E National Environment Management Authority N T S N NEMA NEWS U E R M The National Environment Management Newsletter I N P G L O S V E U S D E TA I N A B L E Vol. 22 No. 1 June 2019 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 5TH JUNE 2019 CELEBRATED Theme: “Fight Air Pollution to Protect Human Health and Environment”

Air Pollution: Approximately 7 million people worldwide die prematurely each year from air pollution (UN Environment). Let’s Fight Air Pollution INSIDE this Issue this WED By Tony Achidria World Environment Day celebrated...... 1 Air pollution, a global concern…...... 4 he United Nations General Assembly during Development projects approved...... 6 the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm, 1972), declared the 5th of Air pollution and health risks...... 7 T June the International World Environment Day (WED). WED Mercury use and practices in artisanal commits each Member State to reflect on efforts put in place gold mining…...... 8 at national level with regards to protection of the environment, State of Environment…...... 10 as well as to reaffirm her commitment to sustainable Francis Ogwal awarded for spearheading environment management. biodiversity conservation...... ….12 World Environment Day is a UN Environment-led global Wildlife conservation in Karamoja...... 14 event, the single largest celebration of our environment each Turn to page 2

NEMA NEWS June 2019 “Fight Air Pollution to Protect Human Health and Environment” 1 EDITORIAL Let’s Fight Air orld Environment Day From page 1 is here. June 5th of every Wyear is the United Nation’s year, which takes place on June 5 principal vehicle for encouraging awareness and action for the protection and is celebrated by thousands of of our environment. This year global communities worldwide. 143 countries celebrations will be in China under the take part in World Environment Day, theme “Air Pollution”. and the day focuses on environmental National celebrations are taking place concerns ranging from pollution to in the Karamoja region; specifically in Moroto District at Naitakwae grounds, global warming and sustainable food under a localized theme “Fight air production to protection of wildlife. pollution to protect human health China will host the World Tony Achidria and the environment.” Environment Day 2019 celebrations Air pollution is a problem that costs under the global theme, ‘Air Pollution’. China with its growing green the global economy $5 trillion every energy sector, has emerged as a climate leader. By hosting World year in welfare costs; Air pollution is fundamentally altering our climate, Environment Day 2019, the Chinese Government will be able to with profound impacts on the health of showcase its innovation and progress toward a cleaner environment. the planet.

In air pollution being driven WHY AIR POLLUTION? by rapid urbanization and population Air pollution is the contamination of air by gasses and solid particles. growth in urban areas. Major pollutants include fumes from automobiles, Air pollutants are only visible to the naked eye in some conditions for industries, domestic burning of instance dust particles, smoke from open flames, vehicle emissions, rubbish, road dust, smoke from cook stoves, bush and charcoal burning. But soot from burning of solid fuels, etc; but for most cases the items all is not lost, as there is a concerted polluting the air are too tiny to be seen with the naked eye. effort by Government, individuals, the private sector and Civil Society Organizations to combat and put an end Air pollution comes from different sources including vehicle to the practices that cause air pollution. emissions, industrial furnaces, wood fuel from cook stoves, kerosene lamps, coal-fired power plants, wildfires, sand and dust storms, In this edition, we feature stories on the status of Uganda’s air quality, what is among others. According to statistics from the UN Environment being done to improve the situation and and the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 7 million also highlight activities that NEMA has been undertaking to protect and people worldwide die prematurely each year from air pollution, with conserve our environment. an estimated 1 million of these deaths occurring in Africa.

As we celebrate World Environment Day 2019, let us remind ourselves The world over, airborne pollutants are responsible for about one that every action counts in this third of deaths from stroke, chronic respiratory disease, and lung environmental journey. Everyone must do what they can in their capacity to cancer, as well as one quarter of deaths from heart attack. protect our planet for our survival and World Environment Day 2019 therefore urges governments, that of future generations. industries, communities, and individuals to explore renewable energy A Happy World Environment Day. and green technologies, to improve air quality in cities and regions NEMA House Plot 17/19/21 Jinja Road across the world. Tel:+256-414-251064/5/8 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTEmail: [email protected] MANANGEMENT AUTHORITYWebsite: www.nemaug.org (NEMA) P.O Box 22255 Uganda GLOBAL AIR POLLUTION FACTS Tel. +256-414-251064/5/8; Fax. +256-414-257521 [email protected]; www.nema.go.ug • 9 out of 10 people worldwide live in places where the air quality

NationalNational EnvironmentEnvironment Management Management Authority Authority (NEMA) (NEMA) Uganda Uganda is above the WHO guidelines • Air pollution costs the global economy $5 trillion every year in @nemaug.org@nemaug Turn to page 3 2 NEMA NEWS June 2019 “Fight Air Pollution to Protect Human Health and Environment” “ “ Eastern Uganda. The district is How can we reduce air Pollution part of the larger Karamoja sub- pollution? From page 2 region and is characterized by rocky mountainous landscape with The fact is that human activities welfare costs. moderately low rainfall. The main contribute the most to any type • Ground-level ozone pollution is economic activities in the district of pollution. Hence, it is our expected to reduce staple crop are livestock keeping, subsistence responsibility to find solutions. And yields by 26 per cent by 2030. agriculture and limestone and considering the harmful effects of • Air pollution is fundamentally marble mining. air pollution, it is high time that altering our climate, with everyone contributes a bit to prevent profound impacts on the health The district is bordered by Kaabong release of pollutants. of the planet. District to the north, Kenya to the east, Amudat to the south, Social awareness about air pollution UGANDA’S CASE Nakapiripirit to the south-west, is the most essential step to be According to the Air Visual’s Napak to the west and Kotido to the taken for the prevention of air 2018 World Air Quality Report, north-west. Moroto is approximately pollution. Awareness programs the annual air quality in Kampala 457km by road, north east of and/or advertisements should based on presence of particulate Kampala. be encouraged, so that people matter (PM2.5 of 40.4µg/m3) was understand the potential health two times higher than the levels Air pollution in Karamoja region hazards of pollution. Improvement recommended by the World Health is mainly from uncontrolled bush of transport facilities and proper Organization (WHO) of 25µg/m3. burning, dust storms especially use of land for the sake of social during the dry seasons, smoke from benefits are equally important for Air pollution is a growing challenge charcoal burning, as well the rapidly not just in Kampala City but across controlling air pollution. developing mining industry that the country. As we celebrate this year’s World Environment Day let us has contributed to pollution and Public Transport: Whenever all take a step to fight air pollution in related problems e.g. through gold possible, try to travel by public order to protect human health and mining and the use of mercury in transport. This helps in two ways; the environment. its extraction, limestone, marble prevents air pollution and increases and granite extraction all of which public income. If you are going to a Uganda joins the rest of the have processes which exacerbate nearby place, walk or use a bicycle, world to commemorate World air pollution, among others. The instead of using your vehicle. The Environment Day 2019 under situation is made worse by rampant objective is to minimize the use of the localized theme: “Fight Air deforestation that has robbed the fuels as far as possible. Pollution to Protect Human region of vast tree cover. Car Pool; a car pool will reduce Health and Environment”. the number of cars on our roads, Statistics from the World Environment Day National thereby, preventing air pollution celebrations will be hosted by UN Environment and the by cutting down the use of fossil Moroto District on 5th June 2019, World Health Organization fuels. This way, it will help in the at Naitakwae Grounds, Moroto (WHO), indicate that sustainable use of fossil fuel and Municipality. This will be the first approximately 7 million people its conservation for the future time WED is being celebrated in the worldwide die prematurely each generations. Karamoja region. year from air pollution, with an Vehicle Care: Automobiles should estimated 1 million of these be services regularly to keep them in Moroto District is located at the deaths occurring in Africa a good condition. foot of Mountain Moroto in North Turn to page 5

NEMA NEWS June 2019 “Fight Air Pollution to Protect Human Health and Environment” 3 Air Pollution, a Global Concern of Local Significance

By Patience Nsereko air quality levels exceed WHO limits. According to the 2018 WHO ir pollutants consist of air quality database, 97% of cities in a complex mixture of low- and middle- income countries substances which may A with more than 100,000 inhabitants occur as gases, solid or liquids. do not meet WHO air quality Patience Nsereko Several different compounds exist guidelines. in the air, however, a set of key anthropogenic sources such as dust indicators have been developed and Many developing countries storms, particularly in areas near arid generally accepted by international including Uganda lack accurate, or semi-arid regions. The mining and national environmental and comprehensive and consistent sector (mining and quarrying) is also health bodies to help characterize air quality data. However, some increasing becoming a major source ambient air quality. These include; individual studies undertaken for of air pollution. Particulate matter (PM) measured instance by the Makerere University as particles in the air with an aero College of Health Sciences in In 2017, there was a significant dynamic diameter of <10µm (PM10) increase of 95% in transport licensed selected cities (Kampala, Jinja) and <2.5µm (PM2.5), Nitrogen vehicles for public use, 25% increase indicated PM mean values of 132.1 dioxide, Sulphur dioxide and Ozone 2.5 in privately registered vehicles and µg/m3, which was 5.3 times above the (ground-level ozone). However, this 12% increase in newly registered WHO limits (Kirenga, et al, 2015). does not imply that other pollutants motorcycles (UBOS, 2019). With in the air are not harmful to human many reconditioned vehicles Globally, sources of air pollution health and the environment. imported into the country the levels include; industrial activities, waste of air pollution are likely to increase management, transport, energy According to studies published by the if no action is taken to address this production and use, agriculture World Health Organization (WHO), concern. Old vehicles are more likely and household energy systems. air pollution levels are normally to have incomplete combustion thus In Uganda the main sources of higher in developing countries than leading to release of pollutants into in industrialized developed countries. air pollution include, emissions the air. The two-wheeled cycles which For instance, levels of particulate from vehicles, industrial activities, are increasing in number, are a major matter have reportedly reached 4-5 biomass fuel use, burning of waste source of emissions, particularly times higher in developing countries and waste management practices. cycles with two-stroke engines. The than developed countries. The Unpaved roads are also a major type of fuel that is used in these highest concentrations of PM10 source of air pollution. However, vehicles also influences the emissions and Sulphur dioxide occur in Africa, air pollution can also arise from that come with exhaust fumes, due Asia and Latin America. Africa the constituents of fuel, such as comes second to Asia with annual Studies published by the World Sulphur or Lead. average concentrations of PM2.5 of Health Organization (WHO), 40-150 µg/m3, values higher than the show that air pollution levels are In industry, boilers and furnaces are a recommended WHO guideline values normally higher in developing major source of emissions due to the 3 of 10 µg/m (annual mean values). It countries than in industrialized energy sources (biomass and heavy is estimated that 91% of the world’s developed countries fuels) and the technology used. population lives in places where Turn to page 5

4 NEMA NEWS June 2019 “Fight Air Pollution to Protect Human Health and Environment” “ “ Air Pollution, a Global Concern Let’s Fight Air From page 4 Health and environmental Pollution Many facilities lack efficient risks of air pollution From page 3 technology to minimize emissions and yet the manufacturing sector is The risk of air pollution is often This will ensure that thick exhaust growing. There also no systems in dependent upon the concentration fumes that would otherwise find place to monitor air quality. of pollutants in the air (ambient or their way into the atmosphere are indoor) and the amount of time minimized. Indoor air pollution in households persons spend within a polluted Minimize Pollutants: Always try mainly arises from the use of environment. In Uganda, many to minimize smoke emission. One way is to compost dried leaves and kerosene and biomass fuels for persons are exposed to pollutants in kitchen waste, instead of burning energy and lighting. However, the air during heavy traffic that is a them. Composting will also give there is almost no data the levels common occurrence particularly in you organic fertilizer for your of household air pollution in the urban areas, at their workplaces garden. the country, and yet this is a and in households. Mothers and Alternative Energy: Another major concern as the majority children are at high risk of exposure effective way to prevent air of households use solid fuels in to smoke from cooking stoves. inefficient stoves. pollution is to use alternative energy sources such as solar energy, WHO estimates that 4.2 million Indoor air pollution also occurs in hydroelectric energy, and wind deaths occur every year as a result industrial establishments. Data from energy. Nowadays, sophisticated of exposure to ambient (outdoor) inspections undertaken by NEMA, technologies such as wind turbine, air pollution, while, 3.8 million indicates that food processing (grain, solar water heaters are introduced deaths occur every year as a result coffee, sugar, among others) and to generate electricity and other of household air pollution due manufacturing (textile, steel and energy forms for household uses. to the nature of cook stoves and aluminum, cement, Lead recycling Recycle: Recycling is a simple fuels used. In regard to infant plants), are some of the Facilities approach to reduce pollution in two mortality, 50% of pneumonia that may have high levels of indoor ways; it enables us to save energy deaths in children under 5 are due to emissions. In some cases, levels which is required for burning and household air pollution. Developing of particulate matter (instant minimizes the pollutants released measurement) have reached over countries like Uganda are the most during manufacturing. 750 µg/m3. impacted and unfortunately, the Smart Purchasing: Remember impacts including chronic and acute to carry paper bags and minimize respiratory diseases, cancers, heart using plastic bags. While buying disease and impacts on the un- the products, always choose air- borne child, may not be immediately friendly and recyclable products observed. that will minimize the emission of pollutants. Diseases such as asthma, lung cancer, tuberculosis, eye cataracts, And, finally plant trees; trees have been linked to exposure convert carbon dioxide into oxygen to indoor air pollution. Carbon and thereby cleaning up polluted air. monoxide that may be released from So we need to stop unsustainable use of cooking stoves in poorly cutting down of trees. Indoor air pollution levels in an ventilated environments, is an The writer is the Senior Public industrial facility Turn to page 9 Relations Officer, NEMA.

NEMA NEWS June 2019 “Fight Air Pollution to Protect Human Health and Environment” 5 Development Projects Approved during Januray-March 2019

By Margaret Aanyu and Industrial Projects, 15.7%. Hence, these four categories of he number of certificates projects constituted 79.8% of of approval issued the total projects approved. For during January - March, T the October - December, 2018 2019, was much higher than the Quarter, however, these four number of certificates issued in categories of projects accounted the October - December, 2018 Margaret Aanyu for 80.1% of projects approved. Quarter. That is, a total of 344 certificates of approval were issued during January - March, Figure 1: Comparison between the total of EIA reports (PBS+EISs) submitted during the January - March, 2019 and the Certificates of 2019, Quarter, compared to 221 Approval issued to developers. certificates issued during October - December, 2018. The number Total number of PBs+EISs Submitted versus of Certificates of Approval issued Certificates issued, by Month (Jan - Mar, 2019) in each month were: January, 250 207 86; February; 82; and March, 176 176; respectively. Figure 1 shows 200 comparison between the total Total 150 102 Number 95 of EIA reports (PBS+EISs) 86 82 submitted during the January– 100

March, 2019 Quarter and the 50 Certificates of Approval issued to 0 developers. January February March

Submissions Approvals (Certificates Issued) The summary of categories of projects, for which the certificates Figure 2: ApprovalCategories of projects of Projects by approvedpercentage during and the Januaryby category to of approval were issued. Overall, the January - March, 2019 Quarter ApprovalMarch, of projects 2019 Quarter, by percentage by percentage and by category witnessed Fuel Facilities (total of Oil and Gas Wildlife, Leisure, 0.9% Recreation, Hotels 81), infrastructure projects (70), Water Supply and 3.5% Sanitation Information Communications 1.2% Education Facility 1.5% Technology (ICT) projects (70), Waste Management and Energy Production Infrastructure and Processing/Manufacturing / Distribution 2.3% 3.5% Industries (54), as the leading Processing Industry, Fuel categories of projects approved Manufacturing Facility/Station 15.7% (see Figures 2 and 3 below). 23.5% Minerals, Mining, Therefore, out of the total Quarry 5.5% Pest Control projects approved/certificates Land-use Change 0.3% – Agric., Livestock, issued, Fuel Stations accounted Forestry 1.2% for 23.5%, Infrastructure Projects, Infrastructure - Wetlands, Information Roads, Housing, Fisheries Communication 20.3%, ICT Projects, 20.3%, Renovations Resources Technology 20.3% 0.3% 20.3% The writer is the Environment

Assessment Manager, NEMA Source: NEMA 2019 6 NEMA NEWS June 2019 “Fight Air Pollution to Protect Human Health and Environment” “ “ Air Pollution: One of the Leading Public Health Risks By Jennifer Kutesakwe Uganda's capital, has the second worst air quality in Africa, according ir pollution is one of the to the “AirVisual’s 2018 World Air leading global public health Quality Report”. Recent studies Arisks. The World Health carried out on air quality in Kampala Organization (WHO) ranks indoor indicated that the concentrations air pollution (from biomass fuel of particulate matter (PM2.5) were combustion) and urban outdoor air three times higher than the WHO Jennifer Kutesakwe pollution 10th and 14th, respectively, air quality guidelines for ambient air A recent study comparing lung health among the 19 leading risk factors (25 µg/m3). High PM concentrations of children living in Buwenge Sub for global mortality. However, its have been observed in the city center, County in Jinja and their counterparts magnitude in many developing industrial areas and in residential in Kampala, revealed that children countries’ cities is not known. For areas with unpaved roads, and living in Buwenge Sub-county, Jinja Uganda, data on air pollution is nearly likewise Nitrogen dioxide (NO ) and 2 District had better lung performance Bynon-existent Jennifer Kutesakwe and there is currently Sulphur dioxide (SO ) concentrations 2 compared to their counterparts in Seniorno framework Environment Inspector for monitoring and are reported to be above the WHO Kampala which is likely to be as a regulating air pollution.AIR Yet,PO LKampala,LUTION cut-off limits. result of poor air quality. The greyish In general, the air appearance in the sky in Kampala is pollution problem also attributed to the deteriorated air is attributed to quality within the city. emissions from increased traffic and reconditioned Air Quality Problem Particulate matter (PM ) particles motor vehicles, 10 in the air which are less than a industrial 10 micrograms per cubic metre emissions, (µg m3) once breathed, can cause and other AnAn image image showing showing Indoor Airindoor Pollution Air at Pollution Iganga Steel atDivision. Iganga Steel Division inflammation in the major organs anthropogenic of the body like lungs, heart, brain activities such as and blood. The particulate matter open burning of less than 2.5 microns in diameter are waste and indoor very dangerous as they can penetrate biomass-fueled deep into tissues. It is estimated that cookstoves. out of the 7,989 deaths registered Absence of in Uganda, about 3,141 were due to proper reliable acute lower respiratory disease, 192 data and air Chorionic Pulmonary diseases, 126 quality regulations lung cancers, 1,624 Ischemic Heart hinders impact Disease and 2,905 are stroke-related. assessment on People with already existing heart and health population respiratory conditions like asthma are as well as quality most at risk of air pollution. of monitoring An image showing Air Pollution from the burning of Biomas. and enforcement. Turn to page 15

NEMA NEWS June 2019 “Fight Air Pollution to Protect Human Health and Environment” 7 Mercury Use and Practices in Artisanal Use and Small Scale Gold Mining Sector in Uganda By Anne Nakafeero

1. Information on the amounts of mercury added without first used and gold mining areas with mercury use removing the 1. Major Artisanal and small scale gold mining regions mercury. in Uganda include Central Region (Mubende, Anne Lillian Nakafeero Kassanda and Kyegegwa Districts); Kigezi Region 2. The prevalent (Kabale and Kisoro Districts); Eastern Region mining and processing (Busia, Bugiri and Namayingo Districts); Karamoja techniques being used in ASGM in Uganda Region (Amudat, Nakapiripirit, Kaabong, Moroto, 1. Gold processing with mercury is most prevalent in Nabilatuk and Kotido) and Kigezi Region (Kabale ASGM and Kisoro Districts) 2. Few miners use gravitation methods 2. A total of 32,146kg of mercury (Hg) is annually released into the environment 3. Actors in the mercury value chain 3. Gold (and silver) extraction with mercury 1. Foreign traders – specialized dealers of Kenyan, amalgamation is the highest contributor (18496kg/yr) Tanzanian and Congolese origins who bring in and of mercury emissions in Uganda sell mercury to other mercury traders, gold buyers, 4. Mercury use hotspots are concentrated within and ASGM operators; the Eastern Districts of Busia and Namayingo. 2. Local traders who sell mercury in the ASGM sites. Their proximity to the Kenyan boarder makes the These are predominantly gold buyers who also smuggling of mercury easy. Mercury availability engage in mercury supply in order to attract gold availability and the alluvial nature of the ore in the selling customers; eastern region has made mercury use rampant in 3. Jewellery shops in Kampala, allegedly owned by the region. The central region mercury hot spots are people of Asian origin; districts of Kassanda and Mubende, and in Ankole 4. Mining companies region, its Buhweju, Bushenyi and Ibanda . In the Karamoja region the mercury hotspots are only in Moroto, Amudat and Nakapiripirit Districts. 4. Trade of mercury 5. Over 15,000 kg of mercury are used per year. 1. Mercury trade statistics indicate that South Africa The Central region uses the highest amount of all and Kenya are the principal source countries, mercury in gold production with over 7,800 kg Hg/y although Malaysia appears to have dominated (51%); followed by the Eastern region with over official mercury imports over the past two years. 5,000 kg Hg/y (33%). Karamoja region uses over 2. According to URA, eight consignments totaling 615 1,200 kg Hg/y (8%). kg entered the country between January 2013 and February 2016, mostly from Kenya. Existing worst practices in mercury use at ASGM sites 3. A representative of the URA emphasized that • whole ore amalgamation; smuggling is likely to be rampant given the apparent • open burning of amalgam or processed amalgam; lack of logistical and regulatory constraints. • burning of amalgam in residential areas; and 4. Most of the respondents indicated that the Malaba • Cyanide leaching in sediment, ore or tailings to which border post on Uganda’s eastern border was one of mercury has been Turn to page 15 8 NEMA NEWS June 2019 “Fight Air Pollution to Protect Human Health and Environment” “ “ Air Pollution, a Global Concern From page 5 odourless gas that is toxic to humans. NEMA has developed draft Air Workers should also be subjected Exposure to high levels of carbon Quality Regulations and has acquired to regular medical checks to ensure monoxide can cause unconsciousness equipment to facilitate air quality that any potential health impacts are or even death, while exposure for monitoring, particularly emissions identified early enough and addressed. long periods of time has been linked from industrial establishments. There to heart disease. Continued exposure are also efforts, through the East We are called upon to promote to Lead is known to affect brain African Community, to harmonize circular production systems, that is, development and the central nervous the air quality regulations across the recycling and reuse of materials and system and is particularly poisonous East African Region as air pollution waste, less incineration and more to children. The main routes of knows no geographical boundaries. efficient incineration systems where exposure are through inhalation incineration is unavoidable. Waste of particles or ingestion of Lead Urban and transport authorities are minimization should be prioritized. contaminated dust. There is no ‘safe’ urged to develop transport policies Government and other stakeholders level for Lead exposure! and systems that will facilitate should continue to raise awareness about the sources and impacts of air pollution.

WHO estimates that 4.2 million deaths occur every year as a result of exposure to ambient (outdoor) air pollution, while, 3.8 million deaths occur every year as a result of household air pollution due to the nature of cook stoves and fuels used

The global theme for this year’s World Environment Day 2019, ‘Air Emissions from a furnace in a Lead recycling plant, persons working in such pollution’ draws attention to the fact facilities are at risk of health impacts arising from the activity that air pollution is a global issue that affects countries across the world. Need for action decongestion and promote less Cognizant of the risk air pollution energy use, for instance providing Air pollutants know no boundaries, poses to human health and for safe walk ways. have no limits and can remain environment, the Government suspended for hours and days in the of Uganda is taking action to Industries are required to put in air. We cannot stop breathing, but address the issue. For instance, place efficient technology and source we can control the air we breathe. the Government banned the abatement measures. The persons Every action counts! Let us ‘Fight importation of vehicles older than working in such Facilities must be air pollution and protect human ten (10) years and vehicle emission provided with adequate Personal health and the environment’. limits have been provided for in the Protective Equipment (PPE) to The writer is the Principal Traffic Control Act. minimize exposure to emissions. Environment Inspector, NEMA.

NEMA NEWS June 2019 “Fight Air Pollution to Protect Human Health and Environment” 9 The District Environment HIGHLIGHTS FROM MOROTO

Mr. Keem Andrew Napaja Mr. Lochap Peter Ken Mr. Gwokto Martin Mr. Lotyang John LCV Chairman, Moroto RDC, Moroto Jacan, CAO, Moroto DNRO, Moroto By John Lotyang households. However, there is little Land use effort to restore the degraded mining Much of the land in Moroto district is oroto is situated in the areas. used for grazing and settlement. Until North-Eastern part of recently 50% was gazetted as wildlife Uganda with a land area Wood fuel is the major source of reserves – Bokora, Matheniko, that M energy for households. This has of 3,537.71 sqkm and population of extends to . Land in 104,539 according to the 2014 census. exacerbated the already precarious Moroto District is communally owned; land degradation. High winds and there is no comprehensive land Socio-Economic State are common and have damaged use plan. The main economic activities in infrastructure in the district. the district are livestock keeping, Mountain Moroto is the main tourist Forests and woodlands subsistence agriculture; limestone attraction for mountain climbing, The forests include woodlands and and marble mining. Moroto district camping, bird watching and forest bushland, and are found on some has a very low literacy level of 12% walks. Nakiloro, is an archaeological hills and mountains, notable is Mt compared to the national average site, as well as Apule, the dispersion Moroto Central Forest Reserve. The of 54%. The top five causes of site of the Karimojong people. reserve can be broadly classified as morbidity in the district are diseases dry Combretum, Butyrospermum and related to poor environmental Moroto has a low population density dry acacia savannas, with Juniperus- sanitation, lifestyles and low literacy with people living in dispersed Podocarpus dry montane forest. The levels. settlements. The homesteads, with flora and fauna of this forest reserve is These constitute 90% of the disease as many as forty inhabitants, are characterised by a high number of rare burden, well above the national not permanent; during the dry and/or restricted-range species. average, and include diarrhoeal season they usually move to set More than 30,000 people live in or and skin diseases, intestinal worms, up temporary camps in areas with derive subsistence (hunting, charcoal eye infections, trauma, anaemia pasture and water. burning, collecting honey, mushrooms, and malnutrition. Farmers have wild fruits, medicinal herbs) from Mt. not adopted modern methods of Management of solid waste is one of Moroto Forest Reserve. Livestock agriculture. the biggest dilemmas facing Moroto within the forest is estimated at 6,010. Municipality. Most institutions use The exact status of the forest area Mining has attracted the local people pit latrines and the few water-borne is not known because of temporary to live in clusters. In Rupa, there toilets in senior quarters and hotels. cultivation, settlement, and grazing are more than 1,000 people living a patterns.

10 NEMA NEWS June 2019 “Fight Air Pollution to Protect Human Health and Environment” “ “ STATE OF ENVIRONMENT

The demand for tree products (fuel of reptiles, amphibians and birds Map of Moroto District wood, building poles etc) exceeds the such as cattle egrets can existing supply in the district, and the be found in the wetlands. current harvesting patterns are not Hunting at the subsistence sustainable. Alternative sources of level for meat is common. energy are costly, and have not been Some of the wetlands are sufficiently promoted to cause a shift being cultivated, while from wood fuel. Consequently, the others have been modified vegetation is already as low as 30% in by bushfire and cutting some places; while some of the land of trees.Most wetlands is bare. in Moroto district are located in very remote Water resources and insecure areas, such Surface water in the district is as the Bokora-Matheniko seasonal, except for the upper courses Wildlife Reserve, part of a few streams fed by springs in of the reason they have the mountainous areas of Iriir and remained intact. Mt. Moroto. 12% of the population depends on streams and rivers Biodiversity during the rainy season; while 2% Wildlife was once get their water from dams and wells. abundant in Moroto, both Silting of dams and valley tanks due in terms of numbers to soil erosion is a major problem. and diversity of species. There is recurrent shortage of water, Moroto forests still accompanied by seasonal migration of support numerous species people to wetter areas in the south. such as baboons, monkeys, radioactive minerals. Artisanal mining Human and livestock demand for bush pigs, leopards, is common in Tapac, Rupa and water was projected to increase by hyenas, reptiles and a diversity of Katikekile sub-counties. 7.8% between 1991 and 2010, and bird species. Wildlife in the savannah 72% from 1989 to 2010 respectively. and rangelands areas are more There are no immediate plans in diminished, but include duikers, Challenges in Environmental place to increase supplies, implying oribi, rabbits, squirrels, jackals, guinea Management in Moroto The department remains under continued scarcity and deterioration in fowls, ostriches, secretary birds, kites funded yet there are several activities quality of water. and storks. The wetlands have fish, that require financial and logistical crocodiles, ducks, storks, snakes, resources. Wetland resources and butterflies. In recent years, large The main wetland systems identified mammals have disappeared from include Okok – Nakodiokodio that are Lack of adequate transportation has Matheniko Bokora wildlife reserves. fairly large seasonally flooded wooded hindered field based activities grasslands; and Okere – Nangolol The dry spells have continued to Mineral endowment Apolon, a small long and narrow impact on agriculture and tree planting The mining sector is significant seasonal system/network, draining in since 2017 despite availability of tree in Moroto district, with minerals Kocholut, Kotipe and Loki dams. seedlings from partners. Most wetlands are seasonally flooded including limestone, marble, silver, grasslands dominated by Acacia – copper, iron, manganese, chrome, The writer is the Moroto District Hyparrhenia species. Several species titanium, niobium, tantalite, and Natural Resources Officer

NEMA NEWS June 2019 “Fight Air Pollution to Protect Human Health and Environment” 11 AWARD DURING LABOUR CELEBRATIONS 1 MAY 2019 BREIF PROFILE OF MR. SABINO FRANCIS OGWAL

r. Sabino Francis Ogwal is born to the late Ismael MOkori and the late Josephine Agol. He is a Lango from the Owumolao Clan. His comes from Obuii village in Amunga parish, Olilim sub-county, Otuke District.

Francis has a Master of Science Degree in Environment and Natural Resources and Bachelor of Science Degree from Makerere University.

Francis has 22 years working experience in environment and natural resources management. He currently works at the National Environment Management Authourity (NEMA) as a Natural Resources Manager (Biodiversity and Rangelands).

Francis has over the 22 years committed life, time and energy promoting the course for biodiversity. Francis is passionate and selfless in his work. His outstanding contribution is visible at local, national and global level.

At the national level Francis coordinated the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action (2015- 2025). This Strategy has been integrated in the National Development Plan (NDP) II. Furthermore Francis is actively involved in resources mobilization (through project proposal development) for biodiversity management and has to date helped Government to mobilize over USD 6.5 million from a number of development partners. In addition Francis coordinated the development of a National Biodiversity Finance Plan to guide investment in biodiversity.

At the national and local level, Francis is at the forefront of protecting and restoration of rangelands ecosystems (also known as the cattle corridor). The outcomes of his effort include the following: 1. Initiated a programme on the protection of rangelands ecosystems, with a focus on protection of threatened but very important species in the rangeland landscape, beginning with the shea butter tree in the shea belt districts from eastern through northern to West Nile districts namely Serere, Soroti, Dokolo, Katawi, Amuria, Lira, Alebtong, Otuke, Abim, Agago, Pader, Kitgum, Gulu, Nebbi, Arua 2. Contribution to implementation of the Presidential Directive (of 2006) on the protection of the shea butter tree and value addition to shea-based products. Francis coordinated development of the following to enhance implementation of the Presidential Directive on shea: a) National Shea Export Strategy for shea products; b) Manual on post-harvest handling of shea products, c) Framework for certification of shea products; d) Standards on shea products for lip balm, cosmetics, after shave and lip shine (gloss). e) National Strategy for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of the shea butter Tree in Uganda; f) Collaboration with academia and research institutions for research on shea g) Collaboration with the private sector involved in value addition to the shea including Blessed Organic Release and Guru Nanak

3. Another key outcome from the programme on protection of the shea butter tree is the declaration of the tree

12 NEMA NEWS June 2019 “Fight Air Pollution to Protect Human Health and Environment” “ “ a reserved species in the National Forestry Regulations of 2016. This has given the tree a high conservation and protection status. Furthermore networking and collaboration with Resident District Commissioners, district leaders and district technical staff have been established. Inter-district enforcement has been established.

4. GoU/GEF/UNDP project on the Kidepo Critical landscape which has supported local communities especially women on value addition to shea products. The women are now producing soap from shea in addition to processing oil. The machines availed to women groups has increased their capacity to produce more oil from shea nuts compared to the traditional method.

A litre of shea oil (cold press) is currently sold at UGX20,000. The project has set up market information centres in Otuke and to support local communities in accessing market information on shea products.

5. Through the Kidepo project local communities in Abim, Kaabong and Kotido districts have supported in number of community initiatives to only protect the environment but also bring income to local communities. This include a cultural centre for women group in Kawalakol sub-county in Kaabong districts.

6. Afforestation of bare hills in Itojo sub-county, Ruhaama County in . It has proved to very successful intervention. More local communities are now interested in planting trees on the bare hills not only to protect the environment but also to raise income.

7. Francis is currently working with the local governments to identify sites that have high eco-tourism potential and species in the landscape that have potential for value addition (using the lesson learnt on value addition to shea products). The pilot districts are Katawi, Napak and Nakapiripirit. This will be expanded to other districts (subject to availability of financial resources).

8. Development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and the National Biodiversity Finance Plan. The National Biodiversity Finance Plan identifies opportunities for resource mobilization to address the financing challenge for biodiversity at the national level with aim of increasing investment in biodiversity by Government for socio-economic development and livelihood improvement.

9. At the global level, Uganda’s profile and visibility has been raised high since Francis was designated asthe National Focal Point for Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) for Uganda in 2005.

10. Francis served on the Bureau of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) from 2012 -2014 where he served as Vice President representing Africa region. In December 2016, Francis was elected by the Conference of the Parties (COP) CBD first Chair of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI) of the CBD. He became the first African to hold that post and also the first globally to be elected to that post.

11. Following his excellent work as Vice President to the COP Bureau and first Chair of SBI, Francis was elected by COP to the CBD at its fourteenth meeting in Egypt in November 2018 as Co-chair for the development of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.

Francis and Co-chair (from Canada) have been given the responsibility to guide the 196 Parties to the CBD in the development of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework and to present the Framework for adoption by Parties at its fifteenth meeting in October in 2020 in China.

The post2020 global biodiversity framework is a very important framework because it will identify actions that needs to be taken at national, regional and global level to reduce biodiversity loss.

The post-2020 global biodiversity framework will form the basis for investment in biodiversity by global community for the next ten years (2021-2030). This Framework will replace the current global Strategic Plan for Biodiversity which ends in October 2020.

12. 12. Uganda, through Francis, is providing leadership at the global level on matters concerning biodiversity. Francis has contributed significantly in raising the profile and visibility of Uganda at the global level.

NEMA NEWS June 2019 “Fight Air Pollution to Protect Human Health and Environment” 13 Using Conservation to promote community livelihoods: the case of Eteteunos Moruita Wildlife Conservation Centre, , Karamoja

By Okiria-Ateker James as well as sink a borehole close As a result of their work, Uganda to the centre to provide water Wildlife Authority (UWA) added teteunos Moruita Wildlife to the centre, its visitors and the the group an additional 46,000,000 Conservation Group surrounding communities. Uganda shillings (USD12, 603) Eis keen on protecting from its revenue sharing resources Karamoja’s rich landscapes as well The cultural centre has now become to construct four more permanent as promoting its unique culture and popular with low income tourists bandas. In March 2019, UWA again way of life. visiting Kidepo national park. A added more 100,000,000 Uganda single night in the banda costs shillings (USD 26,702.3) for pulling The group, which is made up of 25,000 Uganda shillings (USD6.9). water from the borehole to the 30 women was formed in 2015 centre. as part of efforts by the Kidepo The hall in the main reception critical landscape project to promote house on the other hand is hired The earnings from the cultural community led conservation of this out for meetings at 50,000 Uganda centre have helped improve the biodiversity rich area. shillings per day (USD13.7). In lives of the women group and the addition, the craft shop in the main surrounding communities. It is a As part of their efforts to conserve reception house is stocked with a good example of how biodiversity environment and promote their variety of craft materials ranging conservation can be coupled with culture, the group decided to from Karimojong stools, hats, community livelihoods for a positive establish a cultural centre – Karimojong wear (for both men and sustainable outcome. Eteteunos Moruita Wildlife and women), ladies’ hand bags The writer is the Project Manager Conservation Centre – located at the among other items. Prices for the Kidepo Critical Landscape project periphery of Kidepo national park craft items range from 25,000 to in Kawalakol sub-county, Kaabong 100,000 Uganda shillings (USD6.9 district. to USD27.4). Please send your articles To support their dream, the project In addition, the group also performs to the Editor provided the group with 86.8m Karimojong cultural dances to NEMA NEWS Uganda shillings (USD23, 795). tourists at a fee of 10,000/= P.O Box 22255 Kampala Uganda With this support, the group was Uganda shillings (USD 2.7) and able to construct four grass thatched conducts conservation education Tel. +256-414-251064/5/8 bandas depicting Karimojong campaigns in the parishes bordering Fax. +256-414-257521 culture, a main reception house for the park. a craft shop and a meeting room E.mail:[email protected]

14 NEMA NEWS June 2019 “Fight Air Pollution to Protect Human Health and Environment” “ “ greenhouse gases, which trap heat of atmospheric sulfur dioxide; today, Air Pollution in the atmosphere and contribute to people are. From page 7 global warming and climate change. One measure of outdoor air Humans have pumped enough Airborne particles, depending on their pollution is the Air Quality Index carbon dioxide into the atmosphere chemical makeup, can also have direct (AQI) which rates air conditions over the past 150 years to raise its effects separate from climate change. based on concentrations of five levels higher than they have been for They can change or deplete nutrients major pollutants: ground-level ozone, hundreds of thousands of years. in soil and waterways, harm forests particle pollution (or particulate and crops, and damage cultural icons matter), carbon monoxide, sulfur Other greenhouse gases such as monuments and statues. dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. include methane (from poorly Some of those air pollutants also managed wastes, livestock etc), What can be done? contribute to indoor air pollution, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) (which • Stop open burning of waste along with radon, cigarette smoke, were used in refrigerants and aerosol • Switch off the engine while in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), propellants until they were banned traffic jam formaldehyde, asbestos, and other in the late 1980s because of their • Regularly service your car and substances. deteriorating effect on Earth's ozone where necessary the engine layer), water vapour among others. should be tuned. Environmental impacts • Use public transport as opposed Though many living things emit Another pollutant associated with to self-drive carbon dioxide when they breathe, climate change is sulfur dioxide, • Tarmac all roads and fill potholes the gas is widely considered to be a a component of smog which is a • Limit exposure to smoke in and pollutant when associated with cars, primarily cause of acid rain. Volcanic outdoor planes, power plants, and other human eruptions may also spew massive • Do not cook in closed doors activities that involve the burning amounts of sulfur dioxide into the • Water dusty roads and of fossil fuels such as gasoline and atmosphere, sometimes causing construction areas natural gas. This is because carbon cooling that lasts for years. In fact, • Plant grass and trees in bare areas dioxide is the most common of the volcanoes used to be the main source The writer is an Environment Inspector, NEMA.

Mercury Use From page 6 the major entry points for smuggled mercury. Other good profits. Uganda has also been reported to be a known conduits included, the border towns of Busia transit country for a mercury trade route feeding into in Eastern Uganda and Mutukula on the Southern the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). border with Tanzania. 7. 5. Most traders (often Kenyan) deliver the mercury 5. Miner population directly to mine sites, although the resource is as 1. The percentage of children (<18 yrs) among miners readily available in Kampala, where it is sold under- ranges from 0 to 5% whereas children (<14 yrs) among the-counter, among others, in jewelry stores. miners ranges from 0 to 2%. 6. Whereas the ports of Mombasa and Nairobi are 2. Percentage of women among miners ranges from closer to Uganda than the Port of Dar es Salaam, 3. At least 45% of the miners engaged in ASGM are Tanzania's northern goldfields are proximately women. situated around Lake Victoria, prompting Tanzanian **Article to be continued in the next issue dealers to supply mercury to Ugandan markets for The writer is a Senior District Support Officer, NEMA.

NEMA NEWS June 2019 “Fight Air Pollution to Protect Human Health and Environment” 15 NEMA NEWS EDITORIAL BOARD

Dr. Daniel Babikwa Chairperson

Tony Achidria Editor

Sarah Naigaga Copy Editor

Elizabeth Mutayanjulwa Copy Editor

NEMA House EvaPlot Wamala 17/19/21 Jinja Road NEMA NEWS CopyTel:+256 Editor-414-251064/5/8 Email: [email protected] NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (NEMA) Website: www.nemaug.org NEMA House, Plot 17/19/21 Jinja Road Elizabeth Mutayanjulwa Design & Layout/Production P.O. Box 22255 Kampala Uganda Tel: +256-414-251064/5/8 Fax: +256-414-257521 NationalNational Environment Environment Management Management Authority (NEMA) Authority Uganda (NEMA) Uganda E-mail:[email protected]

@nemaug.org@nemaug http://www.nema.go.ug Produced by the Department of District Support Coordination and Public Education, NEMA.

16 NEMA NEWS June 2019 “Fight Air Pollution to Protect Human Health and Environment” “ “