Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

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10 arrested in wetland operation
(New Vision, 2017-01-18) Nantambi, Agnes
People are planting tomatoes within 200 metres of the Lake shores, which is in breach of the law. An environmental operation conducted on the shores of Lake Kacheera in the districts of Rakai and Kiruhura has left 10 people arrested over encroachment on the Lake shores.
7 held over elephant tusks
(daily monitor, 2017-04-24) Makumbi, Cissy
Lamwo. officials from the office of prime minister have expressed disappointment after residents withdrew land they offered for reset using refugees from south sudan.
A peek at Uganda's invaluable scavenger marabou stork
(Daily Monitor, 2018-05-04) Batte, R Edgar
They saunter, peck at the stony ground for insects then proceed to the garbage heaps for a more "nutritious" kill. Marabou storks are a common sight in Uganda.
Address climate change challenges to improve youth livelihood programmes.
(Daily Monitor, 2017-10-02) Twongyirwe, Catherine
Climate change in majorly arises from global warming, which negatively affects the entire global ecosystems. Indeed global warming threatens to undo many years of development efforts and frustrate poverty and unemployment eradication programmes associated with agriculture.
An Assessment Of The Impacts Of Sand Mining And Increased Silting Levels On The Fish Species Composition And Abundance Along The River Nile, Namasagali Catchment Area, Kamuli District.
(Busitema University, 2025) Businge Anatori.
Sand mining is a widespread practice in Uganda, posing significant environmental challenges to freshwater ecosystems, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and a loss of biodiversity. The Namasagali catchment area, a sub-basin of the Victoria Nile River, is one of the affected regions, with sand mining activities threatening the livelihoods of local communities dependent on fishing. This study investigated the impacts of sand mining on fish species composition, abundance, and catch rates within this area. Specific objectives included: (1) to determine the changes in riverbed substrate composition due to sand mining; (2) to assess the impacts of sand mining on fish species composition and abundance; and (3) to evaluate the effects of sand mining on fish catches and catch rates from the perspective of local fishers. A retrospective experimental approach with control sites was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data. Riverbed grab samples were visually analyzed, and fish populati ons were assessed using standard gill nets and longlines. Demographic and catch-rate data were collected through a questionnaire administered to local fishers. The results showed that sand mining has fundamentally altered the physical composition of the riverbed, creating a new, coarse-grained substrate of sand and gravel with a notable absence of shells, in contrast to the natural fine and silty offshore sediments. Fish species diversity across the sites was composed of six species, with the Lake Victoria squeaker (Synodontis victoriae) being the most dominant. A one-way ANOVA analysis revealed significant inter-site variability in fish catches (F(3,10) =7.92, p<0.05), with the active mining site, Kalama, exhibiting the highest total catch. This counterintuitive finding is attributed to the temporary exposure of food particles caused by the mining process, which acts as a localized fish attractant. However, a paired -samples t-test on fisher-reported data indicated a highly significant decline in average dai ly catches from a historical average of 19.0 to a current average of 9.7 individuals (t(29)x =9.00, p<0.0001). While sand mining can create temporary, localized feeding grounds for fish, its broader impact is a significant alteration of the riverbed ecosystem and a substantial adverse effect on the overall catch rates and livelihoods of the fishing community. The findings underscore the need for effective management strategies to mitigate these impacts.
Army asked to intervene in sand mining
(Daily Monitor, 2018-02-02) Tajuba, Paul
The Minister for Environment, Mr Sam Cheptoris, has asked the government to deploy the army to stop the ongoing dredging and sand mining in Lake Victoria.
Assessing The Effectiveness Of Gear Restriction On Nile Tilapia Fishery At Kazinga Channel, Rubirizi District.
(Busitema University, 2025) Arinaitwe, Erisa
This study assessed the effectiveness of gear restrictions in sustaining Nile Tilapia populations in Kazinga Channel Katunguru Sub-County, Rubirizi District. Its aimed to evaluate fishers’compliance with gear restriction policies, their perceptions of the regulations, the impact of these restrictions on fish catch and stock abundance, and the socio-economic consequences for local communities. Data collection involved field surveys, fisher interviews, and participatory focus group discussions. Emphasis was placed on examining the changes in fish stock size structure and abundance following the implementation of mesh size controls, as well as investigating the compliance levels and enforcement challenges faced by regulatory authorities. The findings revealed that enforcement of minimum mesh size restrictions led to a reduction in the capture of juvenile Nile tilapia, allowing fish to mature and spawn at least once before harvest. This possibly contributed to improved recruitment rates and a positive shift in the size structure of the fish population, consistent with observations in other freshwater fisheries across East Africa. The catch composition shifted towards larger, more marketable fish, which indicated a move towards ecological sustainability and a potential increase in long-term fishery yields. However, the study also documented short-term economic hardships experienced by fishers as a result of reduced catches of smaller fish, which historically contributed to household food security and income. These immediate livelihood impacts generated resistance to gear restrictions among some fishers, highlighting the social challenges inherent in fisheries management. Enforcement of gear restrictions was found to be hampered by several factors including weak institutional capacity, limited resources for monitoring and surveillance, and widespread use of illegal fishing gears such as undersized monofilament nets. Beach Management Units (BMUs), intended to facilitate community-led resource governance, exhibited varying degrees of effectiveness, often impaired by a lack of legal support and inadequate community participation. The study underscored that enforcement alone was insufficient without concomitant efforts to address poverty and improve fisher livelihoods.
Assessing The Implications Of Fishing Techniques On The Fish Population On Lake Victoria In Jinja City, Uganda
(Busitema University, 2025) Obote, Amos
This study examined the implications of fishing techniques on sustainable fisheries in Lake Victoria, Jinja City, Uganda, to provide relevant stakeholders with information to promote sustainable fishing practice on Lake Victoria. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design with quantitative method of data collected. The study was conducted among 79 fishers selected using systematic random sampling technique and quantitative data was collected from them using pretested interviewer- administered questionnaire developed on kobo-collect toolbox. The collected data was downloaded into excel format and imported to Stata 15 for analyses. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviations, and percentages were used to describe the study findings. Findings showed that the primary factors influencing fishing methods were regulatory guidelines (45.6%) and existing fishing practices (30.4%). Awareness of illegal fishing was high (86.1%), with gill nets (59.5%) and longlines (29.1%) cited as having the most negative impact on fish stocks when misused, and the Nile Tilapia (59.5%) identified as the most affected species. Awareness of sustainable fishing practices was also notable (64.6%), with selective fishing gear (56.9%) and catch limits (29.4%) being the most recognized strategies, and 55.7% of participants reporting active use of such methods, mainly selective gear and size limits. These results highlight the critical role of regulations, fishing practices, and knowledge in shaping sustainable fisheries management on Lake Victoria.
Assessing The Potential Of Environmental And Social Economic Effects Of Aqua Agro Ecology, Case Of Kaptoyoy, Sub County, Kween District.
(Busitema University, 2025) Cheprot, Amos.
Aqua Agro ecology is an innovation that combines aquatic farming with terrestrial agriculture,promoting sustainable and resource efficiency. Integrated Aquaculture Agriculture (IAA), have been promoted as a solution to reduce water pollution, enhance biodiversity, and optimize nutrient cycling . productivity Farmers in Kween district were unaware of the environmental and economic benefits of choosing to rear specific livestock together with fish farming and cultivation of food and cash crops in their land, and livestock together with fish farming in their land. This study can help the local communities of Kween district to adopt aqua Agro ecology to overcome challenges of poverty, malnutrition for both present and future generation. The general Objective of study was to assess the environmental and socio-economic effects of aqua agroecology on farmers of Kween district. The specific objectives wereas to assess the environmental contribution of integrating crops and livestock with fish farming on the same piece of identify solutions to the challenges faced by farmers in adopting aqua Agro ecological practices, and to measure the income contribution of current aqua Agro ecological practices to the standards of living of local farmers in Kaptoyoy Sub County, Kween District. Data was analysed using the Histograms and pie charts to compare the environmental contribution of integrating crops and livestock with fish farming on the sam piece of land, to compare solutions to the challenges faced by farmers in adopting aqua agro ecological practices among adopters of aqua agro ecology and non adopters of aqua agro ecology and to compare the contribution of current aqua agro ecological practices to the standard of living of local farmers among the adopters of aqua agro ecology and non adopters of aqua agro ecology. It was found that the farmers who adopted this integrated approach tended to diversify their crop choices, favouring crops like Irish potatoes They also integrated livestock effectively, particularly goats. Challenges among adopters of aqua Agro ecology and non adopters of aqua agro ecology were market access and limited capital. Costly fish feed, while non-adopters struggled more with water scarcity, to address these challenges, adopters prioritized constructing reservoirs. Adopters reportedimprovements in their living conditions, not only through income but also via food security and risk reduction. .
Assessing The Role Of Indigenous Knowledge And Practices For Adaptation To Effects Of Rainfall Variability In Bududa
(Busitema University, 2025) Ojok,Martin
This study assessed rainfall variability in Bukigai Sub County Bududa district, a factor behind rampant flooding and landslides and the role of indigenous knowledge and practices as an adaptation strategy in response to the variability. The study adopted a mixed research approach where quantitative data used included annual and seasonal rainfall from 1991-2021 sourced from UNMA. Qualitative data was collected by administering questionnaires to 100 randomly selected household members of Bukigai Sub County in the parishes of Bunamubi, Bumatanda and Bumangoye, as well as key informant interviews and observations by the researcher. Time series, regression and trend analysis were used to investigate the anomalies in annual and seasonal rainfall. Survey data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression to determine the dominant Indigenous adaptation practicesa and the role it plays in climate variability adaptation. In addition, Probit tests were run to find the casual relationship between the use of IK as an adaptation strategy and selected socio-economic factors. Results revealed significant trends of seasonal and annual rainfall variability. 76% of the respondents believed that there was climate variability and 24% did not believe. 99% of the respondents further admitted practicing one or more Indigenous adaptation strategies to cope with the changing climate. The strategies practiced were food stocking (91%), crop diversifications (89%) and grain preservation (84%). Probit tests revealed that none of the tested socio-economic factors (age, income and education level) was statistically significant in influencing the use of IK for adaptation at 5% significance level. The probit test also gave a pseudo R2 of 6%, meaning that the socioeconomic factors tested could only explain 6% of the variations in the respondents’ engagement in use of IK. In conclusion, the findings of this study underscored the importance of Indigenous Knowledge and practices in facilitating adaptation to climate variability in Uganda. While there is a widespread recognition of climate change impacts and a high level of engagement in indigenous knowledge and adaptation practices, socio-economic factors alone did not significantly influence the adoption of Indigenous Knowledge. Future research should explore additional contextual factors and socio- cultural dynamics that may shape adaptive behavior, in order to inform more effective and targeted interventions for building climate resilience in vulnerable communities.
Assessing The Socio-Economic Impacts Of Pond Fish Farming On Local Communities In Tororo District, Uganda
(Busitema University, 2025) Zinunula Joel
This study assessed the socio-economic impact of pond fish farming in Tororo district. It evaluated the current status, the socio-economic effects of pond fish farming on local communities and suggesting strategies for enhancing the sustainability of pond fish farming in Tororo District, Eastern Uganda. The study used a descriptive design, and a mixture of quantitative and qualitative approaches,data was collected from 97 pond fish farmers using structured questionnaire, interview guides for technical persons and three focus group discussions, and field observations. The data was coded and entered in Microsoft Excel version 18, then imported into Statistical Programme for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 21 for descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics analysis was summarized using frequencies, tables and pie charts. The inferential statistics was summarized using pearson chi-square test at 5 percent confidence interval.The findings indicated that pond fish farming is predominantly practiced by smallholder farmers with limited resources, but it has a positive impact on livelihoods, particularly in employment creation, food security, and income generation. Despite these benefits, farmers face major challenges such as high input costs, water scarcity, inadequate access to quality feeds and fingerlings, and limited knowledge of existing policies and bylaws. The majority of respondents reported slight improvements in their standards of living and expressed a willingness to join farmer cooperatives for shared growth. Support from local governments, MAAIF, and NGOs exists but remains insufficient. The analysis of these challenges using the chi square test indicated that high cost of inputs, water scarcity and low fish prices were statistically significant at a =0.05. Furthermore, the chi square test indicated that sources of support to pond fish farming namely local government, and MAAIF were statistically significant at a =0.05. Also, the strategies for support were subjected to the chi square test and fish feeds and fingerlings were the most significant at a =0.05. In-addition, funding and incentives including credit, subsidies, and grants and training in technical skills such as feed formulation and water management were statistically significant at a =0.05.The study concluded that with targeted institutional support, legal literacy, and infrastructure investment, pond fish farming in Tororo can significantly contribute to rural development and food systems resilience. Key strategies proposed to enhance sustainability included increasing access to credit, subsidizing inputs, strengthening extension services, promoting legal awareness, and improving market access.
Assessment Of Fish Consumption Pattern In Laguti Sub County Pader District
(Busitema University, 2025) Adong, Alice.
Fish is a vital source of high-quality protein and essential micronutrients, yet its consumption remains low in many rural Ugandan communities, including Laguti Subcounty in Pader District. This study assessed fish consumption patterns and examined the socio-economic, cultural, and infrastructural factors influencing dietary choices among households. Despite proximity to water bodies such as River Aswa, fish remains underutilized in local diets in Laguti Sub County, raising concerns about nutrition and food security.Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 80 respondents through structuredquestionnaires and interviews with household heads, fish vendors, and local leaders. The findings revealed that weekly fish consumption was most common (37.5%), followed by monthly (25%) and rare consumption (18.8%). Only 12.5% of households consumed fish daily, while 6.2% never consumed it. Income level, fish price, market access, and education were significant determinants of consumption. Medium-income households showed higher consumption rates, while affordability challenges limited access for low-income earners. Cultural perception also influenced consumption patterns. While 62.5% of respondents reported no cultural restrictions, 25% acknowledged taboos or perceptions that discouraged fish consumption. Species such as catfish and silver cyprinid (Rastrineobola argentea) were sometimes avoided due to associations with poverty or perceived uncleanliness. However, 87.5% of respondents viewed fish as a healthy food choice, citing benefits such as improved brain function and boosted immunity. Barriers to fish access and consumption included high cost (50%), limited availability (25%), poor transport infrastructure (12.5%), and lack of storage facilities (6.2%). Although Laguti Sub County is geographically close to water bodies, infrastructural challenges and seasonal supply fluctuations constrained access. The absence of cold storage and poor road networks further limited distribution and preservation. Encouragingly, 81.3% of respondents believed that government or community programs could improve fish availability. Suggested interventions included subsidizing fish prices, establishing more local fish markets, improving transport infrastructure, and promoting nutrition education. The study concluded that enhancing market access, supporting local aquaculture, and addressing socio-cultural perceptions could significantly increase fish consumption and improve household nutrition and food security in Laguti Sub County.
Assessment Of Fish Handling Practices In Iganga Fish Market And Their Perceived Impacts On Fresh Fish Quality.
(Busitema University, 2025) Mukisa Araphat
This study assessed fish handling practices and their impacts on fish quality in Iganga fish market, Uganda, with the general objective of evaluating past practices and their effects on fish quality and safety. Specific objectives included identifying fish handling practices employed, evaluating their impact on fish quality and freshness with a focus on spoilage rates and hygiene risks, and assessing vendors' knowledge and awareness of proper handling, storage, and hygiene practices. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Data was collected through questionnaires and observations using 100 fish vendors in Iganga fish market. Fish preservation primarily involved salting (46%) or insulated containers with ice (37%). Storage of fresh fish was predominantly under ice (48%) or refrigeration (26%). 84% display fish on tables. 72% practice fish scaling before sales; use of clean tap water (52%) is commonly used. However, 80% reported frequent spoilage, primarily attributed to high temperatures (36%) and inadequate facilities (31%), with bad odor (64%) as the dominant spoilage indicator. Hygiene practices focused on facility cleaning (75%), but only 69% of vendors had received training, mostly from government agencies (56%). Key challenges included limited refrigeration (36%) and lack of training (32%). Respondents (52%) suggested improved hygiene to enhance fish quality, with 89% expressing willingness to participate in training programs. The study recommended targeted training, improved infrastructure, and stricter hygiene regulations to reduce spoilage and ensure consumer safety.
Assessment Of The Socio-Economic Effects Of Illegal Fishing On Fishing Communities Surrounding Kagwara Landing Site, Lake Kyoga, Serere District.
(Busitema University, 2025) Akello, Eunice
The study was conducted at Kagwara fish landing site in Serere district. The objectives of the study were to assess the impacts of illegal fishing on the fishing communities surrounding Kagwara landing site, Lake Kyoga in Serere district. The specific objectives were to evaluate the status of fishing activities at Kagwara landing site, Lake Kyoga, the social-economic effects of illegal fishing activities on the fishing communities surrounding Kagwara landing site, and to suggest strategies of making fishing at Kagwara landing site, more sustainable. The study used a descriptive research design that allowed to answer the question “why” and quantitative approach. The sample population was 65 people comprising fishermen, boat owners, fish buyers and sellers at Kagwara landing site. The data was collected using questionnaires, observation and review of documents specific to fishing in Serere district. These included journals, websites, district reports and books. The data was entered in Microsoft Excel and imported into Statistical Programme for Social Scientists version 16 to analyze descriptive and inferential statistics such as pearson chi-square test at 95% confidence interval. The study found out that there were more men than women involved in the fishing activities and practices. The men involved in fishing were mostly married adults who had attained primary level education. The study found out that illegal fishing was done at Kagwara landing site through the use of authorized fishing gears used to target different fish types. The undersized gillnets and the illegal gears were used in restricted zones of the lake to target specific fish species. Nile perch was the most affected fish species followed by Nile tilapia and silver fish (mukene). These fish types were targeted due to high prices paid for them by buyers within and outside Serere district. The major cause of illegal fishing was poverty, lack of alternative sources of income and livelihood, inadequate government support to buy appropriate fishing equipment and gears, corruption and enforcements. Most of the community have been sensitized on illegal fishing and its impacts to the environment. The most affected are the households (local community) surrounding the landing site leading to food insecurity, loss of lives, reduced standards of living. The most recommended strategy is to: empower women to participate in the fishing activities; provide training to the fishing communities to improve their capacity; get alternative sources of livelihood in decision making so as to come up with proper decisions in sustainable fisheries management; provide more government support to fishing communities to enable them obtain improved fishing gears, access engines; sensitize stakeholders on sustainable fishing practices; intensify enforcements to curb illegal fishing practices at community levels and even other surrounding areas
Attach value to environment while constructing roads.
(Daily Monitor, 2017-11-15) Twongyeirwe, Catherine
Huge crowds in Kabaale, Buseruka in Hoima district recently witnessed President Museveni and Tanzania's Foreign minister unveiling a foundation stone where the construction of the the 1,445km East African Crude Oil Pipeline will start.
Ban kavera alcohol so as to improve agriculture productivity.
(New Vision, 2017-08-11) Tayebwa, Thomas
Tomorrow August 12, is International Youth Day, However, as this day is commemorated, more and more youth are being wasted away by cheap alcohol packed in buueeras. This is directly affecting their productivity, especially in agriculture. Alcohol abuse and consumption of illicit/ illegally produced alcohol packed in sachets is common in Uganda,
Bishop promotes fish farming
(Daily Monitor, 2018-03-10) Okello, Warom Felix
Arua diocese has turned to promoting fish farming in an effort to put an end to malnutrition in families.
Buganda to reclaim Mulungu site.
(Daily Monitor, 2018-05-11) Kabengwa, James
Buganda Land Board (BLB) is planning to repossess land at Mulungu fishing village. The disputed land measuring 4.5 acres is currently managed by Munyonyo Fish Forkers Limited, but owned by BLB. A source privy to a plan by BLB to reclaim the land intimated to Daily Monitor on wednesday that the board is capitalising on the poor hygiene conditions at the landing site to kick out the current occupants.
Build this modern house at an affordable amount
(Daily Monitor, 2018-02-07) Atangaza, B. Carolyne
Buvuma fish farmers blame OWC for losses
(Daily Monitor, 2018-05-07) Ssebwami, Dennis
Complaint. They say the fingerlings supplied are not growing despite feeding them.

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