Kizito Andrew

Local Community Involvement in the Management and Conservation of Luzira Wetland

Luzira Wetland (Lower part of Nakivubo Swamp) three Kilometres in length is a mixed Papyru-Miscunthus part of the greater network of wetlands around Lake Victoria Basin. Although, not a designated site of international importance under The Ramsar Convention for which Uganda is signatory, the wetland has been proposed for protection as a conservation area because of its effluent water purification roles. The wetland constitutes a critical buffer zone between the run off from Kampala City and Lake Victoria the biggest water body in Africa. Of the total effluent from industries and domestic sources in Kampala City, only 12% is treated and the rest is discharged untreated into Nakivubo Channel draining into Luzira Swamp/Wetland before entering Lake Victoria.

Despite it’s importance the wetland is under threat of degradation and gradual extinction exacerbated by disposal and dumping of domestic and industrial waste, and human excreta contaminating water sources, a situation aggravated by acute lack of sanitation facilities, and effluent produced daily by growing population engaged in SMEs activities on edges of the wetland at Kitintale and Bugolobi. Abuse of wetlands continues to be orchestrated by encroachment for farming and housing leading to destruction thus affecting buffering and functionality of the ecosystem. The loss of wetlands is steadily spreading inwards and along its edges as more businesses open up.

Ignorance and lack of awareness, non-appreciation of values and functions of wetlands is reason there is widespread degradation of wetlands. Wetlands are regarded wastelands to be exploited without any reservation/conservation. It’s anticipated that without any serious intervention, at the current rate of loss, the wetland is geared for extinction within five or so years. Already, water in Lake Victoria within the interface between the lake and wetlands is turning green indicating declining efficiency of wetland’s effluent purification functions. It’s important to note that The Water Treatment Plant for Kampala City and its suburbs is located within this area.

The project will engage, sensitise and inform communities on values and roles wetlands play in the ecosystem. Establish site management committees to police activities of adjacent communities. Training and awareness activities conducted to enhance community’s appreciation of values/functions of wetlands thereby increasing sense of ownership and responsibility. Sanitation facilities will reduce pollution loads, giving wetlands the crucial opportunity to flourish and regenerate. Income generated from use of facilities will sustain activities of Site Management Committees; bye- laws formulated, upheld and observed to regulate activities within the wetland.

For further information contact Kadefo@hotmail.com