Uganda is located in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. With a total area of 241,550.7 km2, open
water covers 36,527.4 km2 (15.3%), wetlands 4,500 km2 (1.9%) and land 200,523.2 km2 (83%).
Uganda’s water resources have large storage capacity in lakes and rivers some of which include
Lakes Victoria, Kyoga, Albert, George and, Edward and rivers include The Nile, Semliki, Kafu,
among others. For centuries, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) along the lake
shores, riverbanks and wetlands have been engaged in conservation activities to conserve these
resources. However, recent developments have led to environmental degradation along the
shores. The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has since its inception in
1995 been promoting sound environmental management for sustainable development through
collection, processing, storing and disseminating environment information to the public, with
particular attention on the protection, conservation and management of lake shores and
riverbanks, especially in the Lake Victoria region. NEMA Librarians and other staff have been
engaged in baseline surveys, reconnaissance visits, community meetings, and transect walks
among other activities to collect information and develop educational materials. Collaborative
efforts to improve community livelihoods are emphasized. Monitoring progress is done through
media platforms, assessment meetings and observation visits to ensure improved service
delivery and identifying gaps in information dissemination.
