Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Wetlands in Uganda play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting food systems, and sustaining community livelihoods. Despite their importance, these ecosystems continue to experience extensive degradation, particularly in urban areas such as Kampala. This study examines the politicisation of environmental degradation by analysing the reasons why politicians have inadequately safeguarded wetlands, using the Lubigi wetland as a case study. Guided by Value theory, the study explores how political actors prioritise short-term economic and electoral interests over long-term ecological sustainability. A qualitative case study design was employed, incorporating key informant interviews and in-depth interviews with policymakers, environmental activists, agriculturalists, and community members residing near the wetland. Participation in the study was voluntary, with respondents assured of confidentiality and the freedom to withdraw at any stage should they feel uncomfortable or believe their rights were compromised. The findings reveal that wetland degradation is driven by a combination of political interference, weak enforcement of environmental laws, corruption, and competing land-use interests such as settlement, agriculture, and industrial expansion. Activities including sand mining, brick making, waste disposal, wetland farming, and infrastructure development were found to undermine wetland functionality, resulting in biodiversity loss, flooding, declining water quality, and threats to food system sustainability. The study further demonstrates that although regulatory frameworks for wetland protection exist in Uganda, their implementation is constrained by political reluctance to confront encroachers, many of whom are voters or economically influential actors. Wetlands are predominantly valued for their exchange value rather than their ecological and social use value, contributing to continued environmental degradation. The study concludes that effective wetland protection requires political accountability, community participation, decentralised enforcement, and governance approaches that recognise wetlands as essential ecological assets. By highlighting the political dimensions of wetland degradation, this research contributes to discussions on environmental governance, agroecology, and sustainable food systems in rapidly urbanising contexts