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Lake Mburo Conservation Area - General Management Plan (2015 - 2025)
PREAMBLE
Uganda Wildlife Authority prepared this General Management Plan with funds internally generated.
Prepared by: Uganda Wildlife Authority: Conservation Department
Edited by: Uganda Wildlife Authority Planning Unit
Layout and Design: Edgar Buhanga
Justine Namara
Cover photograph: Zebras and Tourists on game drive
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Lake Mburo Conservation Area - General Management Plan (2015 - 2025)
APPROVAL
The Uganda Wildlife Authority Board of Trustees approved this General Management Plan for implementation
at its sitting of 25th February 2015 at UWA headquarters
Dr. Andrew G. Seguya Mr. Benjamin Otto
Executive Director Chairman, Board of Trustees
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Lake Mburo Conservation Area - General Management Plan (2015 - 2025)
FOREWORD
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) recognizes the importance of planning as a management tool and as
such preparation of General Management Plans (GMPs) for Protected Areas is a statutory requirement. In
fulfillment of this requirement, UWA is systematically preparing GMPs for all her Protected Areas (PA’s) to
realize their potential in biodiversity conservation, tourism development and contribute towards poverty
reduction. It has been ten years since we signed off the last management plan that ran from 2003 to 2013.
The last ten years have been years of great achievements for Lake Mburo National Park, registering an
increase in numbers for most wildlife species. The Zebra and Impala more than doubled while other species
showed a positive growth trend. Over the ten years of implementing the GMP, the park also registered an
increase in visitation levels and tourism revenues rose from less than 200 million in 2003 to 1.5 billion in
2013. The revenue sharing funds that were disbursed to the surrounding communities more than doubled,
registering improved relations with our neighbors. However these positive trends have not been without
challenges. The changes in the vegetation of the park becoming thick bush and woodland have led grazers
to prefer more open areas in the surrounding ranches often causing conflicts with the ranch owners. Lack
of water within the surrounding pastoral area has been a challenge that has put pressure on the park
as a source of water and pasture especially during the dry conditions. This General Management Plan is
therefore aimed at providing Lake Mburo National Park with guidance towards sustainable management
of the natural ecosystems for their proper functioning in order to provide the services. The plan will also
ensure proper development of both administrative and tourism infrastructure and facilities in order to
realize the full potential of Lake Mburo National Park in contributing to the development given the fact that
tourism is the engine of economic growth of this country.
The mission of Uganda Wildlife Authority is to “conserve, economically develop and sustainably manage the
wildlife and Protected Areas of Uganda in partnership with neighboring communities and other stakeholders
for the benefit of the people of Uganda and the global community”. Accordingly, GMPs for wildlife protected
areas are prepared with full stakeholder participation. The preparation of this plan was through a
multidisciplinary and consultative approach involving various stakeholders at community, district, national
and regional levels to ensure that all relevant issues were adequately addressed. The Planning Team that
prepared this GMP was composed of UWA staff as well as other stakeholders from the local governments of
the 3 districts which neighbor Lake Mburo National Park i.e. Kiruhura, Mbarara and Isingiro. Consultations
were held with resource user groups, local community leaders, district leaders, the tourism stakeholders,
researchers and private sector representatives.
The UWA Board of Trustees after careful review has also endorsed the implementation of this plan by their
approval at their sitting on 25th February 2015 at UWA headquarters. This plan that is therefore a product
of wide consultations will enjoy the support of all stakeholders, to enhance the achievement of conservation
and management objectives of Lake Mburo National Park for the benefit and enjoyment of the present and
future generations.
It is therefore with great pleasure that I now entrust the Conservation Area Manager of Lake Mburo
Conservation Area, with the authority to implement this General Management Plan for the next 10 years
(2015-2025).
Dr. Andrew G. Seguya
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Lake Mburo Conservation Area - General Management Plan (2015 - 2025)
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Uganda Wildlife Authority would like to thank all people who participated in preparation of this management
plan.
Special thanks go to the following people who were members of the Planning Team and worked
tirelessly to prepare this GMP:
Buhanga Edgar, Namara Justine, Namuli Susan, Tusubira Justus, Nakayenze Christine Lynn, Bwire Isaiah,
Mbagaya Robert, Murinda Michael, Kaijutsya Robert, Namara Deborah, Mwesigye Joseph, Musingwire
Jeconious, Malingi Sam and Charles Atuhe.
Mr. John Makombo and Mr. Charles Tumwesigye provided oversight of the whole planning process and their
effort is greatly appreciated.
UWA appreciates the contributions of all her staff, partners, stakeholders, local communities and members
of the Board of Trustees who were involved in one way or the other in preparation of this plan.
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ACRONYMS
ACCA Ankole Cow Conservation Association
ACAO Assistant Chief Administrative Officer
AOP Annual Operations Plan
AWF African Wildlife Foundation
BDM Business Development Manager
BoT Board of Trustees
CA Conservation Area
CAM Conservation Area Manager
CAO Chief Administrative Officer
CBO Community Based Organization
CC Contracts Committee
CCC Community Conservation Coordinator
CCO Community Conservation Officer
CDO Community Development Officer
CE Chief Engineer
CEC Conservation Education Centre
CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
CM Concessions Manager
CPI Community Protected Area Institution
CSR Cooperate Social Responsibility
CVC Cultural Value Conservation Project
CWA Community Wildlife Associations
DAO District Agricultural Officer
DC Director Conservation
DCAO Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
DCO District Commercial Officer
DCDO District Community Development Officer
DDC Deputy Director Conservation
DEO District Environment Officer
DISO District Internal Security Organization
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Lake Mburo Conservation Area - General Management Plan (2015 - 2025)
DPC District Production Coordinator
DRC Democratic Republic of Congo
DTBS Director Tourism Business services
DWRM Directorate of Water Resources Management
DVO District Veterinary Officer
ED Executive Director
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
ENR Environment and Natural Resources
FFI Flora and Fauna International
FMA
FNR Foreign Non Resident
FR Foreign Resident
GISO Gombolola Internal Security Organization
GMP General Management Plan
HRM Human Resource Manager
IBA Important Bird Area
IUCN World Conservation Union
IO Intelligence Officer
LC Local Council
LG Local Government
LLG Lower Local Governments
LM Legal Manager
LMCA Lake Mburo Conservation Area
LMNP Lake Mburo National Park
MAAIF Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries
MoU Memorandum of Understanding
MRC Monitoring and Research Coordinator
M&R Monitoring and Research
MES Manager Engineering Services
MME Manager, Monitoring and Evaluation
MICE Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Events
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Lake Mburo Conservation Area - General Management Plan (2015 - 2025)
MM Marketing Manager
MRO Monitoring and Research Officer
NAADS National Agriculture Advisory Services
NRO Natural Resources Officer
NEMA National Environment Management Authority
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
NFA National Forestry Authority
NFP National Forest Plan
PA Protected Area
PACU Problem Animal Control Unit
PC Partnership Coordinator
PAMSU Protected Area Management and Sustainable Use
PLC Principal Leal Council
PMAC Park Management Advisory Committee
RS Revenue Sharing
SMRC Senior Monitoring and Research Coordinator
SPEIAC Senior Planning and Environment Impact Assessment Coordinator
SPEIAO Senior Planning and Environment Impact Assessment Officer
TAMP Trans-boundary Agro-System Management Project
PRM Public Relations Manager
RMNP Rwenzori Mountains National Park
SWIC Senior Warden in Charge
TM Top Management
UCOTA Uganda Community Tourism Association
UPDF Uganda Peoples Defense Forces
UWA Uganda Wildlife Authority
VC Veterinary Coordinator
WCC Warden Community Conservation
WCS Wildlife Conservation Society
W eng. Warden Engineering
WIC Warden in Charge
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Lake Mburo Conservation Area - General Management Plan (2015 - 2025)
WLE Warden Law Enforcement
WMR Warden Monitoring and Research
WPMAC Wildlife Protected Area Management Committee
WT Warden Tourism
WWF World Wide Fund for Nature
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Lake Mburo Conservation Area - General Management Plan (2015 - 2025)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Background
Lake Mburo National Park (LMNP) covers an area of 370sq.km and lies in south western part of Uganda.
It lies in 3 districts of Mbarara, Kiruhura and Isingiro with the largest part lying in Kiruhura district. The
protected area lies along the Kampala Mbarara road and it is the only park that is close to Kampala. It
has a high population of wildlife with significant populations of wild animals residing on the public lands
surrounding the park. Because of this, a wider Lake Mburo Conservation Area (LMCA) is recognized to
describe the area of LMNP management activities. With the LMNP at its core, it radiates outwards to include
adjoining parishes, recognizing the need to work with local people to achieve conservation goals.
GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLANNING
LMNP has had a GMP for the period of 10 years (2003-2013). A mid-term review was carried out in 2009
where some changes were made that were approved by the BoT. This planning took recognition of the
review that was done but also incorporated the new ideas that came up as the stages below were carried
out. The planning process followed the already established guidelines for wildlife protected areas planning.
The following steps were undertaken during this planning process.
Publicizing the planning process
An advert was placed in the print media to inform the stakeholders that the process of developing the
management plan for LMCA had started and to solicit their views and inputs into the plan. Written comments
and ideas were received and considered during planning.
Team composition
A Planning Team was constituted in accordance with the provisions of UWA GMP manual. The team
comprising of 15 people; 3 representatives from the local governments of the three districts within
which LMCA falls, the representative of tourism stakeholders, chairman of the Nshara community wildlife
association, a representative from AWF, the Conservation Area Manager (LMCA), 5 staff from LMCA and 3
Headquarter staff was appointed by the Executive Director to undertake the planning process. This multi-
disciplinary team was involved in the solicitation of views and identification of proposals for management
of the protected area. The team went through an orientation, agreed on roles and responsibilities and drew
up a programme for the planning process.
Field reconnaissance
As part of the field information collection, a field reconnaissance exercise was carried out where planning
team members were exposed to all issues in the field. Reconnaissance helped members to get first hand
information, which was used to generate management objectives and actions. This information was further
used for zoning.
Consultations
Consultations were held with various stakeholders/community groups including resource user groups,
community leaders, and District leaders in the six districts regarding their views on the protected area
management. Throughout this process communities were provided with opportunities to voice concerns
about planning and management of the protected area. These views were considered during the proposal
generation workshop.
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Lake Mburo Conservation Area - General Management Plan (2015 - 2025)
Proposal generation workshop
A proposal generation workshop was held for the planning team to harmonize views received from various
stakeholders and agree on proposals for the general management plan. During proposal generation a
statement of purpose for the protected area was developed. A description of exceptional resource and
values, a list of management objectives describing the desired future for the protected area plus the actions
to achieve these objectives were also developed. An estimate of the budget has been attached on the actions
to give a feel of how much the plan will cost.
MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS/CONCEPTS
Management Purpose
The purpose of managing Lake Mburo Conservation Area for the next 10 years is:
To conserve LMNP as a Ramsar site, IBA and as a water source with its diverse ecosystems that sup-
port high biodiversity including endemic impala and African fin foot, and the associated rich cultural
heritage for sustainable development
Conservation Values
1. The Lake Mburo- Nakivale ecosystem is a Ramsar site which is an Important Bird Area,
particularly important as a breeding area for the regionally endemic shoebill (vulnerable)
and hosts the African fin foot which is endemic to Lake Mburo. The park is a habitat to the
papyrus yellow warbler (Chloropeta gracilirostris) (near threatened). The park also hosts
a number of migratory birds both palaearctic and continental birds, examples of which in-
clude the Abdmin stock and the pink-backed pelicans.
2. Lake Mburo National Park is the only park with significant populations of the Impala, eland,
topi and zebras in Uganda. Although efforts have been made to translocate some impalas to
Katonga, it will take a longtime to build the viable populations. The Ishasha Sector in QENP
is the only other area where topi can be found though in small numbers. Elands and zebras
are also found in Kidepo but the populations are equally small. Lake Mburo will therefore
remain the only important strong hold as far as populations of impalas, eland, zebra and
topi are concerned.
3. Lake Mburo is a critical water body within the River Rwizi catchment area that drains into
Lake Victoria, providing direct and indirect values such as modification of climate to the
surrounding environment and communities. It is the only source of permanent water in the
area providing water for both wildlife and livestock.
4. The traditional and cultural relationship between the protected fauna and flora with the
culture of Banyankore in the surrounding communities e.g clans and wildlife has positively
contributed towards conservation of the park. A number of animal species including mon-
keys, zebra, bushbuck, have linkages to the culture as most of them are totems. It is tradi-
tionally abominable for someone to hunt, kill, or endanger in any way the animal that is his
or her totem. Generally, the Bahima who mostly neighbor the park traditionally do not eat
wild meat. This explains why large populations of wildlife have survived on private land and
ranches.
5. Lake Mburo is associated with a rich cultural heritage that is built on keeping of the unique
long horned Ankole cow. The long horned Ankole cow is a trademark for the pastoral com-
munities around the park. Although some community groups are now improving their
breeds, the Pastoralists still have a strong attachment to the long horned cow. There are
cultural sites within LMNP which include Kigarama, Rubanga, Ruroko and Ihendamata.
Rubanga site was originally used by groups of people to perform sacrifices to their gods for
different reasons such as famine, drought and child bearing. Ruroko is an area where the
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Bacwezi used to dwell and Kigarama where the pages (servants) of the king used to stay.
Although these sites are no longer active, the communities still attach a lot of historical im-
portance on them.
6. The park has a variety of ecosystems including lakes, wetlands, open grasslands, forests,
woodlands that support a high biodiversity. Lake Mburo with its surrounding wetland sys-
tem provides a very important habitat for a number of wildlife. Most animals use this area
for watering especially during the dry season when water dries in other parts of the park. In
addition, the ecosystems contain important medicinal and rare trees such as Craibea fagara
which cures over 100 diseases, and “omuboro” tree believed to have aphrodisiac properties
but a rare and threatened tree species.
7. LMNP is the only national park in Ankole region that has become the basis for tourism
developments in the area such as hotels, cultural centers and sport hunting. The former
Ankole kingdom is now partitioned into ten districts of Kiruhura, Isingiro, Mbarara, Ibanda,
Ntungamo, Bushenyi, Sheema, Buhweju, Mitooma and Rubirizi. The culture of the Banyan-
kore is closely associated with the wildlife conservation around LMNP as this used to be
hunting grounds for their kings. With the current improvements and growth of the tourism
sector in the country, LMNP will remain the nucleus and centre for tourism in the Ankole
region.
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Table of Contents
PREAMBLE i
APPROVAL ii
FOREWORD iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv
ACRONYMS v
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ix
1.1 Purpose of the plan 1
1.2 The Planning Process 1
1.3 Enabling Policy and Legislation 1
1.3.1 The Constitution of Uganda (1995) 1
1.3.2 The Uganda Wildlife Policy (1999 Draft) 2
1.3.3 The Uganda Wildlife Act Cap 200 of the Laws of Uganda 2000 2
1.3.4 The National Environment Act Cap 153 of the Laws of Uganda 2000 2
1.3.5 The Tourism Policy of Uganda 2003 2
1.3.6 The National Forestry and Tree Planting Act, 2003. 2
1.3.7 The Wetlands Policy 1995 3
1.3.8 The National Environment (Wetlands, River Banks and Lake Shores Management)
Regulations, 2000 3
1.3.8 International Conventions and agreements 3
2.0 DESCRIPTION OF LMNP 4
2.1 Area and Location 4
2.2 Physical and Biological Resources 6
2.2.1 Geology and Landscapes 6
2.2.2 Climate 6
2.2.3 Flora 6
2.2.4 Mammals 7
Table 1: Wildlife trends in Lake Mburo National Park
2.2.5 Birds 7
2.3 Social and Economic Background 8
Ethnography and Demography 8
2.4 History of Establishment and Management of LMNP 8
Cultural History 8
2.5 Land Tenure and Land Use 8
2.6 Local Government 9
3.0 ZONING PLAN 12
3.1 The Tourism Zone 14
3.2 Resource use zone 14
3.3 Wilderness Zone 14
3.4 Recovery zone 14
3.5 Administrative Zone 11
4.1 RESOURCE CONSERVATION PROGRAM 15
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4.1.1 BOUNDARY MANAGEMENT 15
4.1.2 Illegal activities 16
4.1.3 Management of wildlife populations 19
4.1.4 Wildlife habitat management 20
5.0 COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PROGRAM 23
5.1 Problem animals 23
5.2 Wildlife on private land 27
5.3 Community awareness and education 28
5.4 Community Benefits 30
5.5 Revenue sharing 33
6.0 RESEARCH AND MONITORING PROGRAM 35
6.1 Research 35
6.2 Monitoring 37
7.0 PARK OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION 41
7.1 Infrastructure 41
7.4 Capacity and governance 47
PART 3: BUSINESS PLAN
8.0 TOURISM DEVELOPMENT: 55
8.1 Tourism facilities and infrastructure 58
8.2 Tourism products and services 61
8.3 Marketing 62
8.4 Community tourism/cultural groups 66
8.5 Financial Analysis 68
8.5.1 Cost estimates for plan implementation 68
8.5.2 Revenue Projections and scenario analysis 69
REFERENCES 70
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PART 1 - Background
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1.1 PURPOSE OF THE PLAN
In order to successfully conserve LMNP and address the increasing level of human demands and limited
natural resources, it is important that a management plan be developed. The purpose of the plan is to guide
management in making decisions for the sustainability of the Protected Area. With the minimal resources,
the plan will help management to prioritize the activities and locate resources to the most critical areas. In
addition, the plan will contribute to the general management of the area. This plan therefore identifies the
desired future conditions (management objectives) of LMNP during the 10-year period (2013-2023) and
presents strategies to enable the PA managers achieve this objective.
1.2 The Planning Process
It is UWA policy to involve all stakeholders in all its activities but particularly in the preparation of GMPs.
This plan is therefore the result of an interactive process that involved the various stakeholders with
interest in LMNP. An interdisciplinary planning team composed of representatives from UWA and District
local governments around the PA has been responsible for preparing this plan. There are three districts
around the PA namely Mbarara, Isingiro and Kiruhura. A list of the Planning Team members responsible for
the preparation of this GMP is presented in Appendix 1 In addition to having an interactive process, wide
consultations were carried out to seek views of the various stakeholders as part of the planning process.
A list of participants is attached in appendix 2. A list of issues/views that were raised during the various
meetings conducted during the consultations is presented in Appendix 3. The process benefited from
experiences gained by UWA staff over the years in preparing management plans of various protected areas
and the lessons learnt from this process.
1.3 Enabling Policy and Legislation
It is essential for PA managers to understand some of the relevant laws that empower them and the legal
notices by which the PA was established. With this knowledge, they can effectively conduct law enforcement
work, ensure appropriate stakeholder participation in the management of the PA and address any challenges
to its integrity. Some of the laws and policies pertaining to wildlife and biodiversity conservation in Uganda
are summarized below:
1.3.1 The Constitution of Uganda (1995)
The overall government policy on natural resource conservation in Uganda is enshrined in the Constitu-
tion of the Republic of Uganda 1995. The principles are spelt out in the National Objectives and Directive
Principles of State Policy. The purpose of the objectives is to provide a legal foundation upon which future
policies and juridical interpretation of the substantive constitutional provisions must be based. The rel-
evant constitutional provisions in the National Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy include
the following:
(a) Principle of State Policy XXVII mandates the State (both central and local government)
to create and develop parks, reserves and recreational areas, and to ensure the conser-
vation and promote the rational use of natural resources so as to safeguard and protect
the biological diversity of Uganda;
(b) Article 237 of the Constitution provides that the Government or local government, as
determined by Parliament by law, shall hold in trust for the people and protect, natural
lakes, rivers, wetlands, forest reserves, game reserves, national parks and any land, to
be reserved for ecological and touristic purposes for the common good of all citizens;
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1.3.2 The Uganda Wildlife Policy (1999 Draft)
The draft Uganda Wildlife Policy of 1999 is a revision of a 1995 version prepared prior to the enactment
of the 1996 Uganda Wildlife Statute. This policy aims at making wildlife management more acceptable to
Ugandans by ensuring that resources contribute to the well being of present and future generations. The
policy seeks to conserve areas with great biological diversity which are representative of the major habitats
of Uganda and which, together, include all indigenous species.
1.3.3 The Uganda Wildlife Act Cap 200 of the Laws of Uganda 2000
The management of wildlife and protected areas including LMNP is guided by the Uganda Wildlife Act1 of
2000 (Chapter 200 in the Laws of Uganda, 2000). The Act authorizes UWA to assume responsibility for
wildlife management in Uganda, both inside and outside its protected areas. Under the Act, a Board of
Trustees is appointed by the Minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry as the governing body of UWA. The
Act also includes all the Schedules of the repealed Game (Preservation and Control) Act, 1964, (the principal
legislation of the former Game Department), and the National Parks Act, 1952. The Schedules from the
Game (Preservation and Control) Act, 1964 are now included in the Uganda Wildlife Act 2000 as Chapter
198. Section 13 of the Wildlife Act requires that the Executive Director of UWA prepares a management plan
for each of the protected areas.
1.3.4 The National Environment Act Cap 153 of the Laws of Uganda 20002
The National Environment Act establishes the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) as the
principal agency in Uganda for the management of the environment. Section 37(1) of the Act provides for
the identification and sustainable management of wetlands. Wetlands according to Section 37 (2) can be
of “local, national and international importance as ecosystems and habitats of species of fauna and flora…”
Section 42 provides for NEMA to work with the lead agency to prescribe measures to ensure conservation
of biological resources in situ. The section also requires NEMA to work with the lead agency to integrate
traditional knowledge for the conservation of biological diversity with mainstream scientific knowledge.
The Third Schedule of the Act requires that environmental impact studies be carried out when national
parks, game reserves (now wildlife reserves) and buffer zones and several other developments are being
established. Guidelines for this process are given in the National Environmental Impact Assessment
Regulations, 1998.
1.3.5 The Tourism Policy of Uganda 2003
The Tourism Policy recognizes that in the 1960’s Uganda was a main tourism destination in Eastern Africa
and therefore tourism was one of the major economic sectors for the country. Unfortunately the turmoil
of the 1970’s and 1980’s drastically reduced wildlife numbers and destroyed infrastructure resulting into
reduced numbers of tourists. This policy is aimed at ensuring that tourism becomes a vehicle for poverty
eradication in the future to the extent possible within the resource base and market limitations. It further
recognizes UWA’s role and contribution towards the achievement of this objective. This is mainly in the
area of managing and developing the extensive resource base as well as developing and marketing various
products. The policy further emphasizes the need to facilitate the flow of tourists within the region and
promotion of East Africa as a single tourist destination.
1.3.6 The National Forestry and Tree Planting Act, 2003.
The Act provides for among other things, the conservation, sustainable management and development of
1 First enacted as the Uganda Wildlife Statute No. 14 of 1996
2 First enacted as the National Environment Management Statute No. 4 of 1995
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forests, and the promotion of tree planting for the benefit of people of Uganda and the international com-
munity. It classifies forests in Uganda as central forest reserves, local forest reserves, community forests and
forests forming part of a wildlife conservation area declared under the Uganda Wildlife Statute, 1996. The
Act recognizes various stakeholders in the management of forest reserves, which should be guided by the
Management Plan prepared by the responsible body. In addition the Act aims at ensuring that forests and
trees are conserved and managed in a manner that meets the needs of the present generation without com-
prising the rights of future generations by safeguarding forest biological diversity and the environmental
benefits that accrue from forest and trees.
1.3.7 The Wetlands Policy 1995
Wetlands cover about 10% of Uganda’s total land surface and provide a range of biophysical and socio-
economic functions. The National Wetlands Policy for the conservation and management of wetland
resources seeks to promote the conservation of wetlands in order to sustain their values for the present
and future well being of the people. The Policy sets five goals:
• To establish the principles by which wetland resources can be optimally used now and in the future
• To end practices which reduce wetland productivity
• To maintain the biological diversity of natural or semi-natural wetlands
• To maintain wetland functions and values
• To integrate wetland concerns into the planning and decision making of other actors
1.3.8 The National Environment (Wetlands, River Banks and Lake Shores
Management) Regulations, 2000
The Regulations provide for management and protection of Wetlands, River Banks and Lake Shores. Lake
Mburo is among the Lakes specified in the seventh schedule which have a protection zone of 200m. Where
the lake shore is to be developed for purposes of promoting tourism or any other development, the developer
should ensure that
a) pre-treatment or full treatment of effluent or waste from the facility is carried out to prevent contamination
of the water
b) litter is cleared and disposed in a manner in conformity with best environmental practices; and
c) the river banks, lake shores or beaches are not degraded
in addition the regulations provides that for any developer to conduct a project which may have a significant
impact on a wetland, river bank or lake shore, shall be required to carry out an Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA)
1.3.9 International Conventions and agreements
The following conventions are some of the most relevant to the conservation of biodiversity in Uganda:
Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992: In 1993, Uganda became a signatory to the Convention on
Biological Diversity, which in Article 8, obliges member states to:
• Establish a system of protected areas
• Develop guidelines for the selection, establishment and management of protected areas
• Promote the protection of ecosystems, natural habitats and the maintenance of viable populations
of species in natural surroundings
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Uganda
is a party to CITES, which obliges member states to adhere to the recommendations of the Conference of
Parties with respect to trade in endangered species.
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, 1971: The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands emphasises the need to
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conserve wetlands and requires member states to include at least one wetland on the list of Wetlands of
International Importance. LMNP is one of the Ramsar sites found in Uganda which contains some of the
endangered bird species.
Convention on migratory species of wild animals (CMS): Realizing that animal migration is a global
phenomenon in response to biological requirements, several countries have come together under the CMS,
also known as the Bonn Convention, to cooperate in the conservation of animals that migrate across national
boundaries and between areas of national jurisdiction and the sea. The Convention aims to improve the status
of all threatened migratory species through national action and international Agreements between range
states of particular groups of species. Agreements can range from legally binding multilateral treaties to less
formal memoranda of understanding. The object of such agreements is to restore the migratory species to a
favorable conservation status or to maintain it at that status. The Convention has two appendices: Appendix
I lists endangered migratory species, Appendix II lists migratory species to be subject to agreements. It also
establishes a scientific council to provide advice on scientific matters.
2.0 DESCRIPTION OF LMNP
2.1 Area and Location
Lake Mburo National Park (LMNP) covers an area of 370sq.km and lies in south western part of Uganda.
It lies in 3 districts of Mbarara, Kiruhura and Isingiro with the largest part lying in Kiruhura district. The
protected area lies along the Kampala Mbarara road and it is the only park that is close to Kampala. It
has a high population of wildlife with significant populations of wild animals residing on the public lands
surrounding the park. Because of this, a wider Lake Mburo Conservation Area (LMCA) is recognised to
describe the area of LMNP management activities. With the LMNP at its core, it radiates outwards to include
adjoining parishes, recognizing the need to work with local people to achieve conservation goals.
Page ( 4 ) - LMCA- GMP (2015-2025)Fig 1: Map of LMNP showing the location of the park Lake Mburo Conservation Area - General Management Plan (2015 - 2025)
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Access
LMNP can be accessed through two routes from Kampala. It lies between the towns of Mbarara and
Lyantonde, just to the south of the Mbarara - Kampala highway. It can also be accessed through Kampala
Fortportal- Kasese -Mbarara route. There are three gates through which you can enter the park namely
Sanga, Nshara and Kanyinanshara
2.2 Physical and Biological Resources
2.2.1 Geology and Landscapes
The LMNP area is underlain by two major Precambrian rock systems: an older Basement Complex and a
younger Karagwe-Ankolean system. These have been overlain, since the Pleistocene, by sediments; mainly
swamp deposits and alluvium (Kamugisha et al., 1997). The Basement Complex comprises acidic and
highly metamorphosed igneous rocks, principally granites and gneisses. The Karagwe-Ankolean System
is composed of slightly metamorphosed sediments, dominated by dark grey and black slates, shales,
sandstones, conglomerates, phyllites and mica schists intercalated with bands of reddish-brown quartzites
(Breyer, 1993, as in Muhweezi, 1994).
Average altitudes are about 1,210m above sea level, with local relief of 30-400m. The ancient rocks that
underlie the area break the surface at some points, especially in the east of the park, as kopjes. The western
sector is characterised by interlocking hill spurs and long ridges; these drain into a system of wide, inter-
connected valleys running through the centre of the Park. Permanent or seasonal swamps and lakes occupy
some of these valleys. The south-west shore of Lake Mburo and the adjacent River Rwizi are bordered by a
strip of riverine forest (Kamugisha et al., 1997).
2.2.2 Climate
The LMNP area exhibits a semi-arid savannah climate in which the minimum annual rainfall ranges from
400 mm in the south-east to 700mm in the west. The park and its environs are drier than the surrounding
region, lying in a rain shadow caused by the Kabula hills. Rainfall is bimodal, occurring mainly from March
to May and between September and November. The park experiences a long dry season between May and
August and a shorter one from December to February. The mean maximum temperature is approximately
27.5oC and the mean minimum is 15o C. Relative humidity is rather high, averaging between 61-84% (noon
and midnight respectively) (Kamugisha, 1997).
2.2.3 Flora
LMNP contains a variety of vegetation types, including open grasslands (mainly in the flat, wide valleys),
woodlands, thickets, swamps, and gully and riverine forests. Acacia hockii is the dominant tree. This has
seriously invaded many previously open spaces, initially on hillsides and low hilltops but also increasingly
on valley floors. Present day vegetation in LMNP has resulted from a combination of factors, including
climate, soil, fire, grazing and human activities.
Open grasslands are found mainly in the eastern and central parts of the park, with Sporobolus pyramidalis,
Sporobolus africana, Sporobolus stapfinus and Kyllinga sp. being the dominant grass species. Acacia gerrardii
and Acacia sieberiana trees also occur here. On hilltops the dominant grasses include Sporobolus pyramidalis,
Loudetia kagerensis, Themeda triandra and Hyperrhenia spp., while the dominant trees are Acacia gerrardii
and Securidacae oblopendiculata. Some valleys also support woodlands: these largely consist of Acacia
gerrardii.
The west of LMNP also contains gully forests located between interlocking hill spurs. These are dominated by
Combretum molle, Albizia maranquensis and Euphorbia cussonoides. Narrow belts of riverine forests, about
50m wide, line the western fringes of Lake Mburo and the River Rwizi: the dominant trees are Markhamia
platycalyx, Teclea nobilis, Ficus spp., Acacia xanthropholea and Phoenix reclinata. Sporobolus spp., Encnocloa
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pyramidalis and Cyperus spp dominate seasonal swamps, while Cyperus papyrus and Typha spp. dominate
permanent swamps.
2.2.4 Mammals
LMNP is by far the smallest of Uganda’s grassland parks, but it still contains a significant variety of large
mammal populations. Sixty-nine species of mammals have been recorded. These include Uganda’s only
population of impala and one of only two populations of zebra (the others being in Kidepo Valley National
Park). LMNP’s eland population is also notable: eland occurring elsewhere in Uganda only in small numbers
in Kidepo and in Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve. The park is also home to the waterbuck, hippopotamus, topi,
buffalo, eland, bushbuck, warthog, bush duiker and the bush pig.
There has been a general increase in most wildlife populations as illustrated in the table 1 below. Some
species previously recorded in the area are now locally extinct. The giant forest hog is believed to have
been eliminated in the 1950-60s during the tsetse eradication programme. The rhinoceros, wild dog and
roan antelope are also locally extinct. While the lions were poisoned by cattle keepers during the 1980s,
recent reports have indicated presence of at least 1 lion roaming in the areas of Miriti, Kashara, Warukiri
and Rwonyo.
DEC- MAY- OCT- MAY- FEB- JUL- JUN- FEB- MAY- AUG -
SPECIES 1992
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2002 2004 2006 2010 2012
Buffalo N/a 25 105 486 132 946 1,115 591 574
Eland N/a 273 88 285 1,442 199 28 606 296 1,323 1,378
Hippo N/a 51 76 303 97 213 357 250 296
Impala 18,691 6,599 7,442 6,817 4,124 1,595 2,956 3,300 4,705 33,565 29,285
Topi N/a 57 111 362 81 183 271 162 148 173
Warthog N/a 571 480 964 559 550 493 560 741
Waterbuck N/a 241 287 485 427 598 396 548 1,072 3,495 3,644
Zebra 3,446 2,430 1,574 3,254 3,748 2,249 2,665 4,280 5,968 11,778 11,974
Table 1: Wildlife trends in Lake Mburo National Park
A group of Animals in LMNP
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2.2.5 Birds
LMNP is rich in bird life and is an Important Bird Area containing globally threatened species, range-
restricted species and biome-restricted species (Byaruhanga et al., 2001). The park has 312 bird species
recorded including 19 afro-tropical migrants and 30 palearctic migrants (Kasoma and Pomeroy, 1993,
cited in Muhweezi, 1994). There are 5 forest specialist species, 79 forest non-specialist species, 60 wetland
specialist species and 33 wetland non-specialist species. 30 species have been identified as being of special
conservation importance including the papyrus yellow warbler and the shoebill stork (Muhweezi, 1994).
The African fin foot is locally endemic to Lake Mburo National Park and is a big attraction for Birders.
2.2.6 Fish
Nine species of fish have been identified, including Oreochromis, Haplochromis, Protopterus sp., and Clarius
sp. Most of these are important to the local fishing industry.
2.3 Social and Economic Background
Ethnography and Demography
The Banyankole are the dominant ethnic group around LMNP, comprising about three-quarters of the
population. Within the Banyankole are two distinct groups of people: the Bairu (about 43%), who are
traditionally cultivators, and the Bahima (about 29%), who are traditionally pastoralists. Other ethnic
groups include the immigrant Bakiga and Banyarwanda. The level of immigration into the area is presently
decreasing. The population has become stable and sedentary. Some pastoralists have moved away from the
Ankole cow to improved breeds for dairy farming. A new dairy factory is being established within Nshara
Government Ranch on the Masaka-Mbarara highway.
2.4 History of Establishment and Management of LMNP
Cultural History
During the nineteenth century, the Nshaara rangeland (i.e. the region of present day LMNP) was a traditional
grazing and hunting area for the kings of Ankole. The area formed part of a cattle corridor stretching from
Tanzania to Karamoja and was occupied mostly by the nomadic, cattle keeping Bahima. Bahima life was,
and still is, inextricably linked to cattle. Cattle remains the main source of livelihood and the Bahima still
consider that one’s standing in the community increases with the number of cattle owned. This has led
to overgrazing as desire for local prestige causes cattle numbers to exceed the carrying capacity of the
rangelands (Kamugisha et al., 1997). Cattle sales are the main source of income for pastoralist households,
while milk sales have increased in importance following the liberalization of the dairy industry during the
1990s (Namara et al., 1998). Numbers of other livestock, like goats and sheep, have traditionally been low.
This is changing however, as the livestock industry becomes increasingly commercialized.
It was partly the traditional practices of the Bahima pastoralists which led to the high densities of wildlife
in this area. Firstly, the Bahima shun game meat, their favored diet being milk, blood and ghee. This reduced
hunting pressure on wildlife in the area. Secondly, overgrazing by Bahima cattle led to acacia encroachment
that attracted browsing wildlife. Wild grazers also benefited from periodic bush burning by pastoralists,
which encouraged fresh re-growth of pastures. Having been attracted to an environment modeled by human
activity, wildlife populations found themselves better able to survive in it than cattle as, unlike domestic
livestock, they are resistant to sleeping sickness (trypanosomiasis).
2.5 Land Tenure and Land Use
Security of tenure around LMNP improved in the late 1990s, when many landless pastoralists who had
settled in the park and on the adjacent government ranch were resettled on the former Ankole Ranching
Scheme by the Ranches Restructuring Board. Increasing security of land tenure is causing the decline of
traditional, nomadic pastoralism and an increase in mixed farming. This has diversified sources of income
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and strengthened the livelihood base.
These changes present challenges to LMNP. Land tenure and increasing arable land-use both reduce the
area available for cattle grazing. Unable to support their herds on their allocated plots – and no longer able
to move them freely across open rangeland - pastoralists are eager to graze their cattle in the park. This is,
however, prohibited, yet wildlife outside the park competes with cattle for grazing on private land and also
damage crops. All of these factors generate negative attitudes towards the park (Marquardt et al., 1994;
Namara et al., 1998).
UWA needs to influence district-planning processes to support land use around the park that retains open
rangeland, for example wildlife ranching/farming. Map 3 shows land cover and land use around Lake Mburo
National Park.
2.6 Local Government
All communities in Uganda are organized in the five-tier local government system that starts at the village
level (Local Council (LC) 1) and rises to district level (LC 5). Councils at each level consist of elected
representatives from local communities. Many functions of government e.g. income tax collection, service
provision and aspects of environmental management have been decentralised to the district (LC5) and sub-
county (LC3) according to the Local Government Act (1997). Revenue collected by sub-counties is shared
between the different local government levels for development and service provision.
LMNP is situated for most part within Kiruhura District but its boundaries also include a small area (within
Biharwe subcounty) in Mbarara District. To the south, the park boundary also defines the district boundary
of Isingiro and Kiruhura Districts. The park is bounded by 15 parishes as summarized in the table 2 below:
The Community Protected Area Institutions (CPI) that used to be a link between the communities and the
park was phased out on the argument that they were not legal entities. Community Wildlife Associations
were formed although their mandate has a narrow focus on the use of revenues accruing from wildlife
programs like sport hunting revenues and park entry revenue sharing funds. Therefore the linkage between
the park and communities was weakened with the phasing out of the CPIs.
Table 2: Administrative Units that boarder Lake Mburo National Park
BOUNDARY
DISTRICT SUBCOUNTY PARISH POPULATION
DISTANCE (KM)
Isingiro Kabingo Kyarugaju 4,307 3.00
Masha Rukuuba 2,890 0.80
Rwetango 5,401 18.5
Rushasha Ihunga 2,876 6.00
Mirambiro 3,887 7.00
Kiruhura Kanyaryeru Akaku 766 6.00
Akayanja 1,228 4.20
Rwamuranda 892 7.60
Nyakasharara Nyakahita 4,700 4.00
Rurambira 1,800 18.00
Sanga Nombe II 3,500 9.00
Rwabarata 3,800 12.7
Sanga Town Council 1,985 4.00
Mbarara Biharwe Rwenjeru 3,995 3.87
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PART 2 - The Conservation Plan
A Bushbuck
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3.0 CONSERVATION VALUES AND PURPOSE OF LMNP
There are several conservation values which are the reason why LMNP should be conserved. These are
described in this section and have been considered when determining the overall purpose and management
objectives of the PA.
Conservation Values
1. The Lake Mburo- Nakivale ecosystem is a Ramsar site which is an Important Bird Area,
particularly important as a breeding area for the regionally endemic shoebill (vulnerable)
and hosts the African fin foot which is endemic to Lake Mburo. The park is a habitat to the
papyrus yellow warbler (Chloropeta gracilirostris) (near threatened). The park also hosts
a number of migratory birds both palaearctic and continental birds, examples of which in-
clude the Abdmin stock and the pink-backed pelicans.
2. Lake Mburo National Park is the only park with significant populations of the Impala, eland,
topi and zebras in Uganda. Although efforts have been made to translocate some impalas to
Katonga, it will take a longtime to build the viable populations. The Ishasha Sector in QENP
is the only other area where topi can be found though in small numbers. Elands and zebras
are also found in Kidepo but the populations are equally small. Lake Mburo will therefore
remain the only important strong hold as far as populations of impalas, eland, zebra and
topi are concerned.
3. Lake Mburo is a critical water body within the River Rwizi catchment area that drains into
Lake Victoria, providing direct and indirect values such as modification of climate to the
surrounding environment and communities. It is the only source of permanent water in the
area providing water for both wildlife and livestock.
4. The traditional and cultural relationship between the protected fauna and flora with the
culture of Banyankore in the surrounding communities e.g clans and wildlife has positively
contributed towards conservation of the park. A number of animal species including mon-
keys, zebra, bushbuck, have linkages to the culture as most of them are totems. It is tradi-
tionally abominable for someone to hunt, kill, or endanger in any way the animal that is his
or her totem. Generally, the Bahima who mostly neighbor the park traditionally do not eat
wild meat. This explains why large populations of wildlife have survived on private land and
ranches.
5. Lake Mburo is associated with a rich cultural heritage that is built on keeping of the unique
long horned Ankole cow. The long horned Ankole cow is a trademark for the pastoral com-
munities around the park. Although some community groups are now improving their
breeds, the Pastoralists still have a strong attachment to the long horned cow. There are
cultural sites within LMNP which include Kigarama, Rubanga, Ruroko and Ihendamata.
Rubanga site was originally used by groups of people to perform sacrifices to their gods for
different reasons such as famine, drought and child bearing. Ruroko is an area where the
Bacwezi used to dwell and Kigarama where the pages (servants) of the king used to stay.
Although these sites are no longer active, the communities still attach a lot of historical im-
portance on them.
6. The park has a variety of ecosystems including lakes, wetlands, open grasslands, forests,
woodlands that support a high biodiversity. Lake Mburo with its surrounding wetland sys-
tem provides a very important habitat for a number of wildlife. Most animals use this area
for watering especially during the dry season when water dries in other parts of the park. In
addition, the ecosystems contain important medicinal and rare trees such as Craibea fagara
which cures over 100 diseases, and “omuboro” tree believed to have aphrodisiac properties
but a rare and threatened tree species.
7. LMNP is the only national park in Ankole region that has become the basis for tourism
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developments in the area such as hotels, cultural centers and sport hunting. The former
Ankole kingdom is now partitioned into ten districts of Kiruhura, Isingiro, Mbarara, Ibanda,
Ntungamo, Bushenyi, Sheema, Buhweju, Mitooma and Rubirizi. The culture of the Banyan-
kore is closely associated with the wildlife conservation around LMNP as this used to be
hunting grounds for their kings. With the current improvements and growth of the tourism
sector in the country, LMNP will remain the nucleus and centre for tourism in the Ankole
region.
Management Purpose
The purpose of managing Lake Mburo Conservation Area for the next 10 years is:
To conserve LMNP as a Ramsar site, IBA and as a water source with its diverse ecosystems that sup-
port high biodiversity including endemic impala and African fin foot, and the associated rich cultural
heritage for sustainable development
3.0 ZONING PLAN
Zoning is a planning tool used to map out protected areas into distinct spatial areas according to their
resource values and sensitivity. The zoning seeks to balance conservation, research, tourism, management
and sustainable use of resources by neighboring communities.
Zones and Zone descriptions
Five zones have been identified to represent different areas within the Lake Mburo National Park. These are
Wilderness, Tourism, Administrative, Resource Use zone and Recovery zone
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Fig 2: Zone map for Lake Mburo National Park
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3.1 The Tourism Zone
This zone represents areas of spectacular scenery and wild game for visitor enjoyment in Lake Mburo
National Park. The Zone will constitute the central park area where the main game drive tracks are
concentrated and where visitors experience the parks’ appeal through scenic viewing, day and night game
drives, nature walks and bird watching among others. The Rwonyo Tourism hub will be part of this zone.
The zone will extend further south to include water based tourism activities on Lakes Mburo and Kigambira,
where visitors will be treated to boat rides on Lake Mburo and sport fishing on Lake Kigambira. The zone
will extend to Rubanga riverine forest, connecting visitors on water tourism experience on Lake Mburo to
a natural rain forest atmosphere and at the same time enabling birders to watch a variety of forest bird life.
Kigarama hill where a number of tourism activities have been proposed will be part of this zone. All tourism
gates will also be part of this zone.
3.2 Resource use Zone
In this zone, regulated resource harvesting by communities will be permitted through negotiated
Memoranda of understanding (MoUs). This zone consists of Kizimbi water corridor where communities
from Kyakategyere, Byembogo and Kiribwa cross their cattle to go for watering within the wetland. This
zone will also include the water access corridors which include, Kayanga, Kyaruhinda and Bisheshe. The
corridors will be closed within three years when it is anticipated that water sources for livestock will have
been constructed outside the park.
This zone will also include Rukirane wetland where communities go for mudfish, the western part of Lake
Mburo for fishing by communities at the Rubare Fishing Village and the wetlands adjacent to Lake Mburo
for seasonal fishing of cat fish (Clarius) in Kashara and Nyabushenyi. The zone for harvesting of firewood,
beekeeping, and medicinal plants has not been marked on the map. This will be within the 1km distance
from the park boundary within the park under signed MoUs and these will be made as need arises. MoUs for
firewood are already being implemented in Rubaare community, Rwamuhuku and Kiribwa.
3.3 Wilderness Zone
The Wilderness Zone will be a representative of the natural area of Lake Mburo National Park comprising
dense bush land and thicket. This zone will be subjected to minimal disturbance where infrastructure will
be limited to access tracks for patrols where such will be deemed necessary. No resource extraction will be
allowed in this zone. Routine patrols on foot shall be permitted.
3.4 Recovery Zone
This zone defines areas that have been severely impacted by human activities and require active manage-
ment interventions to have it recover. The zone will comprise of areas where overgrazing has taken place
in the western part of the park specifically in areas of Kyaruhinda, Bisheshe and part of Katengyeto. These
areas have been affected by soil erosion especially as you descend to River Rwizi. The other section of the
park that has been degraded as a result of overgrazing lies close to the Kizimbi wetland. All these areas
are ones that host the water access corridors. These areas will be left intact so that they recover from the
overgrazing.
3.5 Administrative Zone
This zone defines the administrative infrastructure and contains the developed areas of the PA where re-
sources are allocated primarily for PA operations. Although the environment in this zone is kept as natural
as possible, certain concentrations of management facilities are accepted, as prescribed by the Management
Plan. The zone includes the Minekye valley (Rwanengo) that houses the new park headquarters and the
outposts across the entire park. The outposts include Bwara, Rubanga, Katengyeto, Kizimbi, Sanga, Kany-
inanshara and Nshara. Other administrative infrastructure within this zone includes the Kigarama observa-
tion post (“Hotel Tango”). New outposts will include Mujwiguru, Bisheshe and Kyakategyere.
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4.0 MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS
4.1 RESOURCE CONSERVATION PROGRAM
Resource conservation is the key program in terms of management of LMCA. This ensures the maintenance of
healthy ecosystems through resolving conflicts that threaten the habitat and wildlife resources, enforcement of
policies and wildlife laws, managing specific wildlife species to maintain viable populations and managing the
wildlife habitat. This section describes the current challenges to resource conservation, outlines the objectives
to be achieved over the plan period and actions to achieve these objectives.
The key challenges facing resource conservation include poaching, grazing, illegal fishing, boundary
encroachment, wildfires, threatened and extinct wildlife species, limited water resource distribution for
wildlife and changing wildlife habitat due to invasive species such as Acacia hockii among others.
Program Objective: To maintain healthy ecosystems
4.1.1 BOUNDARY MANAGEMENT
Output 1: The existing boundary conflicts resolved and the boundary managed
Issues and Rationale
The park boundary is generally marked with concrete pillars planted at intervals of 200 metres from each other
on the northern side of the park. However, the inter-pillar distance of 200 metres has been abused by some
community members especially around Rwehongyera area, in the western side of the PA. In some sections of
the boundary, fences have been constructed to curve inside the park in between the pillars resulting in conflict.
The southern boundary of the PA currently faces no conflict as it adjoins with the River Rwizi and Rukirane
wetlands systems which are not yet threatened.
The other conflict on the boundary is around Rwakobo area. Along this park boundary section, there are
seven households occupying about 64 ha within the PA. This land was allocated to them under Kanyaryeru
Resettlement scheme before the PA boundaries were opened in 2006. At that time, it was believed to have been
part of Nshara government ranch. When the park boundary was opened and marked in 2006, it was realized
that 64 ha of PA land had been allocated to communities in error. These families have established livestock
farms and crop fields. There is need to resolve this boundary conflict. It was established that there is land claim
by the family of Mashango. However this matter is still in court.
Management Actions
Future boundary conflicts will be avoided by reducing the inter-pillar distance to 100 meters and sensitizing
the communities on the need of boundary management. The existing park map showing the boundary will
be updated with coordinates of all pillars around the park. Pillars which have fallen or been removed by
communities will be replanted. In order to avoid future conflicts live markers of appropriate tree species will
be planted along the park boundary in collaboration with the community. This action will begin with areas
prone to boundary conflict. A perimeter track will be opened along the boundary with government ranch. The
boundary conflict around Rwakobo area will be resolved through meetings with stakeholders with intention of
either relocating them or compensation.
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