Impacts of human activities on wetland resources management at Nakivubo Wetland, Kampala-Uganda
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Date
2015-06
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Publisher
Kampala International University.College of Engneering and Applied Sceince
Abstract
Wetlands are defined as “areas of marsh, peat land or water, whether natural or artificial,
permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including
areas of marine water, the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters”. Wetlands in
Uganda cover some 30,000 km2, or about 13% of the country (Government of Uganda, 2001).
Although almost all of the wetlands in the country are under threat in some way, those located in
towns and cities face the perhaps the most intense pressures. Over the last decade Uganda has
entered a period of rapid economic growth, rehabilitation and urban expansion. The population
of the Ugandan capital city of Kampala has dramatically increased since the political turmoil of
the 1970s and with it a, considerable rise, uncontrolled human settlement and industrial
development have exerted extreme pressure on Nakivubo wetland drainage system in Kampala
urban district. This research focused on examining the impacts of human activities on Nalcivubo
wetland by identifying human activities practiced there, determining their effects and assessing
the possible measures that can be carried out. Industrialization (19%) and waste dumping (19%)
were pointed out as the most activities that take place in Nakivubo wetland and are considered to
be the root causes of all degradation in this ecosystem.Water pollution (23%) was the most effect
of human activities in Nakivubo wetland as a result of industrialization and waste dumping and
water treatment (31%) showed up as the most measure available to help in reducing the effects of
human activities on Nakivubo wetland which was said to be implemented by the government of
Uganda at Ggaba water treatment plant and Bugolobi sewage treatment plant. Laws and policies
(23%) alongside other mea~ures was also a very influential measure in managing the wetland. Re
allocation of people (5%) was the least measure practiced in the area and the respondents used a
defensive language that it is not even the root cause of all evil; saying it is industrialization.
Description
Research report submitted to the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences in partial fulfillment for the requirements for the award of a degree of bachelors of Science in Environmental Management of Kampala International University.
Keywords
Human activities, Wetland, Resources, Management