ABSTRACT The study focused on wetland degradation in Uganda: A case study of Kiwanataka wetland in Kampala District.lt was carried out to examine the varrious causes of kinawataka wet land degradation,asses the human activities carried in and around the wet land and to establish solution for the problems brought about as a result of kinawataka wet land degragation. The wetland of Kinawatalca in Kampala was used as a sample for the study. Questionnaires, interviews, literature review, recording, photography and observation were employed as tools in the study. Results from the study indicate wetland degradation being on the increase to the extent that in the near future, Kiwanataka wetland resources may face extinction. This has been attributed to uncontrolled development activities by the people, poor planning and coordination among the various stake holders namely NEMA, KCC 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, KCC, 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 District will continue facing severe floods, pollution, loss of bio-diversity in wetlands and general change in its microclimate.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACRONYMS ii

DECLARATION ii

APPROVAL Hi

DEDICATION iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT v

ABSTRACT vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS vii

LIST OF TABLES x

LIST OF FIGURES xi

LIST OF PLATES xii

CHAPTER ONE 1

INTRODUCTION 1

1.0 Background I

1.1 Statement of the problem 2

1.2 Objectives 3

1.3 Research Questions 3

1.4 Scope of the Study 3

1.5 Significance of the study 3

CHAPTER TWO 5

LITERATURE REVIEW 5

2.0 Review ofrelated literature 5

2.1 Fig. 1: Conceptual framework 8

DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS 9

CHAPTER THREE 10

METHODOLOGY 10

3.0 Introduction 10

3.1 The description of the study area methodologies 10

3.1.1 Study Area and location 10

3.1.2 Study Population 11

3.2 Research Design 11

3.2.1 Sampling technique 11

3.3 SampleSize 11

3.4 Data Collection Instruments 12

3.4.1 Questionnaire method 12

3.4.2 Observation and photography 12

3.4.3 Documentation 12

3.5 Data Gathering Procedures 12

3.6 Data Processing and Analysis 12

3,7 Ethical Consideration 13

3.8 Limitations 13

CHAPTER FOUR 15

DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION 15

4.0 Introduction 15

4.1 Data presentation, analysis and interpretation 15

4.1.1 Meaning of wetlands degradation 15

4.1.2 “Wetlands as wasteland” 15

4.1.3 Resources got from the wetlands 17

4.1.4 Causes of wetland degradation 18

4.1.5 ImpactJeffect of wetland degradation on the environment 22

4.1.6 Measures put in place to preserve wetlands 24

4.1.7 Effectiveness of existing laws on wetland conservation 26

4.1.8 Challenges encountered by environmentalists in addressing wetland

degradation 28

CHAPTER FIVE 30

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 30

5.1 Introduction 30

5.2 Conclusions 30

5.3 Recommendations 30

5.3.1: Recommendations from the community 31

5.3.2: Recommendation from the researcher 31

REFERENCES .33

APPENDICES 34

APPENDIX F 34

APPENDIX IF 35

WORK PLAN 36

APPENDIX 1V 37

PROPOSED BUDGET 37

APPENDIX VP 42

INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS

(LOCAL COUNCIL LEADERS) 42