Examining the efficacy of biodiversity litigation in promoting environmental conservation in Uganda

Abstract

The study examined the efficacy of biodiversity litigation environmental conservation in Uganda. Its main objective was to examine the efficacy of biodiversity litigation in promoting environmental conservation in Uganda specifically to assess the legal framework. This research used the doctrinal research method to review the laws, policies, and scholarly literature on biodiversity litigation in Uganda. The researcher has established that biodiversity litigation in Uganda possesses considerable potential as a mechanism for advancing environmental conservation objectives. However, its current efficacy is constrained by a confluence of factors, including deficiencies in implementation, legal, judicial and procedural limitations. These impediments substantially undermine the potential of litigation. It further established that Uganda has not domesticated international biodiversity litigation principles as is it done in other jurisdictions. It further established that Uganda’s judiciary lacks judicial activism. To address the challenges in biodiversity conservation and litigation, it is recommended that a comprehensive biodiversity legislation be developed. Additionally, adopting international standards of biodiversity litigation in Uganda is recommended. Public awareness should be boosted to make the Ugandan society more litigious. It is also recommended that integrating indigenous knowledge in litigation can strengthen community-led conservation efforts and boost community participation in legal processes.