Ajai Wildlife Reserve

MINISTRY OF TOURISM, TRADE AND INDUSTRY (MTTI)

UGANDA WILDLIFE AUTHORITY

AJAI WILDLIFE RESERVE

GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

JANUARY 2007 – 2017

Preamble Uganda Wildlife Authority prepared this General Management Plan with funds from World Bank through the Protected Area Management and Sustainable Use project (PAMSU) and other internally generated funds.

Prepared by Uganda Wildlife Authority: Tourism, Business Development and Planning Department

Edited by Damian Akankwasa Eunice Nyiramahoro

Layout and design Edgar Buhanga Richard Kapere Justine Namara

Cover Photographs Upper photo: Cassia woodlot planted by the Former Chief Ajai

Bottom photo: Beautiful Scenery at Eramve hill (proposed campground scenery)

ii Approval The Uganda Wildlife Authority Board of Trustees approved this General Management Plan for implementation at its sitting of 23rd January 2007.

John Nagenda Chairman Board of Trustees

.....

Moses Mapesa Executive Director

2007

iii Foreword Preparation of General Management Plans (GMPs) for Protected Areas is a statutory requirement. Uganda Wildlife Authority recognises the importance of planning as a management tool and is systematically preparing GMPs for all its Protected Areas (PA’s) to realise their potential in tourism development, biodiversity conservation and contribute towards poverty reduction. So far all the 10 National Parks have GMPs in addition to some Wildlife Reserves. This General Management Plan is therefore aimed at providing Ajai Wildlife Reserve with guidance towards sustainable management of the ecosystem as well as proper development of management infrastructure and tourism facilities.

The mission of Uganda Wildlife Authority is to “conserve and sustainably manage the wildlife and protected areas in partnership with neighbouring communities and other stakeholders for the benefit of the people of Uganda and the global community”. Accordingly, GMPs for wildlife-protected areas are prepared with full stakeholder participation. The preparation of this plan was through a multidisciplinary and consultative approach involving various stakeholders at community, district and national levels to ensure that all relevant issues are adequately addressed. The Planning Team itself that prepared this GMP was composed of UWA staff as well as other stakeholders from the local government (both political and technical). The UWA Board of Trustees after careful review have also endorsed the implementation of this plan by their approval at their sitting on 23rd January 2007 held in Kidepo Valley National Park. This plan that is therefore a product of wide consultations, will enjoy the support of all stakeholders, to enhance the conservation and management of Ajai Wildlife Reserve for the benefit and enjoyment of the present and future generations.

It is therefore with great pleasure that I now entrust the Chief Warden of Murchison Falls Conservation Area in general and the Warden in Charge of Ajai Wildlife Reserve in particular, with the authority to implement this General Management Plan.

Moses Mapesa EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

iv Acknowledgements Uganda Wildlife Authority acknowledges World Bank through Protected Area Management and Sustainable Use Project (PAMSU) for contributing financial support to the preparation of this General Management Plan (GMP).

Special thanks go to the following people who were members of the planning team and worked tirelessly to prepare this GMP:

Planning team members 1. Kapere Richard (SPEIAO) (Team Leader) UWA Headquarter 2. Justine Namara (SPEIAO) UWA Headquarter 3. Asalu Edward (CW) MFCA 4. Wakhanyinywa Pascal (WLE) MFCA 5. Nakayenze Christine (WT) MFCA 6. Kato Stonewall (SWCC) (Co- team leader) MFCA 7. Mbogha F.Kambasu (AWIC) Ajai WR 8. Guma Scot (CCR) Ajai WR 9. Okwonga Aballo (LER) Ajai WR 10. Agobia H Ejoa (Fisheries Officer) Ogoko Sub County 11. Ali Jimmy (CPI representative) Ajai WR 12. Draga-Francis (Sec. Prod. & Marketing) L.C.V Arua 13. Adribo Edison (DFO) Arua 14. Odipio A Edward (DEO) Arua

Mr. Damian Akankwasa, Ms. Eunice Mahoro and Mr. Edgar Buhanga provided oversight of the whole planning process and their effort is greatly appreciated.

UWA appreciates the contributions of all her staff, partners, stakeholders, local communities and members of the Board of Trustees who were involved in one way or the other in preparation of this plan.

v Table of Contents

Preamble ...... ii Approval ...... iii Foreword ...... iv Acknowledgements ...... v Table of Contents ...... vi List of abbreviations ...... x

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 1 Background ...... 2 General Management Planning Process ...... 2 Conservation Values of Ajai ...... 3 Management Purpose of Conserving Ajai WR ...... 5 Zoning Plan ...... 5 Management programmes and Actions ...... 6 Financial projections/estimates ...... 6

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 7 1.1 Purpose of the Plan ...... 8 1.2 AWR Planning Process ...... 8 1.3 Enabling Policy and Legislation ...... 9 1.3.1 The Constitution of Uganda (1995) ...... 9 1.3.2 The Uganda Wildlife Policy (1999 Draft) ...... 9 1.3.3 The Uganda Wildlife Act Cap 200 of The Laws of Uganda 2000 ... 10 1.3.4 The National Environment Act Cap 153 of The Laws of Uganda 2000 ...... 10 1.3.5 The Tourism Policy of Uganda 2003 ...... 10 1.3.6 The National Forestry and Tree Planting Act, 2003 ...... 10 1.3.7 The Wetlands Policy 1995 ...... 11 1.3.8 International Conventions and agreements ...... 11 1.4 Description of Ajai Wildlife Reserve ...... 12 1.4.1 Historical perspective ...... 12 1.4.2 Location and Access ...... 13 1.4.3 Rainfall ...... 15 1.4.4 Vegetation ...... 15 1.4.5 Fauna...... 15 1.4.6 Socio economic background ...... 16 1.5 Conservation Values of Ajai WR ...... 17 1.5.1 Habitat for the white Rhino ...... 17 1.5.2 Historical and Cultural values ...... 17 1.5.3 Nile wetland systems and water catchments ...... 18 1.5.4 Pro conservation cultural heritage ...... 19 1.5.5 Flora and Fauna ...... 19 1.6 Purpose of AWR ...... 19 1.6.1 Background ...... 19 1.6.2 Statement of purpose for AWR ...... 20

2. THE ZONE PLAN ...... 21 2.1 Zones...... 23 vi 2.2 Rationale for Zoning ...... 23 2.3 Wilderness Zone ...... 26 2.4 Integrated Resource Use Zone ...... 27 2.5 Tourism Zone ...... 28 2.6 Administrative Zone ...... 29

3. MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES ...... 30 3.1 RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT...... 31 3.1.1 Stakeholder awareness ...... 31 3.1.1.1 Issues and Rationale ...... 31 3.1.1.2 Actions ...... 32 3.1.1.3 Summary of Actions ...... 33 3.1.2 Boundary Management...... 33 3.1.2.1 Issues and Rationale ...... 33 3.1.2.2 Actions ...... 33 3.1.2.3 Summary of actions ...... 34 3.1.3 Resettlement Programme ...... 34 3.1.3.1 Issues and Rationale ...... 34 3.1.3.2 Actions ...... 35 3.1.3.3 Summary of actions ...... 35 3.1.4 Illegal activities ...... 36 3.1.4.1 Issues and Rationale ...... 36 3.1.4.2 Actions ...... 36 3.1.4.3 Summary of actions ...... 37 3.1.5 Wildfires ...... 37 3.1.5.1 Issues and Rationale ...... 37 3.1.5.2 Actions ...... 37 3.1.5.3 Summary Actions ...... 38 3.1.6 Management of exotic tree species in Ajai Wildlife Reserve ...... 38 3.1.6.1 Issues and Rationale ...... 38 3.1.6.2 Actions ...... 38 3.1.6.3 Summary of Actions ...... 39 3.2 COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PROGRAMME ...... 40 3.2.1 Stakeholder – reserve staff relations ...... 40 3.2.1.1 Issues and Rationale ...... 40 3.2.1.2 Actions ...... 40 3.2.1.3 Summary of actions ...... 41 3.2.3 Local government collaboration ...... 41 3.2.3.1 Issues and Rationale ...... 41 3.2.3.2 Actions ...... 41 3.2.3.3 Summary of Actions ...... 42 3.2.4 Human – wildlife conflict ...... 42 3.2.4.1 Issues and rationale ...... 42 3.2.4.2 Actions ...... 43 3.2.4.3 Summary of Actions ...... 43 3.2.5 Resource harvesting ...... 44 3.2.5.1 Issues and Rationale ...... 44 3.2.5.2 Actions ...... 44 3.2.5.3 Summary of Action ...... 44 3.2.6 Community livelihoods ...... 45

vii 3.2.6.1 Issues and Rationale ...... 45 3.2.6.2 Actions ...... 45 3.2.6.3 Summary of actions ...... 45 3.3 TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ...... 46 3.3.1 Tourism Facilities ...... 46 3.3.1.1 Issues and Rationale ...... 46 3.3.1.2 Actions ...... 46 3.3.1.3 Summary of actions ...... 49 3.3.2 Marketing ...... 50 3.3.2.1 Issues and Rationale ...... 50 3.3.2.2 Actions ...... 50 3.3.2.3 Summary of actions ...... 51 3.3.3 Revenue collection ...... 51 3.3.3.1 Issues and Rationale ...... 51 3.3.3.2 Actions ...... 52 3.3.3.3 Summary of actions ...... 52 3.4 MONITORING AND RESEARCH PROGRAMME ...... 53 3.4.1 Data on Wildlife and its habitats ...... 53 3.4.1.1 Issues and Rationale ...... 53 3.4.1.2 Actions ...... 53 3.4.1.3 Summary of actions ...... 54 3.4.2 Resource off takes ...... 54 3.4.2.1 Issues and Rationale ...... 54 3.4.2.2 Actions ...... 54 3.4.2.3 Summary of actions ...... 54 3.4.3 Environmental Impacts Monitoring ...... 55 3.4.3.1 Issues and Rationale ...... 55 3.4.3.2 Actions ...... 55 3.4.3.3 Summary of actions ...... 55 3.5 Reserve Operations ...... 56 3.5.1 Staff infrastructure and equipment ...... 56 3.5.1.1 Issues and Rationale ...... 56 3.5.1.2 Actions ...... 57 3.5.1.3 Summary of actions ...... 57 3.5.2 Staff recruitment ...... 58 3.5.2.1 Issues and Rationale ...... 58 3.5.2.2 Actions ...... 58 3.5.3 Management Capacity improvement ...... 58 3.5.3.1 Issues and Rationale ...... 58 3.5.3.2 Actions ...... 58 3.5.3.3 Summary of Actions ...... 59

4 IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND EVALUATION ...... 60 4.2 Implementation ...... 60 4.3 Monitoring ...... 60 4.4 Plan Evaluation ...... 60

REFERENCES ...... 61

APPENDICES ...... 62

viii APPENDIX 1: Staffing in AWR ...... 62 APPENDIX 2: List of Equipment in AWR ...... 62 APPENDIX 3: Visitor statistics (1999-2005) ...... 63 APPENDIX 4: Mammals checklist ...... 63 APPENDIX 5: Bird species checklist ...... 63 APPENDIX 6: List of participants ...... 65 6.1 Orientation workshop ...... 65 6.2 Sub county consultations ...... 66 6.2.1 Rhino Camp Subcounty ...... 66 6.2.2 Ogoko Subcounty ...... 67 6.2.3 Okollo/Uleppi Subcounties ...... 68 6. 3 District Consultations ...... 69

List of abbreviations AOP Annual Operations Plan BoT Board of Trustees CA Conservation Area CAO Chief Administrative Officer CBO Community Based Organisation CC Contracts Committee CCC Community Conservation Coordinator CCO Community Conservation Officer CCR Community Conservation Ranger CH Controlled Hunting Area CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora CM Concessions Manager CPI Community Protected Area Institution CW Chief Warden DDFO Deputy Director Field Operations DEO District Environment Officer DFO Director Field Operations DFO District Forest Officer DTBDP Director Tourism, Business Development and Planning ED Executive Director EIA Environmental Impact Assessment FD Forest Department GMP General Management Plan HRM Human Resource Manager LG Local Government LM Legal Manager MFCA Murchison Falls Conservation Area MFNP Murchison Falls National Park MM Marketing Manager MoU Memorandum of Understanding MRC Monitoring and Research Coordinator MTTI Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry MRO Monitoring and Research Officer NUSAF Northern Uganda Social Action Fund NEMA National Environment Management Authority NFA National Forestry Authority NGO Non-Governmental Organisation N.P National Park

x NRC Natural Resources Coordinator Sec. NR & E Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment PA Protected Area PAMSU Protected Area Management and Sustainable Use PC Partnership Coordinator PEIAC Planning and Environment Impact Assessment Coordinator PEIAO Planning and Environment Impact Assessment Officer PM Procurement Manager PRM Public Relations Manager RBDC Ranger based data collection Sanc. Animal Sanctuary TM Top Management UWA Uganda Wildlife Authority WCC Warden Community Conservation WCS Wildlife Conservation Society WFP World Food Programme WIC Warden in Charge WLE Warden Law Enforcement WMR Warden Monitoring and Research WR Wildlife Reserve WT Warden Tourism

xi AJAI WILDLIFE RESERVE LANDSCAPE

xii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background Ajai Wildlife Reserve was named after a famous Chief called Ajai who ruled the area from 1905 - 1950. In 1937, Chief Ajai declared the area a game sanctuary to protect “unique wild animals”, the White Rhinos (now extinct) on the advice of a British Missionary called Dr. Williams. Dr. Williams who had leprosy centre and Church at Kuluva (about 2km from present day Arua Town) had come to collect herbs from the forest (Stewart, 1992).

In 1964 after the death of the Chief, the sanctuary was officially gazetted as Ajai Game Reserve under the management of the former Game Department with the purpose of strengthening the protection of the White Rhinos. To operationalise the declaration of Ajai Game Reserve, notices were issued to local communities who resided in and around the reserve in 1965 (Ofuti, 2001). In 1996 when Uganda Wildlife Authority was created, Ajai Game Reserve management was transferred to the Authority and renamed Ajai Wildlife Reserve in line with the statutory provisions.

Ajai Wildlife Reserve is located in Ogoko, Okollo and Uleppi subcounties of Madi-okollo County in South eastern part of Arua District. It is 166sq.km (Boundary Plan UWA/AJWR/1) in area and altitude ranges from 700m to 900m above sea level. The Eastern point makes boundary with the Western bank of the Nile River. The reserve encompasses two river tributaries; Ala and Acha, whose waters flow to the Nile through the Ala and Obei swamps. The northern and eastern areas are largely low altitude wooded savannah with scattered Combretum trees. In the southern section Eramve and Inde ridges rise up of the wooded savanna and support dry grassland that makes a continuous link with Ombi hills in the north western part of the reserve.

The reserve is encroached, with two villages established within the boundaries. These are Madelli and Degiya. At least one of the village, Madelli, is known to have been in existence before the reserve was established; the history of Degiya is not clear, although records suggest main settlement expansion began in the early 1980s.

Ajai Wildlife Reserve has never had a GMP but has been managed using Annual Operation Plans. The original purpose for which the reserve was gazetted (not documented), which was to conserve the white rhinos, has since changed due to extinction of these species.

General Management Planning Process A GMP is a management tool, which is used to guide PA managers and other interested parties on how the PA should be managed today and in the future (IUCN, 2003). As a management tool, planning helps PA managers to define and then achieve the mandate of the protected area under their management. Management planning does not end with the production of the plan, but constant monitoring is undertaken to test effectiveness of the plan.

The UWA GMP Process Manual, 2000, specifies that in order for the GMP to cover all issues in management, an interdisciplinary team should be constituted to comprise of UWA staff (Planning Unit and staff of the PA being planned for) and appropriate representatives from government, target districts, agencies affected by the plan, NGOs directly involved with the PA, and technical specialists from various disciplines. This team should not exceed 20 members and not less than 12 members.

Therefore the Planning process in AWR started with the selection of a multidisciplinary team, which team was then involved in the solicitation of views and identification of proposals for proper management of the reserve.

A planning team of 14 people, 4 of whom are representatives from the local government, and 1 representative from the Community Protected Area Institution (CPI), 3 AWR staff, 4 staff from MFNP and 2 UWA Headquarter staff was selected. The team went through an orientation, agreed on roles and responsibilities and drew up a programme for the planning process.

After an initial field reconnaissance, the team embarked on an intensive consultation process that involved consulting resource users, subcounty leaders, District leaders, NGOs and CBO’s representatives (appendix 6). After the consultations, a proposal generation workshop was held for the planning team to harmonise views received from various stakeholders and agree on proposals for the general management plan. The rest of this document provides a summary of issues discussed during the proposal generation workshop.

Identification of actions during the Identification of issues during the proposal generation workshop consultations

Conservation Values of Ajai The area was established as a White Rhino sanctuary. However, the Northern White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium Simum Cottoni) became extinct mainly through illegal hunting for meat, traditional medicine and trophies. The prevailing view among local people living adjacent to Ajai wildlife reserve is that the absence of Rhinos makes the reserve lose its original purpose. 3

Fishing is done as a tradition in swamps and rivers within Ajai wildlife reserve. The swamps and rivers include Ala, Acha, Foro, Ore, Aliku, Gazi and Muzara. After getting permission from the local traditional chiefs/elders, residents of all ages equipped with all types of fishing gears head for their known fishing sites along the swamps and rivers. All types of fish and other reptiles are scooped out of the water and left to die if not favoured as food. The strong belief within the community is that any body not authorised by the chief to go for fishing will not survive. Chances are that he/she can be bitten to death by a snake. This traditional fishing is done in the months of February and August as a climax season during the dry season each year.

To induce rainfall in times of rain scarcity, the local communities around the reserve use a secretive area within Ombi hills in the reserve to perform their traditional rituals. The particular area has not been disclosed for fear of being misused by the rival clans to induce suffering on each other. Following cries from the affected families, a traditional chief is contacted to perform the rituals that would end up causing rain to pour and in the event white ants also come out and are collected for food.

Other areas, which are used by the local communities for their various rituals, include; Osivayiadi-Liriva area around Eramve hill for curing various ailments Eranga area within Ombi hills where a fig tree exists that is used by women for fertility improvement.

The Nile wetland system in AWR comprises of Acha wetland, Obei swamp, Ala/Gazi river system, Nile river swamps, Linya river system, Water catchments around Ombi, Inde and Eramve hills. Wooded savanna predominates with patches of moist woodland and seasonally flooded and swamp grassland.

During the earlier days when conservation of wildlife was not taken seriously, traditional hunting among the Madi and Alur inhabitants of the area was done for meat, skins, medicine and trophies. The Madi used horns in Osegu, Mgbiri and Ndara/ Aguara traditional dances. Among the Alur community, the Njige, and Convoy-Rakaraka are the cultural dances. These dances used to be performed by the hunters to show their bravery while the animal trophies were used to pay loyalty to the Chief. At present the situation has changed in that the traditional dances are performed as village amusements during parties/ceremonies and as history for the young generation to learn the old days of living.

Beautiful Art and Craft depicting the traditional life styles of the people of the area during the time of Chief Ajai are made by the talented individuals within the villages and sold in trading centres and towns such as Pakwach. Unique traditional food dishes such as “Asua” made from white Ants are also prepared and enjoyed by the communities in and around Ajai wildlife reserve.

Ajai WR has seven distinct vegetation types. These include grasslands, wooded grasslands, woodlands, riverine woodlands, swamp and riverine

4 grasslands, and papyrus swamps. The variety of different vegetation types, particularly the wetlands, provides a range of habitats, which enhances the potential of the reserve to keep fauna diversity. Poaching in the past drastically reduced large mammal populations in the reserve. There remain small populations of large mammals including: Sitatunga, Uganda Kob, Waterbucks, Bushbucks, and Hippopotamus, the primates include: Black and White Colobus, Vervet Monkeys and the Olive Baboons. An effort to reintroduce White Rhinos is highly welcome by the local communities around the reserve. About 122 bird species have been inventoried in the reserve and popular among them is the Pel’s fishing owl.

Management Purpose of Conserving Ajai WR After a review of AWR’s history including the original purpose which, was to protect “unique wild animals”, the White Rhinos that are now extinct, the new purpose of managing AWR under its current status for the next ten years is:

To protect and conserve diverse fauna and flora, wetland systems as a link to river Nile, White Rhino habitat, historical and cultural attributes for the benefit of the people of West Nile, Uganda and the International community.

Zoning Plan Zoning is a planning tool used to map protected areas into distinct spatial areas according to their resource values and sensitivity. This general management plan divides AWR into management zones. The zoning seeks to balance conservation, tourism, management and sustainable use of resources by neighbouring communities. Four zones have been identified. These are Wilderness, Tourism, Administrative and Integrated Resource Use Zones.

The Wilderness Zone will provide a high level of protection to representative ecosystems of the reserve. The only activities permitted within this zone will be law enforcement, research and movement of tourists. Fire management will be carried out in the zone to preserve natural habitats and to prevent damaging fires spreading into other parts of the reserve.

The Administrative Zones will contain areas of infrastructure required for purposes of management. These will include areas for ranger outposts and reserve headquarters.

The Tourism Zone will encompass existing and new tourist trails, campsites, Bandas and other tourism facilities to be developed at a later time during the implementation of this Plan.

In the integrated resource use zone, communities will be permitted to harvest resources subject to agreements with AWR management.

Research will be carried out in any part of the reserve and therefore no zone has been specified for it.

5 Management programmes and Actions Objectives have been formulated for the various key programmes within AWR. Actions to be undertaken to achieve the objectives have also been described. The objectives formulated are intended to address issues and problems identified during the planning process.

UWA will seek to protect wildlife, vegetation and landscapes within the AWR boundaries. These resources were negatively affected by human activities as a result of insecurity in the 1970’s during the reign of Idi Amin. It is during this time that the White Rhinos were seriously poached leading to their extinction in the late 1980’s.

AWR staff will utilise the Monitoring Information System (MIST) and in addition, they will be trained in data collection. Management will provide funding towards research that provides answers to the day-to-day management problems of the reserve.

Management, through the community conservation unit will spearhead the community sensitisation programme to ensure better understanding and participation of the communities and local governments in the management of the reserve. The various stakeholders will be identified and their roles determined. Management will also work with clan heads and elders to identify and map out cultural sites and trails that communities would like to use and allow access through memoranda of understanding with the communities.

There has not been any tourism activity in AWR because of lack of proper tourism infrastructure. The reserve has not been marketed for tourism. This GMP proposes to develop the reserve for tourism so that revenue can be generated in future. This will also enhance its conservation status and support from both the Government and local communities.

AWR currently has no Ranger outposts in the entire reserve. Ranger operations spring from the headquarters located at Inde. This plan has identified two sites where ranger outposts will be constructed during the implementation of this plan. For the smooth running of AWR, regular staff appraisals will be carried out, as is the practice in UWA. Regular training needs assessment will be carried out and staff trained as necessary.

Financial projections/estimates During the proposal generation workshop, financial proposals were made to help provide a budget for the plan. This is the first GMP to have an implementation budget estimates. The figures provided per each proposed activity are based on planning team member’s experience in the field, the nature of the activity, previous annual operations plan budget and actual expenditures. In addition to the above considerations, a 5% annual inflation rate has been incorporated in the final budget figure estimates per activity. In total, this 10 year GMP for AWR will consume an estimated One billion, five hundred fifty eight million four hundred and ten thousand (1,558,410,000/=) Uganda shillings to implement all the proposed activities.

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of the Plan Ajai Wildlife Reserve (AWR) is one of the twelve wildlife reserves managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Ajai Wildlife Reserve was named after a famous Chief called Ajai. In 1937, Chief Ajai declared the area a game sanctuary to protect “unique wild animals”, the White Rhinos (now extinct). In 1964 after the death of the Chief, the sanctuary was officially gazetted as Ajai Game Reserve under the management of the former Game Department with the purpose of strengthening the protection of the White Rhinos. In 1996 when Uganda Wildlife Authority was created, Ajai Game Reserve management was transferred to the Authority and renamed Ajai Wildlife Reserve in line with statutory provisions.

The management of protected areas such as Ajai Wildlife Reserve is complex involving not just the preserving of its boundaries but also relationships between the reserve and the communities, tourism development, reserve operations and management, monitoring and research as well as resource conservation and management. To manage this complex environment, requires forward planning involving all stakeholders.

UWA has therefore put in place planning process for the preparation of General Management Plans (GMPs), which guide management of protected areas under her jurisdiction. The GMP is an essential tool to guide management processes and structure the endeavours of management to protect and conserve the Protected Areas (PA).

This GMP identifies desired conditions for AWR during a ten-year period and presents strategies to enable Reserve managers achieve set objectives in this period. It should be noted that since being gazetted a wildlife reserve, Ajai has not had a management plan to guide its management. Management has been based on annual operation plans.

1.2 AWR Planning Process It is UWA policy to involve all stakeholders in all its activities but particularly in the preparation of GMPs for its PAs. This plan is therefore the result of an interactive process that involved the various stakeholders with interest in AWR. An interdisciplinary planning team composed of representatives from UWA, District local government and local community representatives has been responsible for preparing this plan. On top of having an interactive process, wide consultations were carried out to seek views of the various stakeholders as part of the planning process. The process also benefited from lessons learned from the preparation, in the recent past, of GMPs for other PAs among which are Semuliki, and Rwenzori Mountains National Parks.

The GMP planning process began in August 2005 with an Initiation meeting, in which the UWA Planning Unit and the MFCA including AWR senior management met to develop the planning schedule and identify members of the planning team. The constituted planning team at its first meeting (orientation) identified problems, issues and other concerns that formed the basis of this plan. This was followed by a field reconnaissance exercise,

8 where the planning team visited sites in and around AWR relevant for Reserve management, resource extraction, research, tourism and community issues. Reconnaissance was particularly important in ensuring that the planning team is fully aware of the conditions of the resources and infrastructure and the problems faced by the reserve to be in a better position to formulate strategies for addressing them.

Stakeholder Consultations then followed where various categories of stakeholders were consulted during workshops. These included local government officials, non-governmental organisations, communities living adjacent to the reserve and members of community groups. A list of the members who attended various meetings and workshops conducted during the consultations is presented in appendix 6.

The contents of the plan were then developed at a Proposal Generation Workshop. Here management objectives relating to a desired condition of the reserve environment were formulated based on the problems and issues earlier identified. These objectives were then used to develop plan actions that define the nature of reserve management over the following decade. A summary of the main contents was then developed into a concept document that was edited by UWA staff and then presented for review to UWA Top Management before drafting of the plan was done.

The above activities were carried out between August 2005 and January 2006. A draft plan was prepared for review within the planning team and other staff members, and UWA Top Management before being submitted to stakeholders for comment. Approval was granted by the Board of Trustees at its sitting on 23rd January 2007.

1.3 Enabling Policy and Legislation It is essential for PA managers to understand some of the relevant laws that empower them and the legal instruments by which the reserve was established. With this knowledge, they can effectively conduct law-enforcement work, ensure appropriate stakeholder participation in the management of the PA and address any challenges to its integrity. Some of the laws and policies pertaining to wildlife and biodiversity conservation in Uganda are summarised below.

1.3.1 The Constitution of Uganda (1995) Overall government policy on natural resource conservation is enshrined in the Constitution, which provides that the State shall protect important natural resources such as land, water, wetlands, minerals, fauna and flora on behalf of the people of Uganda. Furthermore, the State shall create and develop parks and reserves to protect the biodiversity of Uganda (objectives XIII and XXVII).

1.3.2 The Uganda Wildlife Policy (1999 Draft) The draft Uganda Wildlife Policy of 1999 is a revision of a 1995 version prepared prior to the enactment of the Uganda Wildlife Statute 1996. This policy aims at making wildlife management more acceptable to Ugandans by

9 ensuring that resources contribute to the well being of present and future generations. The policy seeks to conserve areas with great biological diversity which are representative of the major ecosystem of Uganda.

1.3.3 The Uganda Wildlife Act Cap 200 of The Laws of Uganda 2000 The management of wildlife and protected areas is guided by the Uganda Wildlife Act1 of 2000 (Chapter 200 in the Laws of Uganda, 2000) which states, "a protected area shall be an area of international and national importance because of its biological diversity, landscape or national heritage”. The Act authorises UWA to assume responsibility for wildlife management in Uganda, both inside and outside its protected areas. Under the Act, a Board of Trustees is appointed by the Minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry as the governing body of UWA. The Act also includes all the Schedules of the repealed Game (Preservation and Control) Act, 1964, (the principal legislation of the former Game Department), and the National Parks Act, 1952.

1.3.4 The National Environment Act Cap 153 of The Laws of Uganda 20002 The National Environment Act establishes the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) as the principal agency in Uganda for the management of the environment. Section 37(1) of the Act provides for the identification and sustainable management of wetlands. Wetlands according to Section 37 (2) can be of “local, national and international importance as ecosystems and habitats of species of fauna and flora”.

The Third Schedule of the Act requires that environmental impact studies be carried out when national parks, game reserves (now wildlife reserves) and buffer zones and several other developments are being established. Guidelines for this process are given in the National Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 1998.

1.3.5 The Tourism Policy of Uganda 2003 The Tourism Policy recognises that in the 1960’s Uganda was a main tourism destination in Eastern Africa and therefore tourism was one of the major economic sectors for the country. Unfortunately the turmoil of the 1970’s and 1980’s drastically reduced wildlife numbers and destroyed infrastructure resulting into reduced numbers of tourists. This policy is aimed at ensuring that tourism becomes a vehicle for poverty eradication in the future to the extent possible within the resource base and market limitations. It further recognises UWA’s role and contribution towards the achievement of this objective. This is mainly in the area of managing and developing the extensive resource base as well as developing and marketing various products. The policy further emphasises the need to facilitate the flow of tourists within the region and promotion of East Africa as a single tourist destination.

1.3.6 The National Forestry and Tree Planting Act, 2003 The Act provides for among other things, the conservation, sustainable management and development of forests, and the promotion of tree planting

1 First enacted as the Uganda Wildlife Statute No. 14 of 1996 2 First enacted as the National Environment Statute No. 4 of 1995 10 for the benefit of people of Uganda and the international community. It classifies forests in Uganda as central forest reserves, local forest reserves, community forests and forests forming part of a wildlife conservation area declared under the Uganda Wildlife Statute, 1996. The Act recognizes various stakeholders in the management of forest reserves, which should be guided by the Management Plan prepared by the responsible body. In addition the Act aims at ensuring that forests and trees are conserved and managed in a manner that meets the needs of the present generation without comprising the rights of future generations by safeguarding forest biological diversity and the environmental benefits that accrue from forest and trees.

1.3.7 The Wetlands Policy 1995 Wetlands cover about 10% of Uganda’s total land surface and provide a range of biophysical and socio-economic functions. The National Wetlands Policy for the conservation and management of wetland resources seeks to promote the conservation of wetlands in order to sustain their values for the present and future well being of the people. The Policy sets five goals:

• To establish the principles by which wetland resources can be optimally used now and in the future • To end practices which reduce wetland productivity • To maintain the biological diversity of natural or semi-natural wetlands • To maintain wetland functions and values • To integrate wetland concerns into the planning and decision making of other actors

AWR has a fairly large area covered with wetlands and swamps. These include the Nile wetland system comprising of Acha wetlands, Obei swamp and Nile river swamps. The provisions of this GMP therefore take into account the above policy goals in addressing the impacts.

1.3.8 International Conventions and agreements The following conventions are some of the most relevant to the conservation of biodiversity in Uganda:

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 1992: In 1993, Uganda became a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity, which in Article 8, obliges member states to: • Establish a system of protected areas • Develop guidelines for the selection, establishment and management of protected areas • Promote the protection of ecosystems, natural habitats and the maintenance of viable populations of species in natural surroundings

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Uganda is a party to CITES, which obliges member states to adhere to the recommendations of the Conference of Parties with respect to trade in endangered species.

11 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, 1971: The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands emphasises the need to conserve wetlands and requires member states to include at least one wetland on the list of Wetlands of International Importance. Uganda already has the L. George area and Nabugabo wetland as Ramsar sites and more are being proposed.

Convention on migratory species of wild animals (CMS): Realising that animal migration is a global phenomenon in response to biological requirements, several countries (79 as of February 2002) have come together under the CMS, also known as the Bonn Convention, to cooperate in the conservation of animals that migrate across national boundaries and between areas of national jurisdiction and the sea. The Convention aims to improve the status of all threatened migratory species through national action and international Agreements between range states of particular groups of species. Agreements can range from legally binding multilateral treaties to less formal memoranda of understanding. The object of such agreements is to restore the migratory species to a favourable conservation status or to maintain it at that status.

The Convention has two appendices: Appendix I lists endangered migratory species, Appendix II lists migratory species to be subject to agreements. It also establishes a scientific council to provide advice on scientific matters.

1.4 Description of Ajai Wildlife Reserve

1.4.1 Historical perspective Ajai WR named after Chief Ajai was declared a game sanctuary in 1937. Thereafter, the sanctuary was gazetted a Game reserve under the game department in 1965 by SI No. 147 of 1965. During that time people were staying within the reserve as evidenced by the presence of exotic trees like Mangoes and Cassia forest patches at Inde and Aliwariku planted by the then Madi Okollo County Chief, Ajai in the 1930’s. During this period, there was an outbreak of inter clan civil wars and sleeping sickness epidemic that killed many people and forced those who survived to vacate the area hence leaving game to multiply. Chief Ajai left Aliwariku Island and settled at Amadri now Ojidriku where he died and was buried in 1955. Since time immemorial traditional hunting among the Madi and Alur inhabitants of the area was for meat, skins and horns which were used in Isego/Imgbiri and Ndara/Aguara traditional dances by the hunters to show their bravery and were also paid as loyalty to the Chief. In the 1950’s to 1960’s Ajai was a famous tourist/spot hunters destination in the then West Nile region earning the Government a lot of revenue and game meat was given to the local people. However, during the lawlessness and poor management of the 1970’s to 1980’s the Rhino population and other big game species had been greatly reduced. Hence in 1979 the White Rhino was no longer being seen in the area and in 1994, the last 2 remaining Buffaloes were wiped by poachers in Obei swamp. Likewise other animal populations like Uganda Kobs, Warthogs, water bucks, Hippos and Statuga were reduced.

12 In 1996 when Uganda Wildlife Authority was created it was renamed Ajai Wildlife Reserve. It is 166 sq.km in area and ranges from 700m to 900m above sea level in altitude.

1.4.2 Location and Access Ajai Wildlife Reserve is located between Ogoko, Okollo, Rhino camp and Uleppi subcounties of Madi-okollo County in South-eastern part of Arua District. It lies within the following geographical coordinates of 20 55’ and 30 00’ North, and 310 05’ and 310 25’E. It is bordered by the seasonal rivers Linya and Ala to the west and Acharo to the south- east. It touches the Albert Nile to the East. It is situated 431km North of the capital city Kampala.

Ajai WR can be approached Via Kampala-Pakwach-Wadellai-Inde/Ajai or Kampala-Pakwach-Nebbi-Arua-Inde/Ajai-Pakwach. The types of transport mainly used are bicycles, Motorcycles and pickups. Its headquarters is at Inde next to Ogoko subcounty headquarters.

Figure 1: Map showing Location of Ajai Wildlife Reserve

Ajai Wildlife KVNP OF LCHA Reserve S MK S WMCH A NKCH A EMCH A MW ALGR AW R BKW R SKCHA

MFN KFCH NTCHA P A NCH A BUWR ETCH KW A R L. PUW KTCHA L. SECHA

BUCHA SCH MEN A P key

SN N.P T/SWR P W.R

JAS F.R KIN RN P KACH P A CH A KAW R Sanc EAS KYWR QEN L. P

LMN P KIW Scal 0 80k e m BIN P

MGN P

1.4.3 Rainfall Rainfall tends to follow the general pattern in the region, with totals over 1000m per annum, not evenly distributed and with dry spells in March and December.

1.4.4 Vegetation The Northern and Eastern areas are largely low altitude wooded savanna merging into a swamp. In the southern section a ridge (854m) rises up out of the wooded savanna and supports dry grassland on the north-eastern slope. There is a range of wetland habitats within the reserve associated with a moisture gradient. Wooded savanna predominates with patches of moist woodland and seasonally flooded and swamp grassland fringed by palm swamp forest, grading to permanent swamp. The wildlife Reserve is characterised by six distinct vegetation types in addition to cultivated land namely:

Wooded grassland: Wooded grassland form an open canopy of 10-40% cover with a herbaceous layer characteristically dominated by a grassland association and an intermediate layer usually absent with grass species comprising more than 75% (White, 1983). The vegetation type is a mosaic community, which varies in character over the reserve with different associated tree and grass species. Monocultures of the primary associates occur although never in areas greater than 200 sq. metres.

Woodland: The wooded grassland grades into woodland with indistinct borders between the low vegetation types. Only two major areas of woodland occur, both adjacent to the permanent swamp. The woodland is 40 – 75% with forbes being more dominant in herbaceous layer and shrubs in the understorey (White, 1983).

Riverrine woodland: Riverine woodland canopy cover is greater than 75% and canopy height 10-20 m. The vegetation assemblage occurs as thin as 10- 20 m wide or as sparse as only one or two trees wide strips along rivers or swamp fringes often blending into Phoenix reclinata swamp forest fragments.

Papyrus swamp: Papyrus swamp occurs mainly in the east of the Obei swamp adjacent to the Nile, but also as frequent small patches throughout the rest of the permanent swamp. Overall, it is permanent standing water with a herbaceous layer almost exclusively dominated by papyrus with no other vegetation layers present.

1.4.5 Fauna Birds: There are about 120 bird species in Ajai Wildlife Reserve (see Appendix 5) compared with the 440 bird species recorded for Murchison Falls National Park.

Mammals: The variety of different vegetation type, particularly the wetlands, provides a range of habitats, which enhances the fauna diversity of Ajai Wildlife Reserve. However the break of law and order in Uganda during the

15 late 1970’s paved way for uncontrolled hunting in this reserve. Hunting, both for meat and trophies over the last two decades has had a devastating effect on the large mammals and led to disappearance of others. The endangered Northern race White Rhino (Ceeratotherium Simum Cottoni), which was the reason for the original gazettment, got extinct by 1981. Currently large mammals which have been sighted in the reserve are in Appendix 4 and include: Sitatunga, Uganda Kob, Buffaloes, Waterbucks, Bushbucks, Dikdik, Blue Duiker, Oribi, Warthog, Bush Pig, Bohor Reedbuck and Hippopotamus. The primates include: Black and White Colobus, Vervet Monkeys, Patus monkeys and the Olive Baboon.

1.4.6 Socio economic background The population around the AWR comprise of mainly the resident Madi Okollo and Alur tribes and the Maracha, Vurra, Aringa and Terego Lugbara speaking tribes who have immigrated to cultivate the still virgin vast lands in Madi – Okollo County. The Madi and Alur tribes live under clan-structured arrangements, which are clustered in units, and they keep growing bigger resulting into formation of villages.

Madi-Okollo county is ranked the most backward out of the 8 counties constituting Arua district with high illiteracy rates, poverty and general impoverishement. The table below shows population of the 4 sub – counties around Ajai Wildlife Reserve.

Population of Parishes around AWR Total Population by Parish, Sex, Number of Households, and Average Household Size

County Average Sub County Population Household Parish Households Male Female Total Size Madi-okollo

Ogoko Ayavu 525 1,228 1,256 2,484 4.7 Enyio 268 654 763 1,417 5.3 Olali 389 1,149 1,277 2,426 6.2 Panduku 366 976 1,043 2,019 5.5 Okollo Ajibu 656 1,352 1,486 2,838 4.3 Onyomu 697 1,497 1,681 3,178 4.6 Rhino Camp Anipi 334 840 912 1,752 5.2 Gbulukuatuni 747 1,758 1,904 3,662 4.9 Uleppi Arara 380 719 820 1,539 4.1

Source: 2002 Population and Housing Census

According to the 2002 national population and housing census, the Ogoko subcounty has a population of around 13,797 people and of these 50% interfere with the boundary of this protected area.

16 The people live mainly in huts made of mad and wattle and grass and most of the building materials especially thatching materials are obtained from Ajai Wildlife Reserve. Other materials got from the reserve include; ropes, fibres twigs and papyrus. The population practices furrowing type of farming, growing sorghum, simsim, millet, G.nuts, tobacco, cotton, cow peas and cassava. Sedentary cultivation is practiced on the river banks and swamps of Ala and Acha where crops like sugar canes, yams, okra, potatoes, bananas, rice and tomatoes are planted.

Fishing is done in rivers Ala, Acha, Foro, Ore Aliku, Gazi, Muzara using scooping baskets, hooks, small size nets, torch and spear and aestivated fish dug out by hoes and pangas during the dry season. The species caught include Clarias spp commonly known as ase (madi – Lugbara), Tilapia (foro), and Protopterus spp (Owhi). The local people also hunt for meat, and gather wild fruits like odu, Borassus fruits, shear nuts, Tamarindus, agbirici and medicinal plants like rokoroko, and nda from the reserve.

The local community also engage in small scale trading mainly in locally produced food staffs like fish, local brew, charcoal, papyrus mats, honey, medicinal herbs and wild meat. They also trade in finished goods like in Ayavu, Odraka, Uleppi, Baribu, Pawor, Matangacia, Ojidriku, Rhino camp, Anguibo and Ajia markets.

Majority of people draw their water from the wetlands and rivers and a few boreholes most of which have salty water. The boreholes are being provided by projects under NUSAF, ACAV and World Vision. There are high illiteracy levels in the subcounties and disease outbreaks like malaria, bilharzia, typhoid, cholera and dysentery are common.

1.5 Conservation Values of Ajai WR

1.5.1 Habitat for the white Rhino The area was established as a White Rhino Sanctuary. However, the Northern White Rhinoceros (Ceeratotherium simum cottoni) became extinct mainly through illegal hunting for meat, traditional medicine (the horn which is known to have medicinal value) and trophies. The only remaining population in the wild are now in Garamba National Park in the DRC where they are also threatened with extinction. The prevailing view among local people living adjacent to Ajai wildlife reserve is that the absence of Rhinos makes the reserve loose its original purpose. Increased conservation efforts, sharing of information on poaching, presence of suitable flora and associated fauna can support the existence of the White Rhinos when reintroduced in the reserve as most people in the area demand.

1.5.2 Historical and Cultural values According to the stories as told by the Elders (Onzima and Ayivuni) in Ogoko, and Rhino camp subcounties, Chief Ajai’s parents were immigrants from Acholi land. They migrated as a result of conflict in their clan. Ajai was a kid by then of around two years born in 1890. His father called Leyi was killed while crossing river Nile back to Acholi land to see his other two brothers.

Before Ajai became a chief/King, he proved his bravery by killing the man called Andrionzi at that time believed to be strong in Ogoko. He was arrested by the British who ruled Buganda (Uganda) by then. He was later released on bond of thirty ivories. The King in the area at the time Ajai was released was called Ageno Sindani and was known to be the king of Rains. After arresting the King of Rains for poisoning a woman, Ajai was made Chief in 1905 and he was very much respected because of his well-built muscle structure and bravery. He later, together with his Aides (councillors) in 1937 following the advice from the British Missionary decided to declare a game sanctuary called Ajai game sanctuary in the present day Madi-Okollo county.

Fishing is done as a tradition in swamps and rivers within Ajai wildlife reserve. The swamps and Rivers include Ala, Acha, Foro, Ore, Aliku, Gazi and Muzara. After getting permission from the local traditional chiefs/elders, residents of all ages equipped with all types of fishing gears head for their known fishing sites along the swamps and rivers. All types of fish and other reptiles are scooped out of the water and left to die if not favoured as food. The strong belief within the community is that any body not authorised by the chief to go fishing will not survive. Chances are that he/she can be bitten to death by a snake. This traditional fishing is done in the months of February and August as a climax season during the dry season each year.

To induce rainfall in times of rain scarcity, the local communities around the reserve use a secretive area within Ombi hills in the reserve to perform their traditional rituals. The particular area has not been disclosed for fear of being misused by the rival clans to induce suffering on each other. Following cries from the affected families, a traditional chief is contacted to perform the rituals that would end up causing rain fate and in the event white ants also come out and are collected for food.

1.5.3 Nile wetland systems and water catchments The Nile wetland system in AWR comprises of Acha wetland, Obei swamp, Ala/Gazi river system, Nile river swamps, Linya river system, Water catchments around Ombi, Inde and Eramve hills. Wooded savanna predominates with patches of moist woodland and seasonally flooded and swamp grassland. Common grasses in Ajai Wildlife Reserve include Hyperhenia spp, Pannicum maximum, Heteropogany, Clarius gayana and many others. Wooded grassland form an open canopy with the herbaceous layer characterised by a grassland association and an intermediate layer. The wooded grassland grades into woodland with distinct borders between the two vegetation types. Forbs are more dominant in herbaceous layer and shrubs in the understorey. The swamp and riverine grasslands of tall grass associations occur along river and swamp fringes, and over most of the permanent Ala and

18 Obei swamps where also exists riverine forests composed of Phoenix reclinata tree species.

1.5.4 Pro conservation cultural heritage During the earlier days when conservation of wildlife was not taken seriously, traditional hunting among the Madi and Alur inhabitants of the area was done for meat, skins, medicine and trophies. The Madi used horns in Osegu, Mgbiri and Ndara/ Agwara traditional dances. Among the Alur community, the Njige, and Convoy-Rakaraka are the cultural dances. These dances used to be performed by the hunters to show their bravery to the Chief and the animal trophies were used to pay loyalty to the Chief as well.

At present when the situation has changed in that there is no chief and conservation is now a priority, the traditional dances are performed as village amusements during parties/ceremonies and as history for the young generation to learn the old ways of living.

1.5.5 Flora and Fauna Ajai WR has seven distinct vegetation types. These include grasslands, wooded grasslands, woodlands, riverine woodlands, swamp and riverine grasslands, papyrus swamps and cultivated land. The variety of different vegetation types, particularly the wetlands, provides a range of habitats, which enhances the faunal diversity of the reserve. The vegetation in the reserve also has a variety of grass species. The most dominant species include Sporobolus festivus and Chloris gayana. These species exist with associate species like Setaria species, Hyparrhenia species and occasional Panicum maximum. The different vegetation types hold a potential for nature walks, bird viewing and other ecotourism activities in the Reserve.

Large mammal populations in the reserve have been drastically reduced by poaching. There remain small populations of large mammals including: Sitatunga, Uganda Kob, Buffaloes, Waterbucks, Bushbucks, Dikdik, Blue Duiker, Oribi, Warthog, Bush Pig, Bohor Reedbuck and Hippopotamus, The primates include: Black and White Colobus, Vervet Monkey and the Olive baboon. About 120 bird species are recorded in AWR, but Pel’s fishing owl is a noteworthy species to note.

1.6 Purpose of AWR

1.6.1 Background During the planning process it is important to take note of the rationale for the initial decision to designate the area as a wildlife reserve. A review of the gazetting legislation and associated legislative history for AWR was therefore done during the planning process. In 1937, Chief Ajai declared the area a

19 game sanctuary to protect “unique wild animals”, the White Rhinos (now extinct) on the advice of a British Missionary called Dr. Williams. In 1964/65 after the death of the Chief, the sanctuary was officially gazetted as Ajai Game Reserve under the management of the former Game Department with the purpose of strengthening the protection of the White Rhinos. To operationalise the declaration of Ajai Game Reserve, notices were issued to local communities who resided in and around the reserve in 1965 (Ofuti, 2001). In 1996 when Uganda Wildlife Authority was created, Ajai Game Reserve management was transferred to the Authority and renamed Ajai Wildlife Reserve and it has never had a general management plan. Management has been using annual operations plans to management it.

1.6.2 Statement of purpose for AWR Considering the above, the new purpose of managing AWR under its current status for the next ten years will be:

2. THE ZONE PLAN

2.1 Zones This section outlines the rationale and criteria used for zoning AWR and explain the basic management guidelines to be employed in each zone. Modifications can be made to the zones if necessary, or the guidelines for each zone, as required by further information gathered from research and monitoring programmes.

2.2 Rationale for Zoning The zoning plan for AWR is based on the idea that although various activities and management regimes may be considered appropriate within the Reserve, some of them are more appropriate in certain areas of the reserve than they are in other areas. The zoning therefore allocates specified activities, facilities, and management regimes to certain defined areas of the reserve based on an analysis of the following criteria: i) Some biophysical features/elements are more sensitive than others are. Thus the protection of different conservation values requires the application of different management approaches, if those values are to be maintained or enhanced. ii) Certain activities, while acceptable individually, are mutually incompatible. They are therefore best confined to distinctly different areas. iii) Even where uses are compatible, designation of a zone helps to establish the management priorities for that particular area. iv) It is desirable to concentrate intensive facility development in certain relatively small and clearly defined areas, both to minimise the area of environmental disturbance, and to minimise the costs of provision of services, such as roads, electricity, water, and sewage facilities.

The zones created provide guidelines for dealing with issues in the critical areas where they occur. These guidelines will be used in the implementation of the management actions proposed under each management programme.

In the past, it has been common to deal with resource use by local communities by defining a multiple-use zone as a narrow zone of uniform width around the periphery of the protected area. In reality, however, harvesting and the demands for harvesting activities are not the same throughout a belt of uniform width. Instead, resource-use areas depend on location of the resources, their proximity to adjacent communities and access routes penetrating into the protected area from those communities. Similarly, conservation issues within the resource use area will vary depending on distribution of particular areas or species that require special attention.

Thus a harvesting zone or multiple use zone based on distribution of resources and conservation requirements could be expected to be very irregular in shape, rather than to be a belt of uniform width.

The zoning system will exclude harvesting completely from areas where it would conflict with other management objectives, for example where there are particularly sensitive conservation values, and where harvesting activities could be expected to significantly reduce the quality of the Park experience enjoyed by visitors.

Four zone categories were created for AWR. These are shown on Figure 2 and are described below.

Planning Unit Officer explaining the proposed zones to the stakeholders during the Draft GMP presentation

2.3 Wilderness Zone In this zone, protection of biophysical and/or cultural heritage values is the primary consideration because of the sensitivity of the environment in the area. No harvesting by community residents is permitted and visitor access must be carefully managed. Pending the results of environmental impact assessments, basic facilities intended to minimise impact of visitors such as trails, footbridges, and latrines may be acceptable.

The zone therefore includes representatives of swamps, forest patches and grasslands that are the vegetation types found in AWR. It encompasses the whole of Ombi hill ranges in the Western part of the reserve. It will exclude a 2km2 area on the western side of Wadelai – Ogoko road at the current reserve headquarters for the construction of the VIC and Education centre. This zone also will include the northern side of the Inde – Rhino camp road as shown on the Map. It shall be surrounded by a 1 km integrated resource use zone from the reserve boundary (not shown on the map below).

Permitted Activities: ✓ research and monitoring activities ✓ overnight use by approved researchers and Reserve staff only

✓ day use by visitors on designated routes ✓ fire management activities

Permitted Facilities/Infrastructure: ✓ improved trails and bridges in support of research, monitoring, Reserve operations, and visitor use ✓ signs intended for visitor orientation, safety, and resource protection purposes ✓ structures supporting Park operations and approved research approved latrines and garbage disposal sites

Prohibited Activities: ✗ resource harvesting ✗ cultivation ✗ overnight use other than by approved researchers and Reserve staff

2.4 Integrated Resource Use Zone In this zone, the management priority is conservation of Reserve values through an integrated approach encompassing protection, education and community conservation approaches. At this stage there are no known special management requirements, which would require further subdivision of the zone.

Traditional harvesting of biophysical resources in a sustainable manner by community residents is allowed in agreed resource-use areas but only through negotiated collaborative management agreements. Collaborative management agreements will clearly define the resources to be used, the resource user community for each agreement and the agreed resource-use area for that community, together with the agreed control and monitoring mechanisms. Resource harvesting is not allowed without a negotiated collaborative management agreement.

Tourism is allowed in this zone but is not the main priority. This may include community-based tourism and thus can include facilities developed and operated by communities with a view to offering cultural tourism products to interested visitors, subject to approval by Reserve management. Such facilities could be used by visitors on a day or overnight basis, and could include, for example, outlets for sale of craft items. Interpretative trails and programmes could give visitors an understanding and appreciation of the way of life of community residents.

In addition to facilities supporting cultural tourism initiatives of the kind outlined above, appropriate facilities within the zone could include trails, bridges, latrines, resource use monitoring stations, ranger posts, etc.

Permitted Activities: ✓ resource harvesting where appropriate as per collaborative management agreements 27

✓ research, monitoring, and Reserve operations ✓ accompanied visitor use ✓ visitor information and interpretative services ✓ fire management activities

Permitted Facilities/Infrastructure: ✓ approved structures/facilities in support of research, monitoring, and Park operations ✓ improved trails and bridges ✓ latrines and approved garbage disposal sites ✓ structures to facilitate cultural tourism initiatives supported by community residents

Prohibited Activities: ✗ unaccompanied visitor use, either on a day or overnight basis ✗ resource harvesting without approval under a collaborative management agreement ✗ cultivation

Prohibited Facilities/Infrastructure ✗ permanent/year-round structures in support of resource harvesting ✗ visitor oriented signs

Designated Areas within this Zone: Current areas being utilised for the integrated resource use zone and those proposed include areas around Inde reserve headquarters, Degia area and an area stretching from Mile 34 for firewood and building poles, Lali area for cattle watering during the dry season, cattle grazing along river Nile at Omia area, Acha, Ala and Obei swamps and Gazi river for fishing and papyrus harvesting. This zone also gives a 1 km area protection to the Wilderness zone all around the reserve boundary (not shown on map). The continued use of the resources in these proposed areas will be subject to MoU’s with Management of the Reserve. Currently, most of the resources are still plenty in the neighbouring community land therefore these MoUs should be limited.

2.5 Tourism Zone The tourism zone follows the primary routes intended to facilitate enjoyment and appreciation of the interior of the Reserve by visitors. The primary management objective is the protection of the natural and cultural values of the routes, in order to enable visitors to enjoy a rewarding and aesthetically pleasing Reserve experience.

Campsites and interpretative facilities, including interpretative signs and trails, may be located along the routes. The following will form the core tourism zone in AWR; • Amori forest including existing trail network within the Forest

• The whole of Inde hill and a new trail loop connecting to Ajai Island through the new picnic sites in chief Ajai forests shall be established • Warthog salt leak trail loop (see map) • Education centre, and Visitor Information centre site • Eramve hill where a camp ground will be established overlooking Chief Ajai’s forest and Island. Generally, the tourism zone will be in the central area and towards the western side of the reserve where wildlife is concentrated.

Permitted Activities: ✓ visitor use, day and overnight basis, accompanied and unaccompanied ✓ overnight camping by visitors ✓ visitor information and interpretative services ✓ fire management activities Permitted Facilities/Infrastructure ✓ campsites ✓ improved trails/bridges ✓ latrines ✓ garbage disposal sites ✓ facilities supporting research, monitoring, and Reserve operations ✓ signs for visitor orientation, security, and interpretation

Prohibited Activities ✗ resource harvesting ✗ vehicle access

Prohibited Facilities/Infrastructure ✗ facilities supporting resource harvesting

2.6 Administrative Zone Physical facility development is concentrated in this zone. The facilities can include such things as ranger stations, campgrounds, and other forms of accommodation. The Intensive Development Zone will include a small number of sites and will account for a very small percentage of the total Reserve area. The main administrative zone as indicated on the map is the Inde/ogoko area where the reserve headquarters will be located as well as staff accommodation. The ranger outposts to be constructed near Acharo swamp along Pakwach-Arua road to be called Madelli outpost and Lali outpost along Nebbi-Okollo- Ajai road will also form part of the administrative zone.

Permitted Activities: ✓ vehicle access ✓ visitor use, accompanied and unaccompanied, on both day and overnight basis

✓ overnight use by visitors in both campsites and fixed roof accommodation ✓ research, monitoring, and Reserve operations ✓ fire management activities

Permitted Facilities/Infrastructure: ✓ campsites ✓ fixed roof accommodation ✓ visitor oriented signs for orientation, security, and interpretative purposes ✓ garbage disposal sites ✓ roads and car parks ✓ latrines ✓ improved trails and bridges ✓ structures supporting research, monitoring, and Reserve operations

Figure 2: Map showing proposed zones in AWR

Key Seasonal rivers

Inde res.hdqt Trail network Roads Proposed hotel

Tourism zone Administrative zone

Madelli outpost Wilderness zone

Lali outpost Integrated use zone

Wetland areas

W E

S 5 0 5 10 Kilometers

3. MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES

3.1 RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT This section describes activities to do with stakeholder awareness, boundary management, resettlement programme, management of exotic species, control of wild fires, illegal activities and preservation of Chief Ajai’s forested homestead.

Resource conservation management program shall aim at achieving the following objectives: 1. To increase stakeholder awareness on the importance of AWR 2. To maintain a clear reserve boundary 3. To accomplish the resettlement programme 4. To control poaching, illegal trade and prepare the habitat for reintroduction of extinct animal species 5. To control wildfires 6. To preserve former Chief Ajai’s forested homesteads and remove other exotic tree species

3.1.1 Stakeholder awareness

Objective: To increase stakeholder awareness on the importance of AWR

3.1.1.1 Issues and Rationale Many local people around the reserve have negative attitudes towards the reserve. They believe that the reserve has not benefited them at all since its gazettment. During the consultations most of the participants expressed their desire to have the reserve degazetted to free land for settlement and cultivation. They don’t understand why such a big area should be left to waste when they don’t have land for cultivation. Some expressed the view that since there are no longer animals to attract tourists and hence its no longer profitable to protect the reserve, it should be given to the communities. The negative attitude stems from the fact that the less attractive (touristic) but vermin wild animals such as Baboons have been raiding their crops and there is no compensation for the loss. UWA needs to educate the local people so as to appreciate the presence of the reserve and also to change their attitudes towards the reserve.

There are a variety of methods and approaches, which can be used to convey conservation messages. These include, seminars, workshops, drama groups, various publications and exchange visits. The use of one or combination of different methods depends on the target audience and availability of funds.

The young generation including the school going children are key stakeholders in the conservation of natural resources and can play an important role in marketing of protected areas. Their awareness in conservation should therefore be raised if they are to play their role properly.

Sub county Stakeholder consultation meeting during the planning period

District councillors were also present in the meetings

3.1.1.2 Actions UWA will intensify environmental education for the surrounding communities to change their perception. Environmental benefits of the reserve will be explained clearly to the local communities so that they appreciate the existence of the reserve. People will be educated on the values of wildlife and the importance of their management. Meetings and trainings will be held for the local leaders, elders and NGOs/CBOs where UWA objectives and importance of wildlife will be explained.

UWA will participate in local exhibition to increase on the awareness of the local people. Different themes depicting the different environmental and social benefits in the PA will be exhibited.

PA exchange visits and tours will be done for the local leaders and other relevant people.

Environmental conservation education will be conducted in schools neighbouring the reserve so as to raise awareness to the young generations. Schools near and even far will also be encouraged to visit the reserve during their educational tours.

3.1.1.3 Summary of Actions

ACTIONS WHO OTHERS WHEN COST Adjusted for 5% annual inflation 1 Conduct stakeholder meetings for local WIC CPI 3 meetings each 500,00 63M leaders, NGO/CBO’S, and quarter 0/=@m Elders/opinion leaders eeting Year 1- 10 60 M 2 Conduct trainings in wildlife and other WIC DEO/DF Once a year 3M@y 31.5M natural resources Management for local O/ Year 1- 10 ear leaders and NGO/CBO Fisheries officer 30 M 3 Participate in local public exhibitions WIC WT Twice a year 1M 10.5M WCC Year 1- 10 @year

10M 4 Conduct PA exchange visits & tours WIC CPI/WC Once every 2 3M 16.5M C years; 2nd, 4th, 6th @visit 8th, 10th 15M 5 Organise Radio and T.V programmes CW WIC Once/quarter 500,00 21M WCC Year 1- 10 0/=@ quarter 20M 6 Conduct environmental conservation WIC WCC Schools visited 2M @ 21M education in schools once a year year Year 1- 10 20M Total cost 163.5M

3.1.2 Boundary Management

Objective: To maintain a clear reserve boundary

3.1.2.1 Issues and Rationale Unclear reserve boundary can result in illegal activities, and unnecessary law enforcement problems. Maintenance of a clear PA boundary is therefore necessary to minimise such disputes and to facilitate law enforcement.

The boundary of AWR is clear and comprehensive except where the boundary is defined by the swamps where it may be difficult to interpret. In some parts the boundary is defined by natural features like the road, rivers. The boundary marking exercise was completed in 2004.

3.1.2.2 Actions Since the boundary demarcation exercise has been done successfully, the next action to be done will be to constantly sensitise the local communities on the importance of observing the boundary of the reserve. Also, the boundary will be maintained so as to keep it clear.

3.1.2.3 Summary of actions ACTIONS WHO OTHERS WHEN COST Adjusted for 5% annual inflation 1 Conduct sensitisation meetings RDC L.C 3 councils, Twice in 1.3M 16.38M CRM(conflict a quarter quarter resolution Year 1-3 15.6m management project) 2 Maintain boundary by slashing WIC CCR Year 1- 300,000/=p 12.6m around the pillars 10 er quarter Total cost 28.98M

3.1.3 Resettlement Programme

Objective: To accomplish the resettlement programme

3.1.3.1 Issues and Rationale In its effort to address problems of human settlements within wildlife-protected areas, Uganda wildlife Authority with support from the European Union conducted a nation-wide review of its wildlife-protected area system. Through boundary re-alignment to exclude heavily settled parts and inclusion of other areas prime for conservation, this process ensured that most of the estimated 65,000 people living within wildlife-protected areas by 1995 were excluded from the wildlife estate.

It was found out that Ajai Wildlife Reserve was severely encroached, with five villages established within, or extending into the boundaries. These were Inde, Madelli, Garia, Degiya and Lali. The history of establishment for these villages is not clear, although records suggest that the main settlement expansion began in the early 1980s. At the time of the Protected area review, over 5,000 people lived and cultivated within the Reserve.

The review process recommended that the boundaries of Ajai Wildlife Reserve be changed to exclude almost all settlements. However, it was not possible to redesign the borders of the Reserve to exclude Madelli and Degia given their central location. Following intensive negotiations with the District Authority, it was resolved that a meaningful solution to this issue would involve the District resettling Madelli and Degiya families.

These proposals were finally passed by Parliament as part of the wider Protected Areas System Plan and UWA is currently implementing the Plan. In implementing this plan, the boundaries of Ajai Wildlife Reserve have been surveyed and well marked. The boundary demarcation exercise was completed in 2004. However, for complete implementation to be realized, the two settlements of the Madelli and Degiya need to be relocated out of the reserve boundaries.

Currently, the District of Arua in conjunction with UWA has identified enough land next to the reserve to resettle the Degiya families. The land is located at 34

Mile 34 along Wadelia-Ogoko road stretching to Lali area along the southern section of the reserve boundary. The Madelli families will be relocated Degiya village next to the Northern reserve boundary along Inde-Rhino camp road. One big problem identified in the identified sites for resettlement is lack of water. During the consultative meetings with the District leaders, it was agreed that bore holes shall be constructed at the two new sites under the District water development programs.

The Deputy RDC-Arua, addresses the Audience on resettlement issues during the District Consultations

3.1.3.2 Actions Having agreed with the affected communities, the pieces of land to be allocated to them shall be surveyed and their properties valued for compensation purposes where possible. Other activities shall be carried out as outlined in the summary below.

3.1.3.3 Summary of actions ACTIONS WHO OTHE WHEN COST Adjusted RS for 5% annual inflation 1 Identify and survey plots RDC CW 1st year 10m 10.5M to be allocated 2 Value properties and CW RDC 2nd _ 3rd (Compensation Value 5.25M compensate the affected District year not included) communities. Valuer 5M 3 Drill boreholes (2) at CAO L.C 3 20M @ borehole 42M Degia and Asarova /CW 2nd _ 3rd 40M year 4 Transport the affected CAO CW 2nd -_3rd (Fuel) 1M 1.1M households year 5 Provision of security to RDC (district WIC 1st _ 3rd 1M @ activity above 3.45M over see the resettlement steering year (act.2, act.3 and exercise committee) act.5) 3M Total cost 62.3M

3.1.4 Illegal activities

Objective: To control poaching, and illegal trade

3.1.4.1 Issues and Rationale Hunting in Ajai area was done as a tradition before the place was declared a game sanctuary in 1937. After this period there was controlled hunting under the Chief’s directives. Poaching intensified in 1979 when president Idi Amin’s government was overthrown by Obote II government. Solders who escaped with guns started to use them for poaching targeting the big animals like the buffaloes, waterbucks, hippos and even the white rhinos were finished during this period. From 1981 there was crusade hunting by the Okoro people from Nebbi district joined by the communities around the reserve, which also accelerated the poaching. The crusade hunting was done in the months of April and May every year using spears, bow and arrow and sometimes firearms could be used. The Game department that managed the reserve at that time had limited manpower, insufficient financial resources and no communication equipment. West Nile Bank Front rebels that invaded the area in 1996 also contributed greatly to the poaching of wildlife.

Currently, with relative security in the area some animals can be sighted in the reserve. Animals like Uganda Kob, waterbuck, hippo, warthog are a common sighting in the reserve. However few poachers still exist within the communities around the reserve and they mainly use metal traps, wire snares and some times guns to kill wildlife for mainly domestic meat consumption and sale of the surplus.

Other illegal activities such as fishing, harvesting of building poles, grass for thatch and firewood also take place though still on small scale as a result of constant patrols. Charcoal burning in the surrounding community land is a potential threat to the reserve as resources get fewer and fewer with time.

Charcoal burning in the neighbouring communities is a potential danger

3.1.4.2 Actions More conservation awareness programmes will be conducted to make people more aware of the importance of wildlife. People will be encouraged to rear domestic animals to supplement their diet and stop poaching. Alternative sources of income will be identified together with the people so that their standard of living is improved. 36

The above mentioned approaches will be used hand in hand with the normal law enforcement activities. Law enforcement activities will be intensified especially in areas where poaching incidences are common and those arrested will be prosecuted in courts of law.

3.1.4.3 Summary of actions ACTIONS WHO OTHERS WHEN COST Adjusted for 5% annual inflation 1 Conduct general patrols WIC Security Year 1-10 21m @ 220.5M organs year 210 m 2 Gather intelligence WIC Security Year 1-10 6M @ 63M information organs year 60 M 3 Handle court issues WIC DPP, Year 1-10 3M @ 31.5M Police, year magistrate 30M

4 Conduct sensitisation WIC WCC Once a 300,000/= 37.8M meetings on poaching month each and other illegal Year 1-10 meeting activities 36M Total cost 352.8M

3.1.5 Wildfires

Objective: To minimise wildfires

3.1.5.1 Issues and Rationale Fire is a serious threat to AWR since the largest part of it is mainly open grassland. There are two main causes of wildfire. In the first place, trespassers, and poachers start fires. Secondly, fires are started outside the Reserve and cross over the boundary often burning up large areas of the grasslands in the Reserve. Fire in AWR however, is a recognized management tool that has maintained the savannah ecosystem in its present form. However, fierce uncontrolled wild fires continue to sweep through the reserve during the dry season annually. This may have detrimental impacts to wildlife resources and the habitats because the impact of fire to the reserve biodiversity has not been assessed. AWR management lacks capacity to respond to these fires in terms of equipment and skills.

3.1.5.2 Actions Firebreaks will be established and maintained along the boundary in fire prone areas. Tree species, which are resistant to fire, will be planted along the fire lines. The staff in the reserve will be trained in fire management. The communities neighbouring the reserve will be sensitised on dangers of fires and how to fight it in case of an outbreak. An annual fire management plan will be prepared and implemented by the reserve management. Relevant equipment will also be purchased for use in the fire management activities. At

every beginning of the dry season early burning will be done to minimise on the impact of the fire. Existing byelaws on fire will be reviewed and publicised.

3.1.5.3 Summary Actions ACTIONS WH OTHER WHEN COST Adjusted for O S 5% annual inflation 1 Prepare a fire Management WIC WMR Year 2 500,000/= 0.55M plan 2 Create and maintain fire WIC WMR Year 3-10 5M opening 26.7M breaks 2M maintenance @ year. 21M 3 Conduct community WIC WCC 2 Meetings a year 250,000 per 5.25M sensitisation meetings on fire Year 1-10 meeting Management 500,000/= year 5M 4 Carry out controlled burning WIC WCC Twice a year 200,000 per 2.1M Year 1-10 year 2M 5 Train staff and communities WIC WMR Once in 5 years 3M @ 7.2M on fire prevention and fighting CAO 3rd and 8th year training techniques (Training of 6M trainers) Total cost 41.8M

3.1.6 Management of exotic tree species in Ajai Wildlife Reserve

Objective: To preserve former Chief Ajai’s forested homesteads and remove the rest of the exotic tree species

3.1.6.1 Issues and Rationale It is UWA’s policy to remove all exotic tree species in the protected areas. Chief Ajai planted cassia siamea tree species found on Ajai Island sometimes known as Ariwariku as a way of protecting his four homesteads against wind and also to provide shade. In this case therefore, the exotic species at these sites will not be removed as a way to preserve this cultural value of the reserve. However, management will ensure that it does not spread to other areas of the reserve.

3.1.6.2 Actions In order to protect the cassia tree plantation, which was planted by Chief Ajai, fire lines will be established around those four plantation woodlots especially during fire seasons. Any other exotics outside this area will be removed. An inventory will be carried out to determine where they grow, their ages and the abundance. A research will be conducted on different methods to find out the best method or combination of methods in the eradication of the exotic species. Some of the methods that will be tried out will include ring barking and cutting down of large and pole-sized trees, uprooting of wildlings and saplings.

3.1.6.3 Summary of Actions ACTIONS WHO OTHERS WHEN COST Adjusted for 5% annual inflation 1 Create and maintain fire WIC Elders Year 3-10 (Included breaks around chief Ajai’s CPI in planted forest objective 4 2nd action) 2 Conduct inventory to identify WMR WIC Year 2 5M 5.5M the extent of exotics in the reserve 3 Conduct research on the best WMR WIC 3rd to 4th 10M 12M methods of control of exotics year 4 Prepare and implement an WMR WIC 4th to 5th 500,000/= 5.5M exotics eradication plan year preparatio n Implemen tation 2M each year 4.5m Total cost 23M

3.2 COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PROGRAMME Activities under this programme fall into the following categories: collaboration between the reserve and communities, sustainable resource harvesting, human – wildlife conflict management, and Local government operations. The objectives under the programme are: • To improve stakeholder – reserve management relationships • To strengthen the collaboration with LG • To minimise human-wildlife conflicts • To ensure sustainable resource harvesting • To contribute to the improved community livelihoods

3.2.1 Stakeholder – reserve staff relations

Objective: To improve stakeholder – reserve management relationships

3.2.1.1 Issues and Rationale During the consultations held as part of the preparation of this GMP, it was observed that local political leaders and opinion leaders are not involved in the operations of the reserve. This is mainly because their role in reserve management is not defined. Reserve management has also not been willing to involve the leaders because of the extra costs for their services and misinterpretation that may result leading even to more misunderstandings with the communities.

UWA after extensive consultations with local Government and other stakeholders has now put in place a mechanism for addressing community- Protected area relations which has taken on the role of bringing local communities together with protected area managers. The members making up the committees in charge of natural resources are from within the local council structure with the secretaries responsible for environment making up the committees at different levels. For PAs with several districts an inter- district committees will be formed to oversee all activities falling under their jurisdiction for the entire PA. At the time of consultations as part of the GMP process the former CPI for AWR was already in place and only needed strengthening. Since CPI is being replaced by direct representation by committees in charge natural resources the composition will change according to electoral processes in the country.

Apart from the communities there are several players who are interested in the conservation of AWR. There is therefore need to identify all stakeholders (including NGOs) and determine their interests in AWR. Many of the stakeholders have not even known how they should play a role in the management and conservation of AWR.

3.2.1.2 Actions Management will identify all stakeholders in protected area management and determine their current roles. This will be with the view of discussing and agreeing on “new” roles with all stakeholders. Since each stakeholder will most likely have their own plans, there will be a need to harmonise these with 40

others to ensure gaps and overlaps are minimised. This will especially be necessary to avoid conflicts between stakeholders.

To sustain the activities of the different stakeholders, management will undertake to organise regular coordination/community meetings with relevant stakeholders and it is through these meetings that some of the unknown stakeholders will be identified. Management will also continue lobbying and carrying out advocacy work especially among the political leadership to encourage them to participate more in the conservation of AWR. Participation in public functions both at the District level and lower levels will improve reserve-stakeholder/community relationships.

3.2.1.3 Summary of actions ACTIONS WHO OTHERS WHEN COST Adjusted for 5% annual inflation 1 Conduct community WIC 9 meetings/quarter 36 meetings each 18.9M meetings Local Year 1-10 year Leaders 50,000/= @meeting 18 M 2 Participate in Public WIC WCC Year 1-10 6 functions per 12.6M functions year 200,000@ function. 12M Total cost 31.5M

3.2.3 Local government collaboration

Objective: To strengthen the collaboration with Local government

3.2.3.1 Issues and Rationale Wildlife operations (e.g. Vermin control) in LG are not well funded and this hinders proper implementation of different activities. UWA assumes that the Local Government will fund these wildlife related activities as part of their normal council operations. Even during consultations it came out clearly that the district does not facilitate her members to do their activities as far as AWR is concerned. It is import that LG provides necessary facilitation to the committees to carry out their wildlife related functions.

3.2.3.2 Actions UWA will raise awareness of LG committee members so that they understand their roles and responsibilities to be able to execute them well. They will also be trained in conservation issues and in project proposal formulation techniques so that they can solicit for funding of their development projects around the reserve. Also the UWA policy will be well publicised to all members and other relevant authorities.

Cross visits will be arranged for the LG leaders to other PAs whose leaders are doing well so that they can learn from them and use the experience gained to do better. 41

3.2.3.3 Summary of Actions ACTIONS WHO OTHERS WHEN COST Adjusted for 5% annual inflation 1 Sensitise Local WIC L.C.3 councils 1st year and 4 meetings 4.5M government on their roles WCC 5th year each year and responsibilities. 500,000@ meeting 4M 2 Train Local leaders on WIC L.C.3 councils training 4 days 6.75M natural resource WCC 1st, and 5th training conservation and project DEO year 3M each planning DFO training CDO 6M 3 Conduct local leaders WIC WCC 3rd and 7th 3M @ visit 7.05M exchange visit to other year 6M PA’s Total cost 18.3M

3.2.4 Human – wildlife conflict

Objective: To control human – wildlife conflicts in and around AWR

3.2.4.1 Issues and rationale Problem animals are a major source of conflict between management and communities in all UWA protected areas. They destroy crops, homes, cause injury to humans and sometimes death especially if attacked, thus jeopardizing positive reserve - community relations. The Uganda Wildlife Act Cap 200 of 2000 does not provide for compensation of this damage. Some of the most notorious animals have been declared vermin by Government. These are the vervet monkeys, the bush pigs and the baboons. It is the responsibility of local governments according to the Act to manage vermin. Arua district have recruited a few vermin control Officers who are not enough to cover all subcounties.

To successfully manage both the problem animals (not declared vermin) and the vermin, there is need for data and information regarding their behaviour and which deterrent methods work best under what condition. Little information is available in AWR but use can be made of information collected elsewhere.

It is also believed that animals coming from the reserve do spread diseases especially to livestock. One should also expect that it is possible for livestock to spread diseases to the wild animals too. This needs to be investigated and appropriate action taken to avoid unnecessary losses.

The DTBDP emphasizing a point on Human Wildlife conflict during the District consultations

3.2.4.2 Actions Arua district will be guided and encouraged to establish more vermin control units and recruit more vermin guards. Specifically UWA will continue to lobby the district to recruit vermin guards. UWA will assist in training the guards to be able to deal with problem animals including vermin. During planning, the district will be encouraged to incorporate wildlife management into the district/local government development plans. UWA on the other hand, will strengthen its handling of problem animals especially by reducing the response time whenever approached by the communities.

Data will be collected and analysed regarding the different problem animals control methods in other protected areas and the most successful ones or their combinations will be replicated to deter wild animals from invading the communities.

Animal disease transmission surveillance will always be conducted regarding the transfer of diseases to and from wild animals to livestock and people. The veterinary departments in the districts will especially play an important role in this activity.

3.2.4.3 Summary of Actions ACTIONS WHO OTHERS WHEN COST Adjusted for 5% annual inflation 1 Lobby for the recruitment of WIC L.C.3 Year 1-10 50,000 @ year 0.75M vermin guards council/ Sec 500,000/= NR &E 2 Train recruited vermin CW WIC 2 trainings 2 months 11.25M guards 1st and 5th training. year 5M @ training 10m 3 Carry out problem- animal WIC WCC Year 1-10 3m@ year 31.5M control 30M 4 Conduct animal disease WIC WIC, DVO Twice a 1,000,000@ 10.5M transmission surveillance year year Year 1-10 10M Total cost 54M

3.2.5 Resource harvesting

Objective: To ensure sustainable resource harvesting

3.2.5.1 Issues and Rationale Communities except where it borders River Nile, wholly surround AWR. Vital resources such as firewood, fish, poles, Medicinal herbs and others as required by the communities have been reduced tremendously in the uncultivated pieces of the community land. Where a few still exist, will also be exhausted in the near future. The reserve is being looked at as an area where those resources shall be harvested. Other communities are already accessing resources such as firewood, fish and building poles from the reserve. It therefore requires management to put in place measures to encourage sustainable harvesting so as to meet the present and future needs.

3.2.5.2 Actions In order to ensure that communities continue to access resources from the reserve in a sustainable manner, AWR Management will attempt to negotiate community resource management agreements with communities for particular resources of interest to the communities. The resources will be accessed only from the designated zones as defined in this plan.

3.2.5.3 Summary of Action ACTIONS WHO OTHERS WHEN COST Adjusted for 5% annual inflation 1 Negotiate CRM agreement WCC WIC Year 1-10 9 agreements in 35M with communities total. 3.5M @ agreement. 7M @ year 31.5M 2 Encourage communities to WCC WIC, Year 1-10 Farm Visits 0.18m grow some resources on CCR 120,000/=@year their own land; piloting resource substitution Total cost 35.18m

3.2.6 Community livelihoods

Objective: To contribute to the improved community livelihoods

3.2.6.1 Issues and Rationale Communities living close to the reserve live in absolute poverty. Other than accessing primary education through Universal Primary Education programme, most of the parents cannot afford school fees for private schools. Small-scale subsistence farming takes place coupled with charcoal burning which has destroyed the environment outside the reserve. Other viable income generating activities for the communities do not exist in these sub counties neighbouring the reserve. This situation has left the reserve in danger of attacks for free resources by the communities in search for survival.

3.2.6.2 Actions UWA will endeavour to contribute to the improved community livelihoods through participation in subcounty and district planning process where projects shall be identified and funding mechanisms developed. With the implementation of this plan, it is expected that tourism in the reserve will pick up and the revenue generated shall be shared as per the revenue sharing guidelines of UWA. The funds generated from the revenue-sharing scheme shall be used for projects developed according to the community needs. Through liaison with district departments and stakeholders in the communities, environmental conservation demonstrations shall be established.

3.2.6.3 Summary of actions ACTIONS WHO OTHERS WHEN COST Adjusted for 5% annual inflation 1 Participate in Subcounty and District WIC CW Once a 1.5M @ 15.75M planning process year year Year 1-10 15M 2 Carry out base line survey on WCC WIC 1st year 4M 4.2M community needs 3 Liase with the District Departments and WIC CW Year 1-10 500,000/=@ 5.25M other stakeholders in community year development programmes 5M 4 Establish environmental conservation WIC DEO 3rd to 10th 500,000/= 3.7M demonstrations year @ year. 3.5 M 5 Implement revenue sharing WIC WCC 7th to 10th 500,000/=@ 1.6M programmes year year 1.5M Total cost 30.5M

3.3 TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Ajai Wildlife Reserve has the potential to attract visitors and to generate greater revenues. This can be very significant in communities with a subsistence economy and with limited opportunities for earning cash income, and can play a significant role in ensuring the financial sustainability of AWR operations. With appropriate planning, development, and operating practices, tourism development can be carried out in a manner fully consistent with the long-term conservation of the Ajai ecosystem. As outlined earlier in the values for Ajai, significant scenic and cultural attractions, which exist in this reserve, can form a basis for increased tourism.

Since 1999 to 2005, the total numbers of registered visitors to AWR were 845 individuals (details in appendix 3). There were no tourist facilities in and around AWR, which visitors could use. It is now hopped that increased marketing and tourism facility development will enhance the reserve image and tourists (both local and international) will start to visit the reserve. The following are the objectives under this programme: • To develop and maintain tourism facilities • To market new and existing tourist attractions in and around the reserve • To enhance revenue collection mechanisms

3.3.1 Tourism Facilities

Objective: To develop and maintain tourism facilities

3.3.1.1 Issues and Rationale The number and range of tourism facilities and services currently available in AWR is limited. Expansion of the number and range of these facilities and services would make AWR more attractive to more and a wider range of people. The only tourism facilities in the Reserve are a short trail system from the current office block to Amori natural high forest, and one campsite nearby the offices. There is no visitor centre. The small staff canteen shade that is still under construction currently serves as an information centre.

3.3.1.2 Actions The existing trail and campsites shall continue to be maintained in addition to the construction of viewing platforms at each of the salt leaks identified along the trail.

A new tourism track (for vehicles) shall be established beginning at the end of the Amori forest trail, which currently exists. It will follow the Warthog salt leaks forming a loop so that it does not cross the main road (see map below). This loop shall be called Warthog salt leak loop and viewing platforms shall be constructed near each salt leak.

A new trail will be established from Inde hill (former Rhino camp sub county headquarters) where bandas are proposed for construction to former Chief

Ajai Island where Cassia tree plantations are found. Picnic sites shall be established as appropriate within the four woodlots of Cassia trees on the island. This trail will also form a loop back to the hill and it will be called Chief Ajai Island loop (see map below).

For water tourism, a simple boat landing (jetty) shall be constructed at Gazi/Ala River near the bridge and on the banks of river Nile for sport fishing and boat cruises. The boat cruises shall be planned to move from Murchison falls National Park to Ajai and may continue up to East Madi wildlife reserve. Close to this bridge (1km away), a tree house for canopy sightings will be constructed in Amori forest on a giant Cedrella tree spp, the reconnaissance team identified.

The tree in AWR strong enough to support the proposed tree house

The education and Information visitor centres shall be constructed and equipped at the identified locations within the current reserve headquarters. A campground shall be established at Eramve hill. Also, concessionaires shall be solicited to construct and manage 10 Bandas at Inde hill, and a modern Hotel (50 Bed capacity subject to Management approval) adjacent to the banks of river Nile. A footpath crossing from Akavu village to Degia Village shall be allowed under close monitoring by the reserve management. All the above facility locations are shown in the map below.

Figure 3: Ajai tourism sites

Key Ch ie f A ja W i I a sl rth an Seasonal rivers og d Inde res.hdqt s Lo al op t le ak lo Trails op VIC & Education centre Proposed hotel Roads Eramve hill

Tourism zone Madelli outpost Administrative zone

Wilderness zone Lali outpost Integrated use zone Wetlands

5 0 5 10 Kilometers W E

48 S

3.3.1.3 Summary of actions ACTIONS WHO OTHERS WHEN COST Adjusted for 5% annual inflation 1 Construct viewing platforms, trails and WIC WT Year 3-10 Open tracks 15.784M tracks and viewing platforms 10m Maintenance 0.21m each year 11.7M 2 Maintain new and existing trail and WIC WT Year 1-10 0.7M @ Year 7.35M tracks 7M 3 Construct simple boat landing (simple WIC WT 3yr 2M 2.1M jetty) at Gazi/Ala river, and on river Nile for sport fishing and Boat cruises 4 Construct a tree house in Amori forest WIC WT 4th yr 4M 4.2M 5 Construct and equip education centre CW WIC 2nd 180M 189M and Visitor Information centre WCC 6 Maintain the existing camp sites at the WIC WT Year 1-10 500,000/= 5.25M headquarters and establish new sites each year 5M 7 Develop and maintain picnic sites at WIC WT Year 4-10 1,000,000/= 6.5M current Headquarters @ year 6M 8 Construct a viewing platform at WIC WT 3rd Year 5M 5.25M appropriate salt leaks 9 Advertise for concessions to construct ED CM 6th Year 10M 10.5M and manage Bandas at Inde hill and a CW hotel at Eramve hill WIC Total cost 245.93M

3.3.2 Marketing

Objective: To market new and existing tourist attractions in and around the reserve

3.3.2.1 Issues and Rationale Ajai wildlife reserve forms part of the larger Murchison Falls Conservation Area. Murchison falls national park receives considerable numbers of tourists every day. However, AWR is never mentioned to visitors as an attractive reserve due to its scenic views that is worth visiting. Lack of information about AWR and inadequate tourist facilities leaves Ajai in the dark corner of the world and denial for revenue for both UWA and the neighbouring communities.

3.3.2.2 Actions Being part of Murchison Falls National Park, which receives a lot of tourists and coupled with the presence of an important monument (Emin Pasha) in the historical books of Africa, that is along the way to AWR on the shores of River Nile, is an important opportunity in the marketing of both the existing and new attractions. The monument is a good example of the long-lasted cooperation between Uganda and Egypt. This monument of the Egyptian station was under the supervision of Emin Pasha in Wadelai village between 1879-1889.

In addition to participating in exhibitions and talk shows on T.Vs and Radios, brochures and leaflets containing the above attractions shall be produced and circulated to all potential tourists. This will make a one-way package tourism; Murchison-Emin Pasha-Ajai leisure drive/walk. Local communities shall be sensitised to develop sites within their localities for eco-tourism purposes and craft shops in addition to community/village walks. Sport fishing and Boat cruises shall be introduced on River Nile.

Suitable site for community tourism (amalgamation of craft shops, village walk, and cultural dances)

UWA headquarters will coordinate with the Department of Antiquities in the Ministry of Tourism, trade and Industry to rehabilitate and Market Emin Pasha monument located at the shores of River Nile at Wadelai.

Emini pasha monument

3.3.2.3 Summary of actions ACTIONS WHO OTHERS WHEN COST Adjusted for 5% annual inflation 1 Produce brochures, MM CW Year 6-10 15M 18.75M guides books and leaflets WT (interpretative materials) WIC 2 Participate in exhibitions WT WIC Year 6-10 1.5m @ 7.875M year 7.5M 3 Conduct Radio and T.V WIC WT Year 6-10 2m @ year 10.5M programmes 10M 4 Sensitise local WIC WCC Year 3-10 200,000 @ 2.4M communities on eco- WT year tourism opportunities (eg 1.6M hand crafts) 5 Coordinate with the MM CW Year 1-10 200,000@ 2.1M department of Antiquities WT year in the MTTI to rehabilitate WIC 2M and market Emin Pasha monument at Wadelai Total cost 41.625M

3.3.3 Revenue collection

Objective: To enhance revenue collection mechanisms

3.3.3.1 Issues and Rationale The actions proposed in this GMP are intended to improve the management of this Reserve and make it more attractive to visitors. However, to be able to implement these actions, a substantial amount of funds and good will is required. Attracting many people other than committed nature tourists to AWR, will have two significant benefits. • Concession operations will attract a larger market. • More people, including those who might otherwise not be interested, will be exposed to the messages of AWR interpretive and educational exhibits.

Management of finances in UWA has been improving resulting in greater transparency and accountability. The result has been greater stakeholder confidence in UWA and therefore more support for her activities. These improvements need to be further enhanced in all areas within AWR by the actions proposed below.

3.3.3.2 Actions Training is an on going activity that is necessary in all walks of life for efficiency and effectiveness in ones activities. It is therefore being proposed to conduct refresher training for Information and Accounts clerk in AWR and at the same time UWA headquarters to develop appropriate financial control systems to check on fraud.

3.3.3.3 Summary of actions ACTIONS WHO OTHER WHEN COST Adjusted for 5% S annual inflation 1 Conduct refresher- HRM CW 5th & 8th Year 2 Trainings, 2.45M training course for WIC 1M @ Information and Account clerks 2M 2 Develop appropriate MA WIC Year 3-10 2M@ year 16.8M financial control systems WA 16M Total cost 19.25M

3.4 MONITORING AND RESEARCH PROGRAMME Understanding of AWR ecosystems and processes is necessary for the successful implementation of management programmes. Emphasis will be placed on management-oriented research. Research will be supported by effective monitoring and evaluation components. Baseline data collection in the form of inventories and surveys, data storage and analysis will be directed at properly understanding the complexity of AWR ecosystems, biological diversity and interactions between visitors, surrounding communities and the ecosystem. The following are the objectives of this programme; • To collect adequate data on wildlife and its habitats • To monitor resource off take • To monitor environmental impacts of developments in and around the reserve

3.4.1 Data on Wildlife and its habitats

Objective: To collect adequate data on wildlife and its habitats

3.4.1.1 Issues and Rationale In addition to an inventory of plant resources within the Reserve, research is required into the dynamic aspects of the vegetation ecology, plant distribution within the reserve and population changes with time. Presently there is no data collection on the climatic factors such as rainfall, temperature and humidity. Data on vegetation changes will show how other species will change.

3.4.1.2 Actions AWR was formerly a habitat for now rare and extinct animal species such as the White Rhino, Buffaloes, hartebeest, and waterbucks. The communities strongly advocate for the re-introduction of the White Rhino since it was the original purpose for the gazettment of AWR. However, before this activity can be undertaken the Planning team propose that a habitat suitability study be carried out. Flora and fauna baseline inventory shall also be conducted in addition to establishing a weather station in the reserve. Also regular monitoring of Cassia woodlots planted by Chief Ajai should always be done in order to determine whether they are becoming invasive or not and management decision taken accordingly. Planning team members crossing the Distributary of river Ala from Ajai Island the former home of Rhinos

3.4.1.3 Summary of actions ACTIONS WHO OTHERS WHEN COST Adjusted for 5% annual inflation 1 Conduct flora and fauna baseline WMR WIC 1st year 20M 21M inventory CW 2 Establish a weather station in the WMR WIC 1st year 2M 2.1M reserve 3 Carry out habitat suitability study WMR WIC 1st –3rd 5m@year 5.75M for the re introduction of rare and CW year extinct animal species (White Rhinos, Buffaloes, Hartebeest, Waterbucks) 4 Conduct regular monitoring of WMR WIC, CW 1st –10 (Contained - Cassia tree species to determine year in other their spread within the reserve daily (Chief Ajai cassia woodlots) activities) Total cost 28.85M

3.4.2 Resource off takes

Objective: To monitor resource off takes

3.4.2.1 Issues and Rationale Monitoring of the resource off takes in the reserve is important in establishing trends and anomalies that need to be addressed. This is especially important if management action is needed to prevent any further deterioration because communities demand a lot of resources from the reserve and yet their abundance is not yet known. UWA staff will carry out most of the monitoring work but specialised activities will require those more qualified to handle them e.g. fishing. As with research, the coordination of all activities with the various partners will be of paramount importance if success is to be achieved

3.4.2.2 Actions The reserve will keep a database on resource abundance for use in decision- making when there is need. Staff will continue to collect and analyse data on resource off takes and the results will be communicated to relevant users.

3.4.2.3 Summary of actions ACTIONS WHO OTHER WHEN COST Adjusted for 5% S annual inflation 1 Establish resource abundance WM WIC 1st year 2M 2.1M database R 2 Collect and analyse resource data off WM WIC Year 1-10 1M@ 10.5M take R year 10M Total Cost 12.6M

3.4.3 Environmental Impacts Monitoring

Objective: To monitor environmental impacts of developments in and around the reserve

3.4.3.1 Issues and Rationale Currently there are no major developments with adverse negative impacts neighbouring the reserve and also inside the reserve. The possibility of such developments in future cannot however be ruled out. UWA is in the process of setting up infrastructure in all the PA’s including AWR. This GMP also has proposed a number of structures/activities to be undertaken within the 10-year period. During construction there will be constant monitoring to ensure mitigation measures identified in the briefs are implemented. Proper planning of how these will be handled is therefore a necessity.

3.4.3.2 Actions Environment Impact Assessment studies and environmental Inspections shall be conducted for developments proposed inside the reserve. Similar activities will be conducted in conjunction with Local Government Authorities for developments outside the reserve as their poor implementation may result in the reserve being adversely affected. In line with the waste management guidelines to be developed within UWA, a waste management plan will be developed for AWR.

Planning team members inspect the proposed site for the establishment of the Campground at Eramve hill. The entire front view is shown on the right photograph.

3.4.3.3 Summary of actions ACTIONS WHO OTHERS WHEN COST Adjusted for 5% annual inflation 1 Conduct EIA studies [Education Plannin WMR Year 500,000 @ 5.25M centre, visitor info centre, picnic & g unit WIC 1-10 year(exclude campsite, tracks, jetty, tree house] headquarter based costs) 5M 2 Carry out Environmental inspection Plannin WMR Year 1m each year 6.3M for all developments in the reserve g unit WIC 5-10 6M 3 Liase with DEO/NGO to monitor WIC WMR Year 300,000/=each 3.15M impacts of structures adjacent to the Planning 1-10 year reserve Unit 3M 4 Develop a waste management plan WMR WIC 4th 2M 2.1M Planning year unit Total cost 16.8M 55

3.5 Reserve Operations AWR administratively falls under the Murchison Falls Conservation Area, which is headed by the Chief Warden currently based at Para in Murchison Falls National Park. A conservation area is a loose collection of PAs often near each other, which are grouped together to enable responsible but decentralised decision making and management. An Assitant Warden in Charge who reports to the Chief Warden manages AWR. Under the Assistant Warden in Charge are several Rangers and a clerk each with specific responsibilities. The objectives under this section are; • To develop and maintain staff infrastructure and equipment for operations • To recruit additional staff • To increase management capacity of the staff

3.5.1 Staff infrastructure and equipment

Objective: To develop and maintain staff infrastructure and equipment for operations.

3.5.1.1 Issues and Rationale AWR lacks the full complement of equipment required for effective management. This is largely due to limited financial resources. It is therefore critical that equipment procured is appropriate to the task and is used carefully and effectively to maximise its useful life. A list of equipment currently available and the numbers and types required are in annex 2.

There are no outposts and gates in AWR and a ranger strike force and other staff are all at Inde reserve headquarters. They reside with their families in temporally mud and wattle house structures. They patrol the reserve either in cars or on foot.

Current AWR Office building

3.5.1.2 Actions Equipment requirements have been identified and list prepared (Appendix 2 below). Prioritisation will be done to ensure that the most important equipment is given priority in case the funds available are inadequate. The planning team proposed the construction of office and staff accommodation at the boundary close to Ogoko sub county offices. Brick and mortar houses shall replace the current mud and wattle structures. The Office block shall be constructed directly opposite staff accommodation across the Ogoko – Arua road.

Outposts are the other infrastructure required for proper administration of a PA. They are mainly used for intelligence gathering but also for maintaining good public relations and quick response in patrol activities. Two outposts shall be constructed in AWR. One outpost shall be constructed at near Acharo swamp (see figure 3 above) and shall be called Madali outpost in connection to the existing human settlement within the reserve, while the other at Lali and shall be called Lali outpost. Boreholes shall be drilled at each outpost and at Headquarters.

3.5.1.3 Summary of actions ACTIONS WHO OTHERS WHEN COST Adjusted for 5% annual inflation 1 Construct and maintain staff DFO WIC Year Maintenance 5.25M accommodation (junior & senior PM 1-10 cost only staff) at inde headquarters ED 500,000 @ Year 5M 2 Construct and maintain office DFO WIC Year Maintenance 5.25M block, store and Radio room PM 1-10 cost only ED 500,000 @ Year 5M 3 Construct and maintain Madali DFO WIC Year Maintenance 3.15M out post PM 1-10 cost only ED 300,000/= 3M 4 Construct and maintain Lali out DFO WIC Year Maintenance 2.34M post PM 5-10 cost only ED 1.8M 5 Drill, install and maintain DFO WIC Year Maintenance 5.25M boreholes at the reserve PM 1-10 cost only headquarters, Lali and madali ED 500,000@ Year out posts 5M 6 Procure and maintain necessary DFO WIC Year Maintenance 210M communication, Audio-visual PM 1-10 cost only and office equipments and ED 20M @Year transport facilities 200M Total cost 231.24M

3.5.2 Staff recruitment

Objective: To recruit additional staff

3.5.2.1 Issues and Rationale The success of any organisation to meet its vision is greatly affected by the calibre of staff and their welfare. In order to protect the important AWR ecosystem, which had earlier been eroded due to insecurity related problems, additional staff will have to be recruited and trained. A detail of the current and proposed staffing is given in Appendix 1 below.

3.5.2.2 Actions In line with the Human Resource Manual, vacant posts shall be advertised. Short-listing of the applicants who meet the criteria will be done and then interviews held to ensure transparency. The successful candidates will be trained to have them tailored to UWA mission.

ACTIONS WHO OTHERS WHEN COST Adjusted for 5% annual inflation 1 Advertise vacant posts CW HRM 2nd year 100,000/= 0.105M WIC 2 Shortlist and interview CW WLE 2nd year 500,000/= 0.75M applicants WIC HRM 3 Train new staff CW WLE 2nd year 3 Months 6.3M WIC training. HRM 11Staff 6M Total cost 7.155M

3.5.3 Management Capacity improvement

Objective: To increase management capacity of the staff

3.5.3.1 Issues and Rationale UWA staff are recruited on merit based on academic qualification, experience and performance during an interview. However new methodologies and technologies are being adopted in all areas of work. There is therefore a need to carry out refresher training of all staff. The ranger force and guides need training to allow deployment to any section whenever required.

3.5.3.2 Actions Refresher training courses shall be conducted as and when necessary in addition to conducting staff exchange visits and tours to other PA’s. The Human resource Unit in UWA is based at the Headquarters in Kampala without any qualified representative in the field. Most of the day-to-day issues to solve at PA level are associated with human resource management. Therefore, the planning team proposed that the Warden in charge be sponsored for a short course in Human Resource Management.

3.5.3.3 Summary of Actions ACTION WH OTHER WHEN COST Adjusted for 5% O S annual inflation 1 Conduct refresher courses in CW HRM Year 1-10 9M per 94.5M all relevant fields of occupation WIC year WLE 9OM 2 Sponsor warden I/C for short HR CW 3rd year 2 weeks 2.1M HR management course M 2M 3 Carry out staff exchange visit CW WLE 5times 3M @ 16.5M & tour to other PAs WT 2nd year, 4th Year WCC year, 6th year, 15M WIC 8th year and the 10th year Total cost 113.1M

4 IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation of this General Management Plan (2006-20016) shall be done as follows;

4.2 Implementation Activities identified in this plan shall be implemented for ten years from the date of its approval and will be implemented through approved Annual Operations Plans (AOP’s), which are in turn implemented through quarterly work plans. All these plans shall be prepared consultatively in line with UWA procedures. In doing this, particular attention shall always be focused on the Summary of action tables under each programme.

4.3 Monitoring After five years of implementation (2010/2011), the planning Unit at UWA headquarters will do internal monitoring in order to find out the level of implementation of the planned activities and reasons for not performing as expected if any. Deviations will be addressed immediately or deferred for the next GMP preparation.

4.4 Plan Evaluation External evaluators shall conduct final evaluation of this GMP in the last quarter of the last year (2016). Lessons gained shall be used to improve on the planning procedures and techniques for the next plan.

REFERENCES UWA, 1997 Ajai Wildlife Reserve. Preliminary Assessment Report

Acadribo O. C 2001. The role of Non Governmental Organisation in Wildlife Conservation in Arua district. Case study Ajai Wildlife Reserve, Madi subcounty.

IUCN, 2003. Guidelines for Management Planning of Protected Areas. World Commission on Protected Areas. Best Practice Protected Area Guidelines Series No. 10

Muwadi John, 1994. Report on Categorisation of people residing in Ajai’s Game Reserve

Government of Uganda (1994). The Uganda Wildlife Statute, 1996. Kampala: Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities.

Hamilton, A.C. (1981). The Quaternary History of African Forests: Its relevancy to conservation. African Journal of Ecology 19: 1-6.

Hamilton, Allan. (1991). A Field Guide to Ugandan Forest Trees. Makerere University, Kampala.

Uganda Wildlife Act, 2000

Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry, (2003). Uganda Tourism Policy

Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry. (1999), Uganda Wildlife Policy

Ministry of Water Lands and Environment, (2001). The Uganda Forestry Policy

Moreau, R.E. (1966). The Bird Faunas of Africa and Its Islands. Academic Press, New York.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park General Management Plan (2004 – 2014). Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Sandra Erickson Wilson (Oct. 1995). UNP Bird and mammal checklist Semuliki National Park General Management Plan (1997 – 2001). Uganda Wildlife Authority

Uganda Government (1964) The Game (Preservation and Control) Act. CAP 226. Revised Edition 1964.

Uganda Wildlife Authority (2000) Uganda Wildlife Authority Strategic Plan 2001 – 2005. Uganda Wildlife Authority, Kampala.

White et al. (2001). African Rain Forest Ecology and Conservation.

Williams, J.G. and Arlott, N. (1980). A Field Guide to the Birds of East Africa. Collins, London.

Wilson, S.E.(ed.) (1995). Bird and Mammal Checklist for Ten National Parks in Uganda. National Biodiversity Data-Bank, Makerere University, Kampala.

Wild Wide Fund, et al: (2003). Albertine Rift Strategic Planning Process

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1: Staffing in AWR Designation Current Proposed Total Warden I/C - 1 1 Ass. Warden I/C 1 - 1 Accounts clerk 1 - 1 Head Ranger 1 - 1 Ranger corporal 2 1 3 Private Rangers 7 7 14 Ranger guides - 2 2 Community Conservation Ranger 1 1 2 Driver 1 - 1 Typist/secretary 1 - 1 Porters - 2 2 15 14 29 NB: With the proposed opening of 2 new outposts, more staff especially Law enforcement rangers will be required.

APPENDIX 2: List of Equipment in AWR Item name Current Required 1 Pickup truck L/cruiser (4x4) 1(at the time of drafting this 2 GMP the truck had been involved in an Accident) 2 Motor cycles - 2 3 Canoes - 3 (one of the three should be motorised fibre glass) 4 Radio hand sets - 5 hand held 1 HF at base 5 Phones 1 Mobile 1 fixed line 6 Computer and printer - 1 7 Fire arms 14 12 8 GPS units 2 - 9 Video Equipment - 1 set 10 Generator/solar system - 1 11 Overhead projector - 1 12 Binoculars - 5pairs 13 Camera - 1 14 Flip chart stand - 1 15 Type writer 1 - 16 Telescopes - 2 17 Fire fighting equipment - 2 (cylinders)

APPENDIX 3: Visitor statistics (1999-2005)

Year Category Total Tourists Students Official Researchers visitors 1999 4 - 25 - 30 2000 40 56 100 1 197 2001 24 - 109 11 144 2002 20 2 77 - 99 2003 34 50 87 - 171 2004 23 1 70 - 94 2005 21 3 86 - 110 Total 166 112 555 12 845 Source: Visitors book

APPENDIX 4: Mammals checklist Source: Personal observation, RBDC, Preliminary assessment report, 1997 1. Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious) 2. Oribi (Ourebia ourebi) 3. Bush Pig (Potamochoerus aethiopicus) 4. Warthog ( Phacochoerus aethiopicus) 5. Guinther’s Dik Dik (Madocua guentheri) 6. Blue (maxwell’s) Duiker (Cephalophus monticola) 7. Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) 8. Sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekei) 9. Defassa (common) Waterbuck 10. Bohor Reedbuck (Redunca redunca) 11. Uganda kob (kobus kob) 12. African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) –Extinct, 1998 13. Ardvark (Orycteropus afer) 14. Giant Pouched Rat (Cricelomyces gambianus) 15. Porcupine (Hystrix sp.) 16. Marsh Cane Rat (Thrynomys swinderianus) 17. Otter species 18. Genet (Genneta sp.) 19. Abyssinian Black and white colombus (colombus guereze) 20. Banded Mangoose (Mungos mungo) 21. Olive Baboon (Papio anubis) 22. Velvet Monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops) 23. Patas Monkey (erythrocebus patas) 24. Serval Cat (Felis serval) 25. Lepard (Panthera pardus) 26. African civet (Viverra civeta) 27. Jackal (Canis sp.) 28. Rabbit 29. Rock Hyrax (Denrohyrax sp.)

APPENDIX 5: Bird species checklist 1. White Pelican (Pelicanus onocrotalus) 2. Long-Tailed Cormorant (Phalacrorax onocrotalus) 3. Greater Cormorant (Phalacrocorax Carbo) 4. Dwarf Bittern (Ixobrychus sturmii) 5. Grey Heron (Ardea cinarea) 6. Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath) 7. Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephals) 8. Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) 9. Squacco Heron (Ardea ralloides) 10. Green-backed Heron (Butorides striatus) 11. Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) 12. Hammerkop (scopus umbretta) 63

13. Open-billed Stork (Anastomus lamelligerus) 14. Abdim’s Stork (Ciconia abdimii) 15. Wooly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus) 16. Saddlebilled Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis) 17. Marabou Stork (Leptoptilus crumeniferus) 18. Hadada Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash) 19. Lappet faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotus) 20. African Harrier Hawk (Polyboroides radiatus) 21. Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus) 22. Wahlberg’s Eagle (Aquila wahlbergi) 23. Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) 24. Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis) 25. Gabar Goshawk (Melierax gabar) 26. Dark Chanting Goshawk (Melierax metabates) 27. Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) 28. Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) 29. Black Kite (Milvus migrans) 30. Black shouldered Kite (Elamus caeruleus) 31. Vulturine Guineafowl (Numida meleagris) 32. Crowned Crane (Baearica pavonina) 33. Black Crake (Limnocorax flavirosta) 34. African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus) 35. Wattled Plover (Venellus tectus) 36. Black-headed Plover (Vanellus tectus) 37. Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis) 38. Ring-necked Dove (Steptopelia capicola) 39. Blue spotted Wood Dove (Turtur abyssinicus) 40. Green Pigeon (Treron australis) 41. Shoebill Stork (Balaeniceps rex) 42. Brown Parrot (Poicephalus meyeri) 43. Eastern Grey Plantain Eater (Crinifer Zonurus) 44. Bare faced Go-away bird (Corythaixoides personata) 45. White-crested Turaco (Tauraco leucolophus) 46. Levaillant’s Cuckoo (Clamator levaillantii) 47. Blue-headed Coucal (Centropus monachus) 48. Senegal Coucal (Centropus senegalensis) 49. White-browed Coucal (Centropus superciliosus) 50. Pearl spotted Owlet (Glaucidium pearlatum) 51. Pel’s Fishing Owl (Scotopelia peli) 52. Palm Swift (Cypsiurus parvus) 53. speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus) 54. Blue-Naped mousebird (Urocolius macrourus) 55. Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) 56. Malachite Kingfisher (Alcelo cristata) 57. Striped Kingfisher (Halcyon chelicuti) 58. Chestnut-bellied Kingfisher (Halcyon leucocephala) 59. Red-throated Bee-eater (Merops bullocki) 60. Swallow Tailed Bee-eater (Merops hirundineys) 61. Little Bee-eater (Merops pusillus) 62. Abyssininan Roller (Coracias abyssinica) 63. Lilac-Breasted roller (Coracias caudata) 64. Green Wood Hoopoe (Phoeniculus purpureus) 65. Re-Billed Hornbill (Tockus erythrorhynchus) 66. Grey Hornbill (Tockus nasutus) 67. Abyssinian Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus abyssinicus) 68. Double-Toothed Barbet (Lybius bidentatus) 69. Spotted flanked Barbet (Lybius lachrymosus) 70. White-headed Barbet (Lybius leucocephalus) 71. Black-throated Honeyguide (Indicator indicator) 72. Cardinal Woodpecker (Dendropicos fuscescens) 73. Grey Woodpecker (Mesopicos geertae) 74. Bearded woodpecker (Thripias namaquas) 64

75. Wire-tailed Swallow (Hirundo smithii) 76. European Sand Martin (Riparia riparia) 77. Drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis) 78. Pied Crow (Corvus albus) 79. Common Bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus) 80. White-browed Robin Chat (Cossypha natalensis) 81. Red-capped Robin Chat (Cossypha natalensis) 82. African Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus baeticatus) 83. Black Flycatcher (Melaenornis edoliodes) 84. Wattle-eye (Platysteira cyanea) 85. Paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis) 86. Black-headed Tchagra (Tchagra senegala) 87. Fiscal shrike (Lanius collaris) 88. Fiscal shrike (Lanius collaris) 89. Grey-backed fiscal (Lanius excubitoius) 90. White-crowned Shrike (Eurocephelus rueppelli) 91. Helmet Shrike (Prionops plumata) 92. Blue eared Glossy Starling (Lamprotornis chloropterus) 93. Lesser Blue-eared Glossy starling (Lamprotornis chloropterus) 94. Purple Glossy Starling (Lamprotornis purpureus) 95. Ruppeel’s Long-tailed Glossy Starling (Lamprotornis purpuropterus) 96. Olive bellied sunbird (Nectarinia chloropygia) 97. Red-chested Sunbird (Nectarinia erythroceria) 98. Shining Sunbird (Nectarinia habessinica) 99. Grosbeak weaver (Amblyospiza albifrons) 100. Parasitie weaver (Anomalospiza imberbis) 101. Nothern Red Bishop (Euplectes franciscanus) 102. Red-headed weaver (Anaplectes rubriceps) 103. Black winged Red Bishop (Euplectes hordeaceus) 104. Red headed malimber (Malimbus rubricollis) 105. Black-headed Weaver (Ploceus cucullatus) 106. Masked Weaver (Phloceus velatus) 107. Yellow backed weaver (Ploceus melanocephalus) 108. Spectacled Weaver (Phloceus ocularis) 109. Slender billed weaver (Ploceus pelzelni) 110. White-browned Sparrow Weaver (Plocepasser mahali) 111. Pin-tailed Whydah (Vidua macroura) 112. Common waxbill (Estrilda astrilid) 113. African Firefinch (Lagonosticta rubricata) 114. Red-billed Firefinch (Lagonosticta senegala) 115. Red-Cheeked Cordon-bleu (Uraeginthus bengalus) 116. Black & White manikin (Lonchura bicolor) 117. Secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) 118. Shoe?Whale headed stork (Balaeniceps rex) 119. Buff Crested Bustard (Eupodotis ruficrista) 120. African pied Wagtail (Motacilla aguimp) 121. Grey headed Sparrow 122. Yellow vented Bulbul (Pyconotus barabatus)

APPENDIX 6: List of participants 6.1 Orientation workshop Name Designation/Contact address 1 Wakhanyinywi Pascal Warden Law Enforcement- MFCA 2 Nakayenze Christine Warden Tourism - MFCA 3 Guma Scot CCR – Ajai WR 4 Ali Jimmy CPI C/Man – Ajai WR 5 Okwonga Aballo Ranger Field Force - AWR 6 Mbogha F.Kambasu Assistant Warden in charge AWR 7 Eunice Nyinamahoro DDPMR – UWA Headquarters 8 Odipio. O. Edward District Environmental Officer (DEO) - Arua 9 Agobia Hyppolythe Esoa Assistant Fisheries Officer – Ogoko subcounty 10 Candia. S. William District Local Council Five Councillor for Ogoko Subcounty 11 Adiribo Edison District Forest Officer – Arua 65

12 Draga Francis Sec. For Production and Security - Arua 13 Kapere Richard Team Leader (PEIAO – UWA) 14 Droma Atilio District Local Council Councillor for Rhino Camp Subcounty

6.2 Sub county consultations 6.2.1 Rhino Camp Subcounty Date: 12th October, 2005

Attendance list No Name Designation

1. Joshua B. Buatre Opinion Leader 2. Aliga Tom Parish Chief Aniri/Bandili 3. Ola Raymond Opinion Leader 4. Sabino Adori L.C.I Secretary Avuochaku 5. Angumale Benard L.C.I Chairperson Arikayi 6. Afidra Alfred Julius CCPI Atuni parish 7. Aziizhi Musa Peasant Farmer 8. Behzk Azio Elder 9. Orijabo William Parish Councilor G.Atuni 10. Baiga Charles Peasant Farmer 11. Abdarazaki Adia Peasant Farmer 12. Drileyo D. Cosmas Peasant Farmer 13. Oyile Seth Peasant Farmer 14. Eunice Abari House wife 15. Faima Candiru House wife 16. Avinyia David L.C.I Chairperson 17. Mbogha Francis AWIC AWR 18. Kato Moses Resident Bandili 19. Kapere Richard PEIAO UWA 20. Guma Scot CCR AWR 21. Agotre Ndah Business man 22. Atayo Alfred Resident Bandili 23. Adiribo Edison D.Forestry Officer 24. Francis Kebu Chairman Cuake Chapel/Church 25. Angudri Sasando L.C.I chairperson Romaku 26. Ewaku Tom Collins Student 27. Odipio A. Edward D. Environmental Officer 28. Anaima John Opinion Leader 29. Wayi Guma Stephen H/M Balala P/School 30. Kato Stonewall SWCC MFCA 31. Nyati Maisur Peasant 32. Luluga Peter CPI 33. Arima Robert CPI 34. Ben Angumale Elder 35. Noah Agotre Elder 36. Aluma Casto Opinion Leader 37. Betty Amaguru Parish Women representative 38. Anuku Samuel Elder 39. Julius Alfred Afidria CPI

6.2.2 Ogoko Subcounty

Date: 13th October, 2005 Attendance list No Name Designation

1. Obitre Santus CPI Arara Parish 2. Ndabua O. Modest Production Officer 3. Oyile P. Henry Elder Ayavu 4. Haji Zumber M. Menjo Parish Councilor 5. Majidi S. Onitho Chairperson L.C.II Panduko 6. Atiku Nickens Teacher Ayavu P/School 7. Afidra Ben Amorimvapi Teacher Inde Technical School 8. Dravu Samuel Sergeant Incharge Ogoko s/c 9. Avutia Martin CPI Olali 10. Angudru Filewari L.C.II Chairperson Ayavu 11. Olama Taban Parish Chief Panduku 12. Budebo Henry CPI Ayavu Parish 13. Arami Esau Peasant Farmer Olali Parish 14. Agobia Andrew Teacher Ogoko P/School 15. Ajidra Isaya Peasant Farmer Pamvura Parish 16. Walesco Jimmy Elder Pamvura 17. Suleiman Dison L.C.I Chairperson Pamvura 18. Mana-Yasin Muzamil G/Secretary L.C.I Akavu 19. Bandale Oraya V/Chairperson L.C.I Ayavugazi 20. Ezama Francis L.C.I C/Person Garia 21. Francis Mariyo Peasant Farmer Ayavugazi 22. Matua Jilbert Peasant Farmer Ayavugazi 23. Alia Ben CPI Enyio 24. Amati Peter Teacher Yachi P/School 25. Asega Moses Resident Ayavugazi 26. Santonino Ochama Resident Panduku village 27. Stephen Ajai Opinion leader Olali 28. Ofuti Moses Charles Elder Ayavu 29. Debo Sinei L.C.III Parish councilor 30. Oleah Sanu Farmer 31. Candia S.W D.Subcounty councilor Ogoko 32. Adiribo Edison D.Forestry Officer 33. Kato stonewall SWCC MFCA 34. Madwongtho Boris Chairperson L.C.III Ogoko s/c 35. Ali Jimmy CPI Chairperson 36. Mbogha F.K AWIC AWR 37. Adalla John Ag. S/county Chief Ogoko 38. Ago-obi Peter Parish Chief Enyio 39. Ozua Joel Elder Pamvura 40. Guma Scot CCR AWR 41. Kapere Richard PEIAO UWA 42. Treri Gilbert Member Parish Development Committee

No Name Designation 43. Agondua B. Rajab L.C.I Chairperson 44. Obitre Osborn A. Manzuh Peasant Farmer Payare/Olali 45. Hon. Abiko J.Rose D.Subcounty Women councilor Ogoko/Uleppi 46. Aliaka Elia Longo L.C.III Councilor 47. Zgimab Zubeir L.C.II women Councilor 48. Edema A. Alex Teacher Yachi p/school 49. Alizuku Samuel Yosua L.C.II Vice Chairperson Olali 50. Leku John L.C.II Chairperson Ayavu

6.2.3 Okollo/Uleppi Subcounties

Date: 14th October, 2005

Attendance list No Name Designation

1. Safi Nasur L.C.III Vice Chairperson Uleppi 2. Matua Elijah Ag. Subcounty Chief Uleppi 3. Oriku S. Amazah L.C.III Chairperon Uleppi 4. Ali Jimmy CPI Chairperson 5. Olema Leonard Ag. Subcounty Chief Okollo 6. Obitre Santus CPI Arara Uleppi s/c 7. Adellia Kasiano Opinion Leader 8. Awikra Neckyon Business man 9. Alex Ayuku Elder Onyomo Parish 10. Martin Atibo Elder 11. Alema Christopher Parish Councilor 12. Onzima Philliam Peasant Farmer 13. Lemaku Vicent Peasant Farmer 14. Afaru Cladius L.C.I Pama-Ouweko 15. Candia Alfred Peasant Farmer 16. Emilio Sabino Bamuru Vice Chairperson L.C.I Obiyooch 17. Ajuamani Gilbert L.C.I Chairperson 18. Kato Stonewall SWCC MFCA 19. Kapere Richard PEIAO UWA 20. Guma Scot CCR AWR 21. Adule Christopher Peasant Farmer 22. Ayoma Gilbert Business man 23. Mugisha Charles Teacher 24. Arima Zom Elder Onyomu 25. Mbogha F. Kambasu AWIC AWR 26. Abiko J. Rose D. women Councilor Ogoko/Uleppi 27. Odipio A. Edward D. Environmental Officer 28. Drabule Stephen Opinion Leader 29. Miriba Cox Opinion Leader 30. Angoo Emmanuel Peasant Farmer 31. Lemaku G. Peasant Farmer 32. Atmia K Peasant Farmer 33. Okot Martin Parish Councilor

No Name Designation 34. Acema D. Genesis D. Subcounty Councilor Ogoko s/c 35. Alion Alfred Student 36. Alimani Amos Student 37. Surubua Micheal Peasant Farmer 38. Bulemi Frederik Student 39. Buyua Geoffrey Peasant Farmer 40. Nyakuta Geoffrey Resident Onyomu Parish 41. Aluayu William Resident Anyora/osabu Village

6. 3 District Consultations

Arua Town Date: 19th October, 2005

Attendance list No Name Designation

1. Guma Scot CCR AWR 2. Ali Jimmy CPI C/Person 3. Mbogha Francis K. AWIC AWR 4. Kato Stonewall SWCC MFCA 5. Wakhanyinywi Pascal WLE MFCA 6. Asalu Edward CW MFCA 7. Ringakech Henry Deputy RDC Arua 8. Benjamin B. Avutia State Prosecutor Arua 9. Odipio Edward D. Environmental Officer Arua 10. Dribiri Elson Aspiring MP Madi-Okollo 11. Donato Amabua Member Arua District Land Board 12. Captain Arubaku Stephen District Councilor 13. Salube Julius D. Police Commander 14. Sabo Kamilo D. Vice Chairperson L.C.V 15. Adiribo Edison D. Forestry Officer 16. Batre Ronald Journalist (VOL) 17. Andua Drani Assistant Chief Administrative Officer 18. Driwaru Florence Secretary L.C.V for Health 19. Buderu Regina Councillor Righo Rhino Camp 20. Butehzi Noor Manzuh Elder 21. Okumah J. Richard Elder 22. Acema D. Genesis District Subcounty Councilor Okollos/c 23. Jimmy Bamuru Ayoma D. Production Coordinator 24. Anguzu Lino Resident State Attorney 25. Droma Atilio Councilor Rhino camp 26. Obitre Osboru A. Manzuh L.C.I Olalu 27. Candia S. William D. Subcounty Councilor Ogoko s/c 28. Abiko Rose D. Women Subcounty Councilor Ogoko/Uleppi s/cs 29. Aluma A. Clement Reporter Nile FM 30. Obadiah Musimenta DISO Arua 31. Tabu Butagira Daily Monitor Journalist 32. Buruga Vincent West Nile Red Pepper 33. Wayi Guma Stephen Opinion Leader

No Name Designation 34. Frank Mugabi New Vision 35. Kefa Atiburi Radio Pacis/ The Monitor 36. Ayeko Osaman Journalist/ One FM 37. Kapere Richard PEIAO UWA 38. Damain Akankwasa DTBDP UWA