Uganda faces risk of losing wetlands by 2040

In the coming 18 years, Uganda is expected to lose all her wetlands if nothing is done to stop the degradation currently taking place. 

“The wetland coverage has registered a decline from 15.6% in 1994 to 13% in 2015, and if this is not halted, Uganda risks losing all wetlands by 2040. Although the wetland coverage is estimated 13% of Uganda’s surface area, only 8.9% of this is intact while 4.1% is under some form of degradation.” 

This is contained in the State of Wetlands 2019 report released by the Ministry of Water and Environment. The report was launched on February 2 in Masaka City during the national celebrations of World Wetlands Day.

The decline, according to the report has been driven by a number of factors including urbanization, population increase, uncoordinated planning and demand for more arable land. 

The report also points out that the wetlands are declining at a time when there are emerging challenges such as climate change and the impacts of oil and gas. 

“It is my sincere hope that the information provided in this report will enrich your awareness about the wetlands in Uganda, but most importantly provide great input into all planning processes to avoid continued degradation,” said Sam Cheptoris, the Minister of Water and Environment.  

Wetlands hold water and filter wastewater before it enters water bodies including lakes. 

They are also breeding grounds of fish and provide sanctuaries to biological diversity. They provide a livelihood to millions of rural communities. 

In addition, the wetlands store carbon or peat, which is one of the gases that is blamed for causing climate change and warming of the earth.