Rivers Mubuku/Nyamwamba Sub-catchment Management Plan

Transcription

1 Rivers Mubuku/Nyamwamba Sub-catchment Management Plan January 2012 i P a g e

2 Foreword The Rivers Mubuku/Nyamwamba Sub-catchment is the area drained by the two rivers originating from the Rwenzori Mountains which empty their waters into Lake George. The subcatchment has several socio-economic activities being undertaken within, by both the public and the private sectors. These include agriculture; industry; settlements/urbanization; energy production (Hydro-electric Power generation) and wildlife conservation. However, there are threats to the water resources in the sub-catchment that include increasing human population and weak governance of the natural resources, unsustainable land use practices (deforestation, overgrazing, agriculture); river bank, lakeshore and wetland degradation; siltation of water bodies; pollution, both at commercial and community levels; deteriorating quality and quantity of river waters; weak institutional capacity for water resources management and weak governance structures for water resources management. The Government of Uganda (GoU) through the Ministry of Water and Environment (Directorate of Water Resources Management) has been working in close collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Uganda Country Office), the District Local Government of Kasese, Civil Society Organizations, the private sector and the communities in implementing the Semuliki River Catchment and Water Resources Management Project aimed at ensuring that plans and structures for integrated water resources management are functioning for at least two sub-catchments feeding the Semuliki River and processes recorded to guide national IWRM rollout by the end of The Government of Uganda and the partners are proud to present the Rivers Mubuku/Nyamwamba Sub-catchment management plan, which will guide all the stakeholders in working together towards the sustainable management of the water resources in this subcatchment. This sub-catchment management plan is the culmination of three years of activities that involved mapping and delineating the sub-catchment, assessments and studies, awareness raising, community level participatory planning and consultations amongst the local governments, the private sector, civil society organizations, local communities and the central government agencies. These activities were supported by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and WWF Norway, through WWF Uganda Country Office. I would like to thank both WWF and NORAD for their tremendous support and guidance. I would also wish to thank the consultants who helped us in collating and synthesizing the data and all the stakeholders for the excellent work done. I look forward to the successful implementation of the sub-catchment management plan by the communities, through the Water User Groups and associations, local government structure at all levels within Kasese District, the private sector, civil society organizations, central government institutions and the development partners. ii P a g e

3 The implementation of sub-catchment management plan will provide an opportunity for the district, the private sector and communities to tackle the challenges of catchment degradation and the weak institutional frameworks for sustainable water resources management in the Semuliki Catchment for the benefit of the people and the ecosystem functions.. Chairman, Rivers Mubuku/Nyamwamba Water Users Forum iii P a g e

4 Approval Rivers Mubuku/Nyamwamba Sub Catchment Management Plan This sub catchment management plan is approved for implementation. During the development of work plans, budgetary requirements will be drawn. In addition the plan may be amended as need arises. iv P a g e

5 Executive Summary The Semuliki river catchment is shared between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The catchment area, estimated at approximately 33,487 Km 2 lies between Uganda and DRC within the Albertine Rift Montane Eco-region of African Rift Lakes Priority Place and it lies in the Albert Water Management Zone under the decentralized water resources management in Uganda. It covers a network of unprotected and protected areas among them are the world famous Parc National des Virunga, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Ruwenzori Mountain National Park. The catchment is of high economic and biodiversity value to Uganda, DRC and the world at large. The Mubuku/Nyamwamba sub catchment is part of the wider Semuliki Catchment that has several socio-economic/land-use activities being undertaken within by both the public and the private sectors. These include subsistence to large scale commercial agriculture like tea, sugarcane, cotton, irrigation schemes; industry (agro-processing, artisan mining of several minerals in DRC); urbanisation (towns and municipalities with resultant generation of sewage, solid waste and run-off from streets and garages); energy production (Hydro-electric power generation) and the famous Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The major threats to the sub catchment include increasing human population and weak governance of the natural resources, unsustainable land use practices (deforestation, overgrazing, agriculture); river bank, lakeshore and wetland degradation; siltation of water bodies; pollution, both at commercial and community levels; deteriorating quality and quantity of lake and river waters; invasive plant species; weak institutional capacity for water resources management and weak or lack of sound governance for water resources management In addition, the unsustainable water abstraction through gravity flow schemes undertaken without proper hydrological survey and studies is posing a threat to the rivers downstream. Besides these threats, there are cross cutting issues namely; climate change and variability, high illiteracy rate and rampant poverty and disease that are posing additional threats to the catchment. The Mubuku/Nyamwamba sub-catchment management plan identifies and proposes suggestions of the possible interventions using the integrated water resources management approach. The plan takes into consideration the natural resources in the basin, their economic potential and identifies conservation threats from catchment wide processes. The proposed integrated approach to conservation will promote sustainable livelihoods, create new socio-economic opportunities, harness existing ones and safeguard the conservation of the key natural resources. The plan proposes management strategies that take into account the natural ecological linkages, conservation objectives and needs in designated areas and highlights targeted research to guide natural resource management and overall conservation of the basin while ensuring sustainable livelihoods. The planning process involved stakeholders from the lowest level to ensure wide participation and ownership of this sub-catchment management plan. The integrated sub catchment plan identifies issues v P a g e

6 that need urgent consideration, proposes mitigation strategies and identifies appropriate stakeholders and their roles. The SCMP has a timeframe of 5 years in which to achieve the immediate objectives. A log frame for executing the SCMP components, means of verification, stakeholder responsibilities and approximate costs is included. The plan has inbuilt mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating its implementation. This plan is an adjustable blueprint upon which programs can be based. It provides a framework for different stakeholders to identify areas where their intervention is needed and their linkages with other stakeholders. vi P a g e

7 Abbreviations AWP Annual Work Plan BMU Beach Management Unit CBO Community Based Organization DRC Democratic Republic of Congo DWO District Water Officer Directorate of Water Resources Management EIA Environmental Impact Assessment FIEFOC Farm Income Enhancement & Forest Conservation GDP Gross Domestic Product IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature IGA Income Generating Activities MAAIF Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries MAB Man and the Biosphere MDG Millennium Development Goals NBI Nile Basin Initiative NEMA National Environment Management Authority NFA National Forest Authority NGO Non-Governmental Organization NWP National Water Policy NWSC National Water and Sewerage Cooperation SCMP Sub Catchment Management Plan UCO Uganda Country Office UNEP United Nations Environment Program UWA Uganda Wildlife Authority WHS World Heritage Site Water User Association WWF World Wide Fund for Nature vii P a g e

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9 Table of contents Foreword... ii Approval... iv Executive Summary... v Abbreviations... vii Table of contents... ix 1.0 Introduction Goal and Purpose Objectives Background of the plan Foundation of the Plan Approaches to Plan Development Implementation of the Plan Amendments and Revision of the Management Plan General description of the sub catchment... 7 Location... 7 Climate... 8 Vegetation and land cover... 8 Wetlands... 9 Topography Geology Soils Planning Considerations Policies and Legal Framework ix P a g e

10 3.2 Partnership Arrangements Overview of the Sub-Catchment Problems Identification Sub Catchment Management Plan development Water Balance Current Status Assessment of Water Resource Potential Water Demand in Mubuku sub-catchment Water Allocation Resource Protection Catchment Protection Institutional Development Operationalization of the committee Risks and assumptions Rights Based Approach / Poverty Reduction and Emerging issues Financing and Implementation Monitoring and evaluation Management approach, work schedule and budget Work plan schedule Mubuku/Nyamwamba SCMP Budget Appendix 1. Stakeholder analysis in the Mubuku/Nyamwamba sub-catchment Appendix 2. Legal framework supporting Institutional development Appendix 3. Proposed institutional structures for Mubuku/Nyamwamba sub-catchment References List of Participants x P a g e

11 List of Figures Figure 1. Map of Semuliki River basin... 5 Figure 2. River Mubuku catchment... 6 Figure 3. Mubuku catchment drainage pattern... 7 Figure 4. Average climatic values for Kasese... 8 Figure 6. Geology of Mubuku catchment Figure 7. Soils of Mubuku catchment Figure 7. Mubuku River discharge ( ) Figure 8. Mubuku River various types of flow rates Figure 9. Proposed sub catchment management plan implementation structure Figure 10: Proposed institutional structures for Mubuku/Nyamwamba basin Figure 11. Flow measurement locations for River Mubuku List of Tables Table 1. Population characteristics of Mubuku catchment Table 2. Legal instruments relevant to the Water Sector Table 3. Mubuku River annual average flow Table 4. Water demand for Mubuku sub catchment Table 5. Summary of water quality parameters to be measured xi P a g e

12 1.0 Introduction In Mid 2010, the Semuliki Project engaged a Consultant who undertook a water resources assessment to determine the quantity and quality of both surface and groundwater in the subcatchment to support planning and implementation of development interventions in the area. The project also engaged another consultant who evaluated and quantified the level and extent of the socio-economic activities, community livelihood conditions and documented the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the communities in the sub-catchments of Semuliki River with particular emphasis on water resource utilisation. In addition to the studies undertaken, the project further initiated awareness raising to the relevant stakeholders about the Semuliki project objectives, plans and activities and on the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) concept. The awareness targeted key stakeholders and was cascaded systematically to the lowest levels. The project worked in partnership with the Directorate of Water Resources Management () and the District Local Governments in this process. During the process, Civil Society Organizations (CSO) were mapped to identify relevant and credible local CSOs to partner with in the awareness raising and catchment planning process. The members of selected CSOs and political and administrative leaders in 6 sub-counties were then inducted and sensitized on the Semuliki project objectives and on the IWRM concept. Thereafter, a core team of 5 individuals (technical staff and CSO members) were selected from each of the 6 sub-counties as trainers to roll out the process at community level. A training of trainers (ToT) totalling to 27 trainees was conducted to equip the participants with skills to sensitize, train and engage the communities and local leaders in awareness raising and water resources management planning (using Participatory Rural Appraisal tools) in 36 parishes within the districts of Bundibugyo and Ntoroko that form the administrative boundaries of the Lamia/Lower Semuliki sub-catchment. The trainers were facilitated with the necessary tools (stationery, questionnaires, maps, t-shirts and allowances) and they facilitated the community level awareness and catchment planning involving over 20 participants (selected resource users and community leaders) at each parish in identifying the threats to sustainable use and management of the water resources in their areas and the possible solutions to these threats. The exercise at community level was able to generate the basic data that is considered the sub-catchment water resources management plan at the lowest segment level. This data from the community level planning was reviewed to identify gaps and entered into the sub-catchment plan template. A consultant was hired to backstop and facilitate the data analysis, harmonization, compilation and the drafting of the sub-catchment management plan using the available data from the water resources assessment studies, the socio-economic studies, the community level water resources management plans and the existing national Water Resources Management and Development 1 P a g e

13 Strategies and Plans. A stakeholder workshop to guide and facilitate the sub-catchment management plan drafting process was held in August 2011, the consultant then embarked on the assignment and the zero draft of the sub-catchment management plan was submitted in October. The draft plan was presented to a stakeholder s workshop for review and input in November and thereafter the revised final draft management plan was submitted by the consultant in late December Goal and Purpose The overall goal of this sub catchment plan is to ensure a well-managed Rivers Mubuku/Nyamwamba sub catchment providing equitable and wise use of social, ecological and environmental services to the local and international community. The purpose of the plan is to enhance provision of socio-economic and environmental services and products for the benefit of present and future generations for improvement of people s livelihoods, around and beyond the River Mubuku catchment. 1.2 Objectives To achieve the overall goal of the SCMP, a set of short and long term objectives have been identified. The attainment of the short term will facilitate and create an enabling environment for achieving the long-term objectives. Conserve and manage the environmental services and values of the sub catchment for sustainable development Provide a basis for diversification of benefit sharing and poverty alleviation by instituting sustainable land use practices, environmental conservation and natural resources management Secure support of local, national and international institutions in the conservation and development of Mubuku/Nyamwamba sub catchment Promote integration, collaboration and stakeholders participation in Integrated Water Resources Management Long term objectives Promote sustainable community socio-economic development Minimize threats and constraints that hinder sustainable conservation and development in the plan area Promote environmental education and awareness for effective stakeholders participation Minimize human-resources conflicts, threats and enhance compatible land use practices. 2 P a g e

14 1.3 Background of the plan The Water Sector Reforms were initiated by the Ugandan government to decentralize functions of the Ministry of Water and Environment. This is to improve the efficiency of service delivery by the ministry to the public. New institutions were created via implementation of the Water Act being one of the institutions created is mandated to manage and protect water catchments among other functions. To effectively carry out its mandate, encourages and involves all other stakeholders, particularly the communities. is aiming at each river basin having community and other water resources users registered as Water Users Committees to be responsible for each micro catchment management and resolve conflicts related to water resource use in case they emerge. supported the development of Rwizi catchment plan in 2006 and later the Semuliki in collaboration with WWF. Under its Freshwater Programme, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has in the recent past implemented a couple of projects in Uganda including the just completed Lake Albert Eastern Catchment Initiative and the Semuliki River Catchment and Water Resources Management Projects. Both projects have emphasized the principles of integrated water resources management or river basin management approach with an active participation of all stakeholders. The Semuliki River and its catchment is shared between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). River Semuliki flows from Lake Edward to Lake Albert entering the rift valley floor in the DRC on the south-western side of Rwenzori Mountains and to the North-eastern end of the mountains where it becomes the international frontier between Uganda and the DRC (Figure 1). The catchment area, estimated at 33,487 square kilometers lies between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) within the Albertine rift Montane Eco-region and it lies in the Albert Water Management Zone under the decentralized water resources management by the Ministry of Water and Environment in Uganda. The catchment covers a network of unprotected and protected areas (Figure 2) (national parks, wildlife reserves, forest reserves) some of which are also UN World Heritage Sites (WHS) and Ramsar sites (Wetlands of International Importance), in the central Albertine Rift Montane Forest Eco-region. The protected areas include Parc National des Virunga (WHS), Queen Elizabeth National Park (MAB and Ramsar), Kibale National Park, Semuliki National Park, Ruwenzori Mountain National Park (WHS), Kibale Wildlife Reserve, Kasyoha- Kitomi Forest Reserve among others. 1.4 Foundation of the Plan This sub catchment management plan is referred to as the Rivers Mubuku/Nyamwamba Sub catchment Management Plan. It embraces collaborative and participatory approaches in conservation and management of natural resources that will lead to ownership of the initiatives by the stakeholders. The plan will support sustainable utilization of natural resources by promoting environment friendly activities, while enhancing biodiversity conservation. This is in line with the legal requirements as stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995, Water Act, 1995, National Environment Act, 1995, Local 3 P a g e

15 Government Act, 1997, Water Resources Regulations and Waste Water Discharge Regulations, 1998 and other related Acts. The plan covers a large sub catchment with several players involved, so it aims at integrating all the stakeholders while taking cognizance of the various interest groups, common problems and challenges in management. The plan is envisaged to ensure continuity of management system for the specified period of time ( ). 1.5 Approaches to Plan Development In accordance with sub catchment Plan development guidelines, the plan has been prepared through an open and transparent process involving representatives from all the main stakeholder groups. Increasing pressure on the ecosystem services, processes and functions over the years for the finite natural resources and especially land has resulted in wanton destruction of the forest and loss of forest land thus negatively affecting the water quality and quantity. Responding to these challenges and opportunities, the Semuliki River Catchment and Water Resources Management Project, funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) through WWF-Norway and being implemented by WWF Uganda Country Office (UCO), Directorate of Water Resources Management and Local government steered the formulation of the management plan and developed appropriate local structures for the purpose of improving future management of the Rivers Mubuku/Nyamwamba sub catchment. During the preparation process there have been wide-ranging discussions covering all the major areas of interest, including a briefing meeting with all the lead government agencies and community representatives from the project area. The final strategies and actions incorporated into the plan have been reached through a process of consensus. 1.6 Implementation of the Plan The success of this plan lies in its being implemented through actualizing of the management programs and activities. This calls for resource commitment on the part of the and other lead partners in relation to water resources. Further, the roles and responsibilities of other stakeholders have been identified for the smooth implementation of the management actions. This plan will be implemented for 5 years ( ) through Annual Work Plans (AWP) and with support from other sectoral plans. Plan implementation will be coordinated by a committee composed of main stakeholders. Monitoring and evaluation during the implementation phase will be done periodically. 1.7 Amendments and Revision of the Management Plan The plan will be reviewed after 2 years and amendments undertaken as need arise. Both the review and amendments will be carried out in conformity with the plan objectives. This will be carried out by the lead team in consultation with other stakeholders. 4 P a g e

16 Figure 1. Map of Semuliki River basin (Source: WWF Uganda) 5 P a g e

17 Figure 2. River Mubuku catchment 6 P a g e

18 2.0 Sub-Catchment Characteristics 2.1 General description of the sub catchment Location The Catchment is located in Kasese District and covers Bugoye, Maliba and Karushandara Sub counties. The upper part of the catchment which constitutes almost 50% of the catchment is covered by the Rwenzori Mountain National Park. Downstream of the park the catchment narrows from a width of 8 km to an average width of less than 2 km. The Mubuku & Rivers drains into the swamps of Lake George. The size of the catchment is approximately 266 km 2. Figure 3 below shows the location of Mubuku catchment. Population The current population of the area is 103,300 people with Maliba having the highest population while Bugoye has the highest density (Table 1) (UBOS, 2010). The area has a per annum growth rate of 5.5 against the national average of 3.3%. It should be noted that these population densities are not representative for the catchment itself. Most people for example in Bugoye Sub- County are expected to live outside the catchment. The higher parts of the catchment are mountainous and form part of the Ruwenzori Mountains National Park. Most of the people in the catchment are believed to be living in the middle and lower part of the catchment. otal Surface (km2 Figure 3. Mubuku catchment drainage pattern 7 P a g e

19 Table 1. Population characteristics of Mubuku catchment 2010 Sub Sub Catchment Total Area (km2) Density County section Bugoye Upper 42, Maliba Middle 49, Karusandara Lower 11, Total 103, ) Climate The Mubuku catchment experiences bimodal rainfall pattern. The first rains are short and occur during March -May, and the longer rains from August - November. Annual rainfall ranges from less than 800mm to 1600mm and is greatly influenced by altitude (Figure 4). The temperature and humidity in the catchment vary with altitude, with the high land temperatures ranging from 0 to 25 o C and the low land from 8 to 30 o C.Similarly the humidity varies from over 80% in the highlands to 72% in the low lands Min Temp C Max Temp C ETo mm/day Rain mm Eff rain mm Humidity % Figure 4. Average climatic values for Kasese 6 Month (Source: CROPWAT/WE Consult, 2010) Vegetation and land cover The Mubuku catchment has three main belts of vegetation: Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Low land/queen Elisabeth National Park (QENP) and the middle belt. Rwenzori Mountains National Park (RMNP) is located in the districts of Kasese, Kabarole, Ntoroko and Bundibugyo, which are found in western Uganda. It borders the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the west. The mountain ranges out of which the park has been gazetted are much larger in size running over a hundred kilometres in the north-south direction and fifty Kilometres in the east-west direction. 8 P a g e

20 Over 75% of the ranges are found in Uganda with the rest falling in the DRC. A large part of Mubuku catchment (about 170Km2- over 63%) lies in RMNP. Vegetation in RMNP The vegetation of Rwenzori Mountains National Park is largely determined by factors related to elevation aspect and five distinct zones can be distinguished. These are grassland ( m),Montane forest ( m), bamboo/mimolopsis zone (2,500-3,500m), healther/riparian zone (3,000-4,000m) and the afro-alpine moorland zone (4,000-4,500m). a) Grassland (1,000-2,000m). Tall dense pennisetum purperum (elephant grass) grows in the valleys with shorter grasses and many flowering plants on the hill slopes where the thorny, red-flowered Erythrina abassinica is often conspicuous. Flat crowned Albizia spp. are abundant in the small valley forest. b) Montane forest (2,000-3,000m) In the lower lying areas up to about 2,400m the montane forest vegetation is characterized by the tree species such as symphonia Globulifera, prunus Africana, Albizia and Dombeya spp. There are very few large trees exceeding 30m in height and a canopy is very broken except in valley bottoms and along ridge tops where gradient are comparatively gentle. Here the trees are very dense and layered with larger tree specimens. c) Bamboo / mimulopsis zone (2,500-3,500m) On moderate slopes with a deep soil, Arundinaria alpina forms a dense stand with few other plants among it, though nettles are sometimes painfully obvious. On steep and rocky slopes this is replaced by a frightful tangle of Mimulopsis ellotii. d) Heather / rapanea zone (3,000-4,000) On poor soil (ridge-tops, rock, or moderately boggy ground) grow dense thickets of tree heathers, philipia trimera and p. kingaensis.on well drained slopes there is a greater variety of plants, with small trees standing over a tangled undergrowth. Bogs in this zone are occupied by various kinds of sedge, chiefly carex runsorrensis that forms huge tussocks up to 1m high between which grow sphagnum and other mosses. e) Afro-alpine moorland zone (4, m) The most abundant vegetation in the zones is a tangled thicket about 5ft high of Helichrysum stuhlmanii, with white flowers that open quickly in any sunny period; at the higher altitudes the same species is only 1ft high, covered with white wooly hairs. Thickets of tree groundsels, senecio adnivalis occupy gullies and other sheltered or well watered sites, and scattered individuals occur throughout the zone. Carex runsorrensis bogs are abundant in this zone too, and small brilliant yellow or orange moss bogs occur at the highest levels. Wetlands Most of the wetlands in the Mubuku/Nyamwamba sub-catchment are related to relief. The majority are found around Lake George. Other swamps are along the river banks with U-shaped valleys. On top of Mount Rwenzori are bogs occupying depressions. The low land wetlands exist between 800-1,200m above sea level while high up in the Rwenzori, they are at altitude 2,000-5,100 m above sea level. The Lake George system is fed by rivers Muhokya, Nyamwamba, Rukoki, Mubuku, Sebwe, Hima, and Rwimi with the associate tributaries. 9 P a g e

21 The edge of Lake George is occupied by wetlands containing a very rich ecosystem that requires protection. The enormous climatic, social and economic importance of the wetlands was recognized by the Uganda Government in Subsequently, on 4th March 1988, Uganda became a signatory to the Ramsar convention naming Lake George wetland as a wetland of international importance. The Ramsar site is the internationally recognized wetland of Uganda situated around L. George and shared by the districts of Kasese, Bushenyi and Kamwenge with the largest part being in Kasese district. Covering an area of approximately 250 sq. km, this wetland was included on the Ramsar convention s list of wetlands of international importance in Much of this site lies in Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) area. The Lake George Ramsar site contains extensive permanent lakeside swamps, riverine swamps, marshes, swamp forests and savanna grasslands which are seasonally or permanently flooded with water and support organisms adopted to water logged conditions. Dominant vegetation in this wetland is the papyrus communities all around the lake, cyperus and some patches of woody vegetation. Topography The topography of the catchment is very pronounced. The highest point in the catchment is formed by the tops of the Rwenzori Mountains with heights of up to 5,109 m asl. The lowest point in the catchment is the swamp area in which the Mubuku River discharges. The swamp is linked to Lake George and has an altitude of approximately 915 m asl. The slopes of the valleys in the main upper catchment are more than 25% and reduce in the middle zone to about 10-20%. The lower low land slopes are mild up to about 5%. Geology Approximately 91% of the Mubuku catchment is underlain by metamorphic rocks while 9% is underlain by sediments. The latter part of the catchment is located in the lower section of the catchment. The sediments have been deposited by the Mubuku and other rivers that are part of the Lake George system. According to the geological map, the metamorphic rocks consist of undifferentiated gneisses and the sediment formation is formed by alluvium, black soils and moraines (figure 5). 10 P a g e

22 Figure 5. Geology of Mubuku catchment (Source: WE Consult, 2010) Soils The soils found in Kasese District, where Mubuku Catchment lies, are Organic, Ferrosols, Podsols/eutrophic, and Hydromorphic. These soils are vulnerable and are degraded because of 11 P a g e

23 unwise human activities such as over cultivation, cultivation on steep slopes, poor agronomic practices and over grazing causing soil erosion and fertility loss. The soil map of the Mubuku catchment is given in Figure 7. Figure 6. Soils of Mubuku catchment (Source: WE Consult, 2010) Organic These soils found on high altitude are almost entirely organic soils at altitude of about 3,000m up to the summit. The main characteristic is that they are acidic and have an upper layer, which contains slightly more than 20% organic matter. These soils are developed on non-volcanic mass and their pediments. They are called Bujuku complex and Kansabo series. 12 P a g e

24 a). Kyansabo series. The dominant soil type is peat over rock or moraines, and the parent rock of granite and gneisses amphibolites. In spite of their high organic matter content, they are very deficient in exchangeable bases. The adjacent grassland sites show relative fertility. The Kyansabo series is predominant at altitude of 3,000m and above. Productivity is low, but could support timber trees. b) Bujuku complex. The dominant soil is peaty loam over dark brown sandy clay loam, and the parent material is also granite and gneisses amphibolites. The peat is usually well humified, acidic and saturated with water. These soils are almost coincident with the appearance of tree heather and there is a marked change in profile development. There is no evidence that any of the soils become frozen for long periods in the year owing to an almost continuous cloud cover at altitude of 2,700-3,000m above sea level. Ferrosols These are also humic soils of altitude (2,400-3,000m), and possess better agronomic qualities. The clay fraction consists mainly of kaolin material, free iron oxides, amorphous gels and sometimessmall amounts of 2:1 lattice clay. These soils are known as Mulinda series also developed on no volcanic rock mass and their pediments. Mulinda series. The dominant soil is brown gritty clay loams and sandy loams, and the parent material is granite and gneisses amphibolites. These soils are found on upper slopes of Karambi, Bwera, Kyondo, Kisinga and Nyakiyumbu at altitude of 1,500m-2,400m. Productivity is low to medium, and can support some coffee growing. Eutrophic Soils These soils are developed on the rift valley flat and are recent rift valley deposits at altitude (900-1,200 m). They are in two categories: eutrophic soils developed on volcanic ash referred to as Kasese series, and those developed on non-volcanic material known as Sebwe series. a) Kasese series. The dominant soil is brown sandy loams and clay sandy loams, and parent material is rift valley sediment. They are basically developed on sands and gravel, which is water worn. North of Lake George are large spreads of sands, gravel and clays brought down by rivers draining from mount Rwenzori. Large amounts of gravel were deposited at the rivers where they merge on the plains. They can be seen near the Rwimi Bridge and sections along the course of River Mubuku. In general, these soils are typically deep and of high base status and calcareous as the Nyakatonzi soils. The soils occur on up warped or older parts of the ash covered lake deposits near Lake George and Edward and on a less compacted ash, which forms a large terrace beyond Katojo. Beyond the gravel fans, sand and fine material was laid down the plain. Sand and gravel levees and old river courses break the surface of the plain into a series of low ridges and depressions. Consequently giving rise to corresponding complexity of the soil pattern. The sandy phases of alluvium, however, occur nearer the river mouths and foot-hills, and the heavier textured material towards the lake. At Rukoki, for example, although the soils are sandy and free draining, they are excessively leached due to the flow of rainfall and high evaporation rate for the area also has base content. At Mubuku the soils were found to be suitable for irrigation. 13 P a g e

25 b) Sebwe series This series is characterized by the surface (A) horizon being rich in organic matter and sometimes saturated with bases to more than 50% of its exchange capacity. They are generally rich in plant nutrients and contain fairly high reserve of weatherable minerals on alluvial deposits. The dominant soil type is yellow- grey sandy clay loams and sandy clays. The parent material is basically recent rift valley deposit. They can be found in Muhokya and Kitswamba sub-counties. The sebwe series is very high in phosphates and productivity is very low. Podsolic soils They are found at altitude 1,200-2,400m. Podsolic soils are not differentiated and are highly leached soils in which translocation of iron and aluminium has taken place. This produce an ashcoloured bleached horizon immediately below a very acidic, peaty top soils and rusty coloured B- horizon. These soils are known as Kazo catena. The parent rock is quartzite and granite. The dominant soil is shallow brown and reddish brown sandy loams. These soils are of little agricultural value (potential) being used occasionally for grazing, and any cultivation (coffee growing) is confined to small valleys and pediments. 14 P a g e

26 3.0 Planning Considerations 3.1 Policies and Legal Framework The preparation, planning and implementation process of the Rivers Mubuku/Mubuku Sub catchment plan recognizes existence of the current draft forestry policy and water related laws. It also takes into cognizance the Water Act of 1995 among other policy legislative frameworks whose objective have a direct impact to sustainable conservation, management and utilization of water resources within the River Mubuku sub catchment. For planning considerations, it is envisaged that the relevant laws pertaining to sustainable utilization and protection of the resource within the sub catchment will be enforced and where they are weak, they will be reviewed to assist in implementing the integrated water resource management plan. Communities living within the basin will continue to be sensitized on their roles and responsibilities in participatory natural resource management within the context of this sub catchment plan. National Water Policy The National Water Policy (NWP), adopted in 1999, provides the overall policy framework for the water sector. The National Water Policy promotes the principles of integrated water resources management as a means to ensuring sustainable management and utilization of Uganda s water resources. The policy also emphasizes the recognition of water as being both a social and economic good, whose allocation should give first priority to domestic use. The Policy is based on the principle of some for all, rather than all for some adopted from the 1990 New Delhi Statement. It anchors operation and maintenance as an important and integral part of all water and sanitation programs to ensure their sustainability. The policy also highlights the key role played by women in all water management and development activities. Water Sector Legislation The instruments that provide the enabling legal framework for the water resources management and development in Uganda are summarized in Table 2 below: Table 2. Legal instruments relevant to the Water Sector INSTRUMENT The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995 The Water Act, 1995 The National Environment Act, 1995 OBJECTIVE Provides the broad legal and policy framework within which all water sector legislation, policies and development plans are developed. Provides the legal framework for the use, protection and management of water resources and water supply. Provides the framework for coordinated and sound management of the environment including 15 P a g e

27 The Water Resources Regulations and Waste Water Discharge Regulations, 1998 environmental impact assessment of water resources related projects and setting water quality and effluent standards. Provide for the regulation of water abstraction and waste water discharge through the use of permits. The local Government Act, 1997 Provides for the decentralisation of functions, powers, responsibilities and services to Local Governments. The National Water Policy, 1999 Provides the policy framework for water resources management and development in Uganda. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA, 1995 The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda lays the premise for all the laws that have a bearing on the water sector. The Constitution provides for the national objectives and principles of State Policy. Generally, the Constitution makes provision for natural resources of which water forms an integral part. It clarifies that water resources management is the duty of the state unless otherwise decreed by parliament. Government, local or central, holds natural resources in trust for the people of Uganda in accordance with the provisions of the Constitutions. As trustee, government only has powers to grant concessions, licenses or permits in respect of the natural resources listed. The specific constitutional requirements with a direct bearing on the water sector include: (a) Taking all practical measures to promote good water management systems at all levels; (b) Promoting sustainable development and public awareness of the need to manage land, air and water resources in a balanced and sustainable manner for the present and future generations, and utilization of natural resources in such a way as to meet the development and environmental needs of present and future generations. WATER ACT, 1995 The Water Act, enacted in 1995, is the principle law for the water sector, which incorporates legislation for both water resources management and water supply and sanitation. The Water Act is a modern water law, in that it is flexible, deferring details to regulations that can more easily be changed as conditions change and provides for delegation of powers and broad exemptions from regulation. At the outset the Act confirms that all water in Uganda is vested in the government and that rights to use water; to construct or operate any works; or to pollute water can only be conferred under the provisions of the Act. Besides general rights to use water for domestic purposes, fire-fighting, subsistence garden irrigation, the Act does not authorize allocation of permanent water rights, but rather provides for the issuance of time-bound permits to abstract water, to construct hydraulic works and to discharge waste. The basic foundation of most of the 16 P a g e

28 Act s provisions is the reconciliation between protecting the environment and ensuring the availability to the population of water of sufficient quality and quantity. The main objectives of the Act are: (a) To promote the rational management and use of the waters of Uganda through: Progressive introduction and application of appropriate standards and techniques for the investigation, use, control, protection, management and administration of water resources, Co-ordination of all public and private activities which may influence the quality, quantity, distribution, use or management of water resources, and Co-ordination, allocation and delegation of responsibilities among Ministers and public authorities for the investigation, use, control, protection, management or administration of water resources; (b) To promote the provision of a clean, safe and sufficient supply of water for domestic purposes to all persons; (c) To allow for the orderly development and use of water resources for animals, irrigation, industrial, commercial and mining uses, energy, navigation, fisheries, preservation of flora and fauna and recreation in ways which minimise harmful effects to the environment; and (d) To control pollution and to promote the safe storage, treatment, discharge and disposal of waste which may pollute water or otherwise harm the environment and human health. The Water Resources Regulations (1998), Waste Discharge Regulations (1998), Water Supply Regulations (1999) and the Sewerage Regulations (1999) give effect to the provisions of the Water Act. NATIONAL WATER AND SEWERAGE CORPORATION ACT, 1995 The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) Act establishes the NWSC as a Water and Sewerage Authority and gives it the mandate to operate and provide water and sewerage services in areas entrusted to it on a sound commercial and viable basis. The Act requires the Minister responsible for Water Affairs to enter into a performance contract with NWSC in relation to its operations in accordance with the provisions of the Water Act. The Act empowers the NWSC to own assets in its areas where it provides services without the need of compensation in respect of the transfer of such assets. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT ACT, 1995 This National Environment Act establishes the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) as the overall body, charged with responsibility of coordinating, and monitoring all environment management issues in the country. The Act empowers NEMA, in consultation with lead agencies, to issue guidelines and prescribe measures and standards for the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources and the environment in general. 17 P a g e

29 The Act also provides for mandatory Environment Impact Assessments (EIA) to be conducted for any activity likely to have a significant effect on the environment. WATER ABSTRACTION & WASTE WATER DISCHARGE REGULATIONS, 1998 The Water Act, 1995, provides for the establishment of regulations for controlling water abstraction and wastewater discharge through use of permits. The permit system ensures that use of water resources is environmentally friendly and promotes sustainable development. These controls also ensure that water is not treated as a free good but as a good with a value to be paid for. Agriculture/National Food Policy and Legislation The Ugandan economy is largely agro-based, with the agriculture sector accounting for a large proportion of the gross domestic product (GDP) and export earnings. The sector employs over 80% of Uganda s workforce, and since a large proportion of Ugandan population live in the rural areas depending on agriculture, it is the only means of reducing poverty, achieving food security and achieving equity in the country. The Government has identified agriculture as an important tool and vehicle for realization of its employment creation objectives. As per the agricultural sector development strategy & investment plan 2010/ /15, Uganda considers agriculture as the main productive sub-sector through which the country will realize the set goals. This is so because it has been established that there is an extremely positive correlation between agricultural growth and economic growth. Agricultural growth and development is therefore crucial to Uganda s overall economic and social development. 3.2 Partnership Arrangements Institutional Memorandum of Understanding UWA, and other lead government agencies in the area Links to District planning The overall responsibility for district planning lies with the District Technical Planning Committees. These are comprised of all the Government Departments, NGOs, political leaders, and parastatal agencies working in each of the Districts. The relevant departments, agencies, communities and other stakeholders are involved in the planning process, and therefore understand their roles in its implementation. It is expected that this sub catchment plan will contribute to the development of District Development Plans. Links to the Poverty Reduction Strategy Process The sub catchment Plan directly addresses poverty alleviation through a number of its components; community mobilization, awareness creation and participation in the management of the ecosystem, improve their livelihood by improving food security and income levels. This will be achieved by promoting more effective use of natural resources and introducing better farming practices for sustainable land use and water resources. 18 P a g e

30 The plan will also focus on promotion of sustainable development activities that don t strain the functions and services that the sub catchment can manage. International Agreements The Government of Uganda is a signatory to international treaties and conventions on conservation of fauna and flora, and fragile ecosystems, which require the signatories to integrate the same in the management of the ecosystem within their jurisdiction. These treaties include the Convention on Biological Diversity; the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the Ramsar Convention. Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) In the year 2000, 189 Member States agreed to help the world s poorest countries significantly progress towards a better life for their people by the year A framework for progress consisting of eight Millennium Development Goals was derived from the Millennium Declaration adopted by these world leaders. These eight interlinked goals and 18 associated targets are the result of decades of experience and discussions at all levels, including a series on international conferences in the 1990s on children, population and development, human rights, women, social development, HIV/AIDS and financing for development. The MDGs serve as a time-bound, achievable blueprint for reducing poverty and improving lives agreed to by all countries and all leading development institutions. They guide development priorities for governments, donors and practitioner agencies worldwide. MDGs serve as the new framework for sustainable development by setting social equity goals and targets that aim at contributing to economic development while ensuring environmental sustainability. The said goals are as follows: 1. Eradicate extreme hunger and poverty 2. Achieve universal primary education 3. Promote gender equality and empower women 4. Reduce child mortality 5. Improve maternal health 6. Combat HIV/Aids, malaria and other diseases 7. Ensure environmental sustainability 8. Develop a global partnership for development Goal seven of the MDGs on ensuring environmental sustainability has two components: to integrate principles of sustainable development into country policies and programs, and to reverse the loss of environmental resources. While the first component can be addressed by an intervention on policy and legislation, the second component entails several interventions that target root causes. Convention on Biological Diversity The Convention on Biological Diversity, known informally as the Biodiversity Convention, is an international treaty that was adopted in Rio de Janeiro in June The Convention has three main goals: 19 P a g e

31 Conservation of biological diversity (or biodiversity); Sustainable use of its components; and Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. In other words, its objective is to develop national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. It is often seen as the key document regarding sustainable development. The Convention was opened for signature at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 5 June 1992 and entered into force on 29 December The convention recognized for the first time in international law that the conservation of biological diversity is a common concern of humankind and is an integral part of the development process. The agreement covers all ecosystems, species, and genetic resources. It links traditional conservation efforts to the economic goal of using biological resources sustainably. It sets principles for the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources, notably those destined for commercial use. It also covers the rapidly expanding field of biotechnology through its Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, addressing technological development and transfer, benefit-sharing and biosafety issues. Importantly, the Convention is legally binding; countries that join it ( Parties ) are obliged to implement its provisions. The convention reminds decision-makers that natural resources are not infinite and sets out a philosophy of sustainable use. While past conservation efforts were aimed at protecting particular species and habitats, the Convention recognizes that ecosystems, species and genes must be used for the benefit of humans. However, this should be done in a way and at a rate that does not lead to the long-term decline of biological diversity. The convention also offers decision-makers guidance based on the precautionary principle that where there is a threat of significant reduction or loss of biological diversity, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to avoid or minimize such a threat. The Convention acknowledges that substantial investments are required to conserve biological diversity. It argues, however, that conservation will bring us significant environmental, economic and social benefits in return. RAMSAR The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands, i.e. to stem the progressive encroachment on and loss of wetlands now and in the future, recognizing the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands and their economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational value. 20 P a g e