The implementation of environmental impact assessment mitigation measures on projects in wetlands: a case study of Rwenzori Bottling Company in Mukono

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment mitigation measures on projects in wetlands using Rwenzori Bottling Company as a case study. To achieve this, the research adopted a cross sectional research design with a specific focus on both Quantitative and qualitative research methods. The study specifically evaluated the existing legal framework on the implementation of the EIA mitigation measures, evaluated the EIA mitigation measures proposed by Rwenzori Bottling Company to lessen its adverse effects on Namanve Wetland, assessed the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures as envisaged in the legal framework, evaluated the challenges faced in the implementation of EIA mitigation measures and looked at the strategies that have been adopted by NEMA to enforce compliance of the EIA mitigation measures proposed by Rwenzori Bottling Company.

The study found out that Uganda’s legal framework presents detailed procedures on Environment Impact Assessment amidst the challenges in implementation & enforcement. It was further noted that Rwenzori bottling Company has tried to implement the EIA mitigation measures through for example involving employees in activities that ensure that the environment is not degraded, employing Safety manager to follow up the implementation of EIA mitigation measures, installing a water treatment plant and putting in place a company environmental monitoring plan. However, implementation of some mitigation measures was not done due to several challenges for example implementing all the mitigation measures was reported to be very expensive. The researcher also discusses strategies that have been adopted by NEMA to ensure compliance of the EIA mitigation measures proposed by Rwenzori Bottling Company. The researcher noted that Uganda has a sound legal and policy framework on the implementation of the EIA mitigation measures. However, the laws and regulations therein have not been fully implemented to ensure that the developers, for example Rwenzori Bottling Company, implement the EIA mitigation measures.