CERTIFICATION
I certify that this research proposal titled “An Analysis of the Legal and Institutional
Frameworks Regulating Wetlands Use in Uganda” has been carried out under my
supervision and is hereby submitted to the Faculty of Law at the Islamic University in
Uganda for the partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of
Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
I further confirm that the work is original and has not been submitted elsewhere for any
academic award.
................................................................
Supervisor's Name
Date: ......................................................
DECLARATION
I, NAKIMULI SUMAYIYAH, declare that this research proposal entitled
“An Analysis of the Legal and Institutional Frameworks Regulating Wetlands Use in
Uganda” is my original work and has not been submitted elsewhere for the award of any
degree or diploma at any institution.
I further declare that all the sources of information used in this research have been
acknowledged accordingly.
...................................................................
Date: .........................................................
Nakimuli Sumayiyah
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Islamic University in Uganda Female Campus Kabojja
COPYRIGHT
© Nakimuli Sumayiyah, 2025. All rights reserved.
This research proposal is the intellectual property of the author and may not be
reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior
written permission of the author or the Islamic University in Uganda Female Campus
Kabojja.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and foremost, I would like to thank my supervisor, [Supervisor's Name], for their
invaluable guidance, insightful feedback, and continuous support throughout the entire
research process. Your expertise and patience have been critical in shaping this work.
I am also deeply grateful to the Faculty of Law at the Islamic University in Uganda
for providing a conducive environment for my academic growth and research.
My heartfelt thanks to my family and friends for their encouragement, understanding,
and moral support, which kept me motivated throughout my studies.
Lastly, I would like to extend my appreciation to all those who participated in the
research process and provided the necessary information, as well as those who assisted
in any way, whether directly or indirectly, in the completion of this work.
Thank you all for your contributions.
DEDICATION
I dedicate this research to my parents for their unwavering love, encouragement, and
sacrifices, which have enabled me to reach this stage of my academic journey.
To my supervisor for their invaluable guidance, and to my friends for their support and
companionship throughout this process.
Lastly, I dedicate this work to the future generations, hoping that the findings of this
study will contribute to better protection and management of Uganda’s wetlands for a
sustainable future.
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
1. EIA - Environmental Impact Assessment
2. NEMA - National Environment Management Authority
3. NFA - National Forestry Authority
4. UNEP - United Nations Environment Programme
5. RAMSAR - Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
6. WMD - Wetland Management Department
7. UWA - Uganda Wildlife Authority
8. UNFCCC - United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
9. LLB - Bachelor of Laws
10. NGO - Non-Governmental Organization
11. IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature
12. MWE - Ministry of Water and Environment
13. HEAPI - Health Equity and Policy Initiative
14. NEMP - National Environment Management Policy
ABSTRACT
This research proposal examines the legal and institutional frameworks regulating
wetlands use in Uganda. Wetlands are vital ecosystems that provide numerous
environmental, economic, and social benefits, yet they are increasingly threatened by
human activities and inadequate governance structures. The study aims to analyze the
effectiveness of existing legal frameworks, including the National Environment Act and
related policies, in safeguarding Uganda’s wetlands. Additionally, it seeks to assess the
role of key institutions, such as the National Environment Management Authority
(NEMA) and local governments, in enforcing wetland protection regulations.
Through a doctrinal legal analysis and interviews with key stakeholders, this research
will identify gaps, overlaps, and challenges in the current legal and institutional
framework. The study will also explore comparative perspectives from other East
African countries to highlight best practices in wetland management. Ultimately, the
research aims to recommend policy and legislative reforms that would improve the
protection and sustainable use of Uganda's wetlands.
The findings of this study will contribute to enhancing the legal and institutional
mechanisms in Uganda, offering valuable insights for policymakers, environmental
advocates, and other stakeholders committed to wetland conservation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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TABLE OF STATUTES
Principal Legislation
The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (1995)
The Registration of Titles Act, Cap 230 (1997)
The National Environment Act, Cap 153 (1995)
Water Act, Cap 152 (1997)
The Rivers Act, Cap 357 (1964)
The Land Act, Cap 227 (1998)
The Penal Code Act, Cap 120 (1950)
The Police Act, Cap 303 (1995)
The Uganda Wildlife Act, Cap 2006 (2000)
Subsidiary Legislation
The National Environment (Wetlands, River Banks and Lake Shores
Management) Regulations, 2000
The National Environment (Impact Assessment) Regulations, 1998
The Land Use Regulations, 2001
The National Environment (Noise Standards) Regulations, 2003
The National Environment (Air Quality) Standards Regulations, 2003
TABLE OF INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS
International Conventions and Agreements
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971)
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
(1992)
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (1992)
The African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
(1968)
International Guidelines and Policies
Agenda 21: Programme of Action for Sustainable Development (1992)
The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (1992)
TABLE OF SELECTED CASES / LIST OF CASES
Ugandan Cases
Environmental Action Network v National Environmental Management
Authority [2013] UGCC 1
Uganda Wildlife Authority v Nature Uganda [2016] UGCA 5
Kato v Attorney General [2012] UGHC 7
Turyasingura v The Attorney General [2004] UGHC 12
Kampala City Council v Uganda National Roads Authority [2011] UGCA 9
International Cases
Advisory Opinion on the Legality of the Use of Nuclear Weapons (International
Court of Justice, 1996)
Gabcíkovo-Nagymaros Project Case (Hungary v Slovakia) (International Court
of Justice, 1997)
Pulp Mills on the River Uruguay Case (Argentina v Uruguay) (International
Court of Justice, 2010)
