Analysing the legal and regulatory framework on sustainable wetland management in Uganda: a case study of were and monming wetlands in Tororo district.

Abstract

The research analysed the role of Uganda's environmental legal framework in promoting sustainable wetland management in the Tororo district, particularly focusing on Were and Monming wetlands. Wetlands are vital ecosystems that offer ecological, social, and economic benefits, but they face increasing threats from unsustainable human activities. The research employed a qualitative research approach to comprehensively assess the effectiveness of existing laws, policies, and regulations. Data was collected through interviews, observation, and document analysis, targeting policymakers, legal experts, environmentalists, local government officials, community leaders, and representatives from the private sector. The study adopted an explorative research design to capture data at a specific point in time and examine relationships between variables. Convenient sampling was used for qualitative data to ensure a representative sample and gather detailed insights. The significance of this study was based on its potential to enhance the protection of Uganda's wetlands and improve community livelihoods by identifying weaknesses in the existing legal and institutional frameworks. The research explored opportunities for sustainable resource management and alternative livelihoods that reduce the impact on wetland ecosystems. The study provided insights into successes, failures, and lessons learned by examining the evolution of wetland management practices and policies from earlier policies but specifically from 2014 to 2024. By performing a situational analysis of the Were and Monming wetlands in the Tororo area, this study sought to educate stakeholders and policymakers on methods for improving wetland management. One important discovery was that social, economic, and cultural issues frequently serve as catalysts for opposition to wetland restoration