Abstract:
Wetlands, commonly known as swamps in Uganda, refer to areas where plants and animals have
become adapted to temporary or permanent flooding by saline, brackish or fresh water.
Wetlands include permanently flooded areas with sedge or grass swamp, swamp forest or high
altitude mountain bog, as well as seasonal flood plains and depressions without flow. All wetlands are
characterized by impeded drainage, but vary in detail depending on the duration of flooding, depth of
water, altitude, fertility of the surrounding soil and other environmental factors. They are nevertheless all
characterized by having distinctive plants and animals which are adapted to flooding. According to the
Uganda Wetlands policy 1995, wetlands occupy between 10- 13 percent of Uganda’s national territory.
Wetlands are therefore one of the most prominent land cover types in Uganda