Title: Paper Title* Environmental Governance in Uganda: Legal Frameworks, Institutional Roles, and Challenges in Judicial Enforcement
Authors: Dr. Kisubi Esther Christine and Mr. Ssozi Rajjabu
Volume: 9
Issue: 5
Pages: 271-279
Publication Date: 2025/05/28
Abstract:
(Uganda's urban centers, particularly Kampala, face escalating environmental challenges such as air pollution, poor waste management, deforestation, and inadequate sanitation. These issues are exacerbated by weak institutional capacity, under-resourced regulatory bodies, and limited public awareness. This article critically examines Uganda's legal and institutional framework for environmental governance, with a focus on the role of the judiciary in enforcing environmental rights. It explores key legal instruments including the 1995 Constitution, the National Environment Act, the Local Government Act, and the Public Health Act, and evaluates their application in managing environmental degradation. Through doctrinal legal research, the article analyzes notable judicial decisions demonstrating the evolving role of the courts in environmental protection. The study identifies major enforcement challenges including limited judicial capacity, prolonged litigation timelines, and weak implementation of court orders. It concludes by recommending the establishment of specialized environmental courts, enhanced judicial training, increased funding for regulatory bodies, and legal reforms to align with contemporary environmental risks. Strengthening the legal and institutional mechanisms is imperative for Uganda to realize the constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment.)