Impacts of human activities on wetland degradation: case study of Kinawataka wetland in Kampala district, Uganda

Abstract

Kinawataka wetland is one of the most valuable ecological systems in Kampala district. It has different and, irreplaceable hydrological and ecological functions, such as stabilization and maintenance of ground water supplies in the Lake Victoria basin, improvement of water quality, soil erosion control, recharge of groundwater, and carbon sequestration. However, this wetland has undergone severe ecological degradation in form of intensified agriculture, climatic change, industrial pollution, and other anthropogenic activities. The functions of wetlands could diminish if the encroachment and misuse of wetland continues. The objectives of this study are to (1) To assess the different human activities that affect the quality of Kinawataka wetland, (2) To determine the different impacts associated with human activities and (3) To determining ways of harmonizing human activities and wetland conservation around Kinawataka wetland. The study will use a cross-sectional survey among 71 randomly selected households. The data was coded and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).