with indicate that the country loss of better decision outcomes, performance, mycotoxins produce contaminated creativity and innovation. US. Dollars 37.56 million and crops, being contaminated with Aflatoxins also impact international mycotoxins. makes our agriculture products trade. Globally, about US$1.2 billion The Ministry of Trade in Uganda in commerce is lost annually due to less competitive on the market. indicates that the country loss Aflatoxin contamination, with African of US. Dollars 37.56 million and Aflatoxins contaminate almost economies losing US$450 million each makes our agriculture products less year due to lost trade. Aflatoxins are a quarter of global food and competitive on the market. Aflatoxins also non-tariff barriers to international contaminate almost a quarter of feeds for animal and poultry. trade since agricultural products that global food and feeds for animal and have more than the permissible levels Dry weather affects near crop poultry. Dry weather affects near crop of contamination (four parts per billion maturity because of high moisture maturity because of high in the EU) are banned. Exported goods during harvest, poor drying and have to comply with the food safety moisture during harvest, poor storage of crops. and quality requirements of importing drying and storage of crops. countries, and quality plays an important Our geographical position is in role in increasing trade volumes and the tropics, climate and weather assuring the competitiveness of African present very conducive conditions of large amounts of Aflatoxin can cause food products. With agricultural for Aflatoxins to thrive and infest death. There is also a causal association development a global priority, local susceptible food crops. Unfortunately, between chronic ingestion of Aflatoxins procurement and robust market access the affected crops are some of the and liver cancer. There are further efforts are being scaled up in Sub- upcoming commercially traded associations between Aflatoxin ingestion Saharan Africa, though little is known commodities upon which the and stunting and immunosuppression in on Uganda and its food standards and population could use to improve their children. Aflatoxins are common in maize, lives in real monetary terms…….. groundnuts and sorghum. If poultry and Aflatoxins also impact Infection by Aflatoxin-producing livestock cows eat Aflatoxin-contaminated fungi can occur at any stage, feed, around 3–7per cent of Aflatoxins are international trade. Globally, from pre-harvest to storage and passed into the milk. Pigs and poultry are about US$1.2 billion in detection methods commonly especially vulnerable to Aflatoxins and used in developed countries are consumption of Aflatoxin- contaminated commerce is lost annually due too expensive, complex and time- feed is associated with lower productivity to Aflatoxin contamination, consuming for most African farmers in livestock. to implement. The use of Aflatoxin- ……to be continued in the next issue with African economies losing tolerant cultivars, management of The writer works with New Horizons US$450 million each year due insect pests and use of moisture- and- insect-proof storage can help Women’s Education Centre to lost trade. to control Aflatoxins, but biocontrol [email protected], c a n b e practical and effective [email protected]

NEMA NEWS September 2017 15 By Bob Nuwagira s the battle to eradicate the importation, and decorate institutions that had cultivated a culture manufacture, use and sale of plastic carrier of self-compliance and corporate responsibility to bags (locally known as kaveera) continues, the lives of the citizens and the wider environmental TheA National Environment Management Authority needs. (NEMA) has recognized retail shopping stores and The ban which came after the enactment of The other supermarkets for their compliance to the ban. Finance Act, 2009 and The Finance (Permitted The awards which were given out during World Plastic Bags and other Plastics for Exceptional Use) Environment Day celebrations in Ibanda, saw Quality Regulations, 2010, had been effective following Supermarket and Capital Shoppers in Kampala massive public education programs by NEMA and among the first to receive the first ever recognition other stakeholders and had led to a 70% compliance for their compliance in offering shoppers alternatives recorded in major supermarkets and retail stores instead of the banned kaveera. Others include Shoes country wide. The enforcement exercise was halted by Retail Store, Bata Shop in Masaka, Jakana Foods the Prime Minister after protests by several polythene Kawempe, Nakumatt Supermarket in Mbarara, Titis bag manufacturers and the Uganda Manufacturers Supermarket in Kasese, and Golf Course Supermarket Association. in Mbarara, among others. Mr. Byaruhanga Isaac In April 2015, Uchumi Supermarket was the first from Fort Portal was the only individual to be retail store to voluntarily surrender about one ton of recognized for making alternative carrier bags which plastic carrier bags to NEMA. are biodegradable. The Writer is the Senior Information Education Fred Onyai, the Internal Monitoring & Evaluation & Communications Officer, NEMA Manager, NEMA, said the awards were to recognize [email protected]

NEMA NEWS EDITORIAL BOARD

Dr. Daniel Babikwa Chairperson Bob Nuwagira Editor Sarah Naigaga Copy Editor Elizabeth Mutayanjulwa Copy Editor NEMA NEWS Eva Wamala NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY Copy Editor (NEMA) Elizabeth Mutayanjulwa NEMA House, Plot 17/19/21 Jinja Road Design & Layout/ Production P.O.Box 22255 Kampala Uganda Tel.256-414-251064/5/8 Fax. +256-414-257521 Email: [email protected] National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Uganda http://www.nema.go.ug Need help? Have a question? Is it an Alert @nemaug.org CALL NEMA UGANDA 0800144444 Produced by the Department of District Support coordination and Public Education, NEMA.

16 NEMA NEWS September 2017