Analysis of the negative effects of industrial development on wetlands in Kampala city
Abstract
The research was focused on, “Analysis of the negative effects of industrial development on
wetlands in Kampala city, a case study of kinawataka wetland in Nakawa division, Kampala city.
The study was carried out to assess the negative relationship between industrial development and
kinawataka wetland, carryout a trend analysis of the wetland size from 2000 to 2022 and to
propose measures to restore the wetland back to its original position. In addition to these, during
the course of the study I was able to identify other activities being carried out in the wetland area
and also the types on industries operating in the wetland area.
Kinawataka wetland was selected as a case study in Kampala city due to its strategic location
that attracted series of activities, I was able to use Questionnaires, informal interviews schedule,
literature review, photography and observation as data collection methods and I used Google
earth, notebook, questionnaires, and camera as tools in the study for data collection.
Results from the study indicate that wetland degradation being on the increase to the extent that
wetland resources such as papyrus reeds for craft industry, wetland animals and insects have
been displaced and others lost due to excessive degradation. This has been attributed to
uncontrolled development activities by the people, poor planning and coordination among the
various stake holders namely NEMA, KCCA, NWCMP and Industrial developers, ignorance
among the people of the need for wetlands, weak legal framework and enforcement capacities
among the partners involved in wetland conservation and environment generally.
From the Study therefore it is concluded that there is need for an amendment in the
NEMA Act and other related laws so as to give it powers to punish offenders involved in
wetland degradation. Coordination and cooperation among the environment management
agencies NEMA, KCCA, planning unit, developers and the local community. Community
participation in the conservation of wetlands and the Environment generally should be
encouraged through seminars, mass media especially up to the grassroots. If there no is a positive
change in wetlands conservation and environment generally, Kampala city will continue facing
severe floods, pollution, loss of bio-diversity in wetlands and general change in its microclimate.