In the aftermath of Uganda’s groundbreaking decision to officially designate all wetlands, a crucial question surfaces: how can we ensure that this recent legislation translates into concrete protection for these vital ecosystems? While the official designation is undoubtedly a commendable step, the ongoing journey toward safeguarding Uganda’s wetlands necessitates exploration. Enter environmental litigation – a potentially influential tool poised to expedite the implementation of the law and hold influential stakeholders accountable.

On the 19th of November 2023, Uganda witnessed a momentous event – the formal gazettement of all its wetlands by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). This marked a significant juncture in the nation’s environmental history, responding decisively to a critical crisis that had plagued the country for decades.

Acknowledging the dire circumstances, Ugandan authorities took a decisive step. The gazettement, executed under the guidance of the National Environment Act and the “National Environment (Declaration of Wetlands) notice 2023,” officially protected over 8,600 wetland areas. This not only established a legal framework to curb encroachment but also aimed to preserve the ecological integrity of these areas and secure their benefits for future generations.

For an extended period, Uganda’s expansive wetlands, which once covered 13.5% of its landmass, endured relentless pressure from rapid development, expansive agriculture, and unsustainable practices. Uganda’s wetlands serve as critical lifelines, filtering water, mitigating floods, nurturing biodiversity, and sustaining local communities. However, the pressures of rapid development, encroaching agriculture, and unsustainable practices have significantly strained these delicate ecosystems. The official designation symbolizes an acknowledgment of this environmental crisis, with the aim of halting wetland degradation and preserving their crucial ecological functions.

Environmental litigation plays a pivotal role by empowering individuals and communities to seek legal redress for environmental law violations. In the context of wetland protection, this empowerment encompasses enforcing the official designation, holding institutions accountable, and promoting transparency. Uganda’s legal framework acknowledges the public’s right to a clean and healthy environment, laying the groundwork for legal challenges. Recent years have seen an uptick in successful environmental litigation cases, indicating a growing responsiveness of the courts to such critical issues.

Despite the promise, environmental litigation faces challenges such as capacity constraints and the effective implementation of court orders. However, it remains a valuable tool when seamlessly integrated with other strategies, supported by capacity building, and focused on strategic cases. The official designation of Uganda’s wetlands is undoubtedly a positive step, but the effectiveness of this protection hinges on addressing challenges, fostering strategic partnerships, and ensuring robust enforcement mechanisms.

As we commemorate World Wetlands Day on February 2nd, let us reflect on the significance of Uganda’s wetlands and the legal imperative to preserve them. The official designation is a milestone, but our commitment to environmental well-being must extend beyond rhetoric to tangible actions. By leveraging the power of law and empowering communities, Uganda can pave the way toward a future where its wetlands not only endure but thrive – securing the environmental well-being of current and future generations.

Hussein Kato Muyinda, a climate justice, environmental, and human rights lawyer, Executive director Earth and Rights Initiative a non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to merging the influence of legal initiatives with the collective strength of individuals to safeguard human rights and the environment, which we refer to as “earth rights.”