Uganda - Overview

Status and Trends of Biodiversity

Overview

Uganda is a land locked country that lies astride the equator between 4oN and 1oS and stretches from 29.5o – 35o W. It covers an area of 236,000 km2 out of which 194,000 km2 is dry land, 33,926 km2 open water and 7,674 km2 permanent wetlands. Uganda is a country of exceptional diversity because of its position in the zone of overlap between the East African savannah and the West African rain forests... More »

National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan

Major features of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) was prepared in 2002 and is now in Cabinet for consideration and approval. It is a useful policy guide for addressing Uganda’s concerns in biodiversity conservation and the utilization of its components as well as for implementation of the requirements of the CBD... More »

Implementation of the Convention

Measures Taken to Achieve the 2010 Target

There are several national and sectoral targets in place for the conservation of ecosystems and biomes, such as wetlands, forest, wildlife, agricultural biodiversity, and dry and sub-humid lands. The Forest Nature Conservation Master Plan, designating different forest types for different uses (Natures Reserves, Buffer Zones and Production Zones), National Wetlands Strategic Plan (2001-2010), National Forest Plan 2002, Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP) – the main Government planning framework, Plan for Modernization of Agriculture (PMA), among others, consider the need to protect biodiversity and proper natural resources management... More »

Initiatives in Protected Areas

The Ugandan government has put in place protected area systems to enhance the conservation of biodiversity (Article 8 of CBD). These include forest reserves, national parks, wildlife reserves and Ramsar sites (Lake George and Lake Nabugabo). The Government of Uganda has moved further and gazetted two national parks – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mount Rwenzori Mountains National Park – world heritage sites while Queen Elizabeth National has been gazetted as a Man and Biosphere Reserve and discussion is in advanced stages to gazette Mount Elgon as a Transboundary Biosphere Reserve... More »

Initiatives in Access and Benefit Sharing

The Regulations on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing have been prepared and approved by Government (Article15 of CBD). The Regulations are now being implemented through the Competent Authority – Uganda National Council for Science and Technology.

A Country Case Study on the Implementation of the Bonn Guidelines on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing was undertaken and implementation of the recommendations is ongoing through, for example, the development of Guidelines for Accessing Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing in Uganda... More »

Initiatives for Article 8(j)

Regarding indigenous knowledge related to traditional medicine, the Ministry of Health is working closely with traditional medical practitioners and traditional birth attendants to promote, conserve and protect traditional knowledge as it relates to biodiversity and traditional medicine.

National Contacts

Full details of national contacts »

Convention on Biological Diversity

Mr. Francis Meri Sabino Ogwal	CBD Primary NFP, CHM NFP, SBSTTA NFP, ICNP ABS NFP
Ms. Pauline Akidi	Resource Mobilization FP
Prof. Remigius Bukenya-Ziraba	GTI NFP
Mr. Ecuru Julius	ABS Competent National Authorities
Mr. Aggrey Rwetsiba	Protected Areas NFP

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

Dr. David L.N. Hafashimana

Cartagena Protocol Primary NFP, BCH NFP