Uganda_Sensitivity_atlas_2010.pdf

THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA

SECOND Edition 2010SECOND Edition 2010

ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY ATLAS

FOR THE ALBERTINE GRABEN

ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY ATLAS

FOR THE ALBERTINE GRABEN

E N V I R O N M E N T A L S E N S I T I V I T Y A T L A S F O R T H E A L B E R T I N E G R A B E N

SECOND Edition 2010

THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA

ROYAL NORWEGIAN EMBASSY

National Environment Management AuthorityE N S U

R ING

SU STA INABL E DEVE

LO

PM

E N Ty for a living planet*

© 2010 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (NEMA)

NEMA House Plot 17/19/21 Jinja Road P.O. Box 22255 Kampala Uganda Tel: 256-41-251064/5/8 Fax: 256-41-257521 E-mail:info@nemaug.org http://www.nemaug.org

ISBN

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ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY ATLAS

FOR THE ALBERTINE GRABEN

SECOND Edition 2010

Technical Team

1. Ms. Kitutu K. Mary Gore� Na�onal Environment Management Authority (NEMA)

2. Mr. Eugene Muramira Na�onal Environment Management Authority (NEMA)

3. Mr. Firipo Mpabulungi Na�onal Environment Management Authority (NEMA)

4. Dr. Festus Bagoora Na�onal Environment Management Authority (NEMA)

5. Mr. Waiswa Ayazika Anorld Na�onal Environment Management Authority (NEMA)

6. Ms. Elizabeth Mutayanjulwa Na�onal Environment Management Authority (NEMA)

7. Mr. Njabire Nurudin Petroleum Explora�on and Produc�on Department (PEPD)

8. Mr. Steven Enach Petroleum Explora�on and Produc�on Department (PEPD)

9. Mr. Andrew Ssenabulya Petroleum Explora�on and Produc�on Department (PEPD)

10. Mr. Aven�no Bakunda Department of Fisheries Resources (DFR)

11. Mr. John Diisi Na�onal Forestry Authority (NFA)

12. Ms. Nakalyango Caroline Directorate of Water Resources Management (DWRM)

13. Dr. Isabirye Moses Na�onal Agricultural Research Laboratories (NARL)

14. Ms. Jus�ne Namara Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)

15. Mr. Omute Paul Wetland Management Department (WMD)

16. Mr. Edema Maurice District Environment Office, Moyo

17. Dr. Grace Nangendo Wildlife Conserva�on Society (WCS)

18. Ms Sarah Prinsloo Wildlife Conserva�on Society (WCS)

19. Mr. Robert Ddamulira World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)

20. Mr. Paul Kambugu World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)

21. Mr. Kundu Lawrence Intern-Na�onal Environment Management Authority (NEMA)

22. Ms. Sirike Judith Intern-Na�onal Environment Management Authority (NEMA)

23. Ms. Khanzila Proscovia Intern-Na�onal Environment Management Authority (NEMA)

Ins�tu�ons that contributed data

1. Directorate of Water Resources Management

2. Na�onal Fisheries Resources Research Ins�tute

3. Department of Fisheries Resources

4. Petroleum Explora�on and Produc�on Department

5. Na�onal Forestry Authority

6. Uganda Wildlife Authority

7. Na�onal Agricultural Research Laboratories - Kawanda (NARL)

8. Uganda Museum

9. Uganda Bureau of Sta�s�cs

10. Physical Planning Department, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development

11. United Na�ons Environment Programme (UNEP)

12. Wildlife Conserva�on Society

13. Makerere University Ins�tute of Environment and Natural Resources (MUIENR)

Technical Coordinator: Kitutu K. Mary Gore�

Copy Editor: Khainza Loyce Annet

Design and layout: Elizabeth Mutayanjulwa

Environmental Sensitivity Atlas for the Albertine Graben 2010 i ii Environmental Sensitivity Atlas for the Albertine Graben 2010

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

FOREWORD .....................� v

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .......�

LIST OF ACRONYMS ...........�

LIST OF MAPS ....................�

LIST OF FIGURES.................�

LIST OF TABLES .................� x

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to Oil Explora�on in the Alber�ne Graben

1.1.1 Physical Landscape of the Alber�ne Ri� System

1.1.2 Trends in Oil Explora�on in the Alber�ne Graben

1.2 Objec�ves of the Sensi�vity Atlas

1.3 Geology of the Alber�ne Graben

1.4 Climate ...............................� 7

1.4.1 Rainfall ....................� 7

1.4.2 Temperature and humidity

1.4.3 Wind ......................� 10

1.5 The Drainage system ........� 10

1.6 Surface and Groundwater � 12

1.7 Minerals and Energy Resources

1.7.1 Mineral Resources .� 15

1.7.2 Energy resources ...� 15

1.7.2.1 Energy poten�al

1.7.2.2 Energy use

1.8 Land use and Land Tenure System

1.8.1 Protected areas ....� 19

1.8.2 Agriculture ...........� 21

1.8.3 Human se�lements

1.9 Socio-Economic status of the Alber�ne Graben

1.9.1 Popula�on distribu�on

1.9.1.1 Popula�on structure

1.9.1.2 Urban areas

1.9.1.3 Fishing and landing sites

1.9.1.4 Hotels and lodges

1.9.2 Infrastructure

1.9.2.1 Roads

1.9.2.2 Railway lines

1.9.2.3 Airfields

1.9.2.4 Water transport

1.9.3 Tourism..................� 26

1.9.4 Fisheries.................� 28

1.10 Ecosystems and Biodiversity

1.10.1 Flora.......................� 31

1.10.2 Fauna.....................� 31

1.10.2.1 Avifauna � 32

1.10.3 Biodiversity outside protected areas

Environmental Sensitivity Atlas for the Albertine Graben 2010 iii

1.11 Archaelogical, Historical and Cultural sites

1.11.1 Archeological sites

1.11.2 Historical and cultural sites

CHAPTER 2: SENSITIVITY OF BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

2.1 Biodiversity of Uganda’s Alber�ne ri�

2.2 Data presenta�on and combining of variables

2.2.1 Fisheries resources� 40

2.2.2 Large mammals and crocodiles distribu�on in the Alber�ne Ri�

2.2.3 Woody plants and bird species

2.2.4 Sens�vity based on endemic and threatened species

2.3 Sensi�vity based on species richness

2.4 Sensi�vity based on species of special importance

2.5 Conserva�on Status.........� 53

2.6 Overall biodiversity sensi�vity to petroleum development

2.7 Sensi�vity of biodiversity to petroleum development

2.8 Review of data availability, quality and reliability

CHAPTER 3: SENSITIVITY OF OTHER NATURAL RESOURCES IN THE ALBERTINE GRABEN

3.1 Land cover sensi�vity.......� 60

3.2 Sensi�vity of forests........� .61

3.3 Sensi�vity of wetlands.....� 68

3.4 Sensi�vity of water and lakes

3.4.1 Surface water sources ……………………………………………………...................................................……………..70

3.4.2 Groundwater …………………………………………………………………….........................................................……..72

3.4.3 Groundwater resources sensi�vity ………………………………………………..............................................…….73

3.5 Sensi�vity of soils............� 75

3.5.1 Soil erosion hazard Assessment ……………………………………………………...............................................…..75

3.5.1.1 Soil Erodibility ……………........…………………………………………………………..................................….76

CHAPTER 4: SENSITIVITY OF THE ALBERTINE GRABEN SHORELINES

AND THE BATYMETRY OF LAKE ALBERT

Sensi�vity of Lake Albert shoreline....................................................................................................................... 82-92

Bathymetry of Lake Albert..........� 94

REFERENCES

iv Environmental Sensitivity Atlas for the Albertine Graben 2010

F O R E W O R D

Oil explora�on has been ongoing in the Alber�ne Graben since the 1920’s. Currently there is confirma�on of commercially viable oil deposits in this area with early produc�on scheduled to begin 2009. Oil spills can have severe and long term ecological and socio-economic adverse impacts if not properly planned for and addressed. While it is not possible to predict the impacts of an oil spill with certainty it is possible to evaluate the vulnerability of an area to a defined spill scenario based on the environmental resources present in the area.

An environmental oil spill sensi�vity atlas has been prepared to provide environmental planners with tools to iden�fy resources at risk, establish protec�on priori�es and iden�fy �mely appropriate response and clean-up strategies.

The atlas enables oil companies and authori�es to incorporate environmental considera�on into explora�on and con�ngency plans. It also provides an overview of such aspects as the occurrence of biological resources, human resource use (fishing and hun�ng) and archaeological sites that are par�cularly sensi�ve to oil spill. Furthermore it contains informa�on regarding the physical environment, lake shore and bathymetry of Lake Albert and the climate of the area.

The Alber�ne Graben is known for its high biodiversity spots at the same �me it is now an oil rich region. Oil is a non-renewable resource meaning that at one �me it will be exhausted. Therefore, care has to be taken to ensure that exploita�on of oil resources is done without compromising the quality and quan�ty of environmental resources.

The oil for development strategy should improve services such as conserva�on of natural resources, infrastructure, energy, educa�on etc.

I hope the informa�on in this atlas will be used effec�vely during all decision making processes connected to oil and planning of all ac�vi�es in oil for development.

Hon. Maria Mutagamba

MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENT

Dr. Aryamanya-Mugisha, Executive Director, NEMA, (second from left), Hon. Maria Mutagamba, Minister of Water and Environment (next to ED, NEMA), and technical staff inspect an Oil well at Mpuuta village, prior to the Public Hearing on “Hoima Oil Early Production” that was held on 29th July 2008 in Hoima District.

Environmental Sensitivity Atlas for the Albertine Graben 2010 v vi Environmental Sensitivity Atlas for the Albertine Graben 2010

A C K N O W L E D G E M E N T

The Na�onal Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is honoured to present the Oil Spill Sensi�vity Atlas for the Alber�ne Graben. This atlas provides data on environmentally, economically, and culturally sensi�ve areas located within the Alber�ne Graben. Emphasis is placed on those areas that may need special considera�on in the event of an oil spill.

I sincerely thank all Government departments and Local Governments under the Environment Informa�on Network who worked �relessly to produce this atlas. I do immensely appreciate their invaluable contribu�on. I thank the various organiza�ons and individuals who provided data, photographs, satellite images and informa�on that were used in the analysis and produc�on of maps. All sources of data are acknowledged and referenced where they appear in the atlas.

Special thanks go to the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Uganda who provided the bulk of the funds used in the produc�on of the atlas. I do greatly appreciate the technical and financial contribu�ons of Wildlife Conserva�on Society (WCS) in the prepara�on and produc�on of this atlas. Thanks also go to the World Wide Fund(WWF) who provided funds for prin�ng and for development of a database on the NEMA website. I also thank the United Na�ons Environment Programme (UNEP) for both the technical and financial support in the produc�on of this atlas. Finally, I must thank my staff who contributed immensely and �relessly in the ini�a�on, prepara�on and prin�ng of this invaluable resource material.

I hope the informa�on in this atlas is put to good use by all stakeholders in the oil for development strategy to ensure sustainable use and protec�on of natural resources in the Alber�ne Graben of Uganda. I do wish all good reading.

Aryamanya-Mugisha, Henry (Ph.D)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (NEMA)

Members of the Policy Committee on Environment (PCE) undertaking a field visit to Amuru District. Left to Right: O.O. David Obong, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water and Environment, Hon. Jesca Eriyo, State Minister for Environment, Hon.

Janat Mukwaya, Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon.Winnie Kabakumba Matsiko, Minister of Information and National Guidance,Vice Chairman Amuru, Simon Ejua, Dr. Aryamanya-Mugisha, Executive Director, NEMA, and an official from Heritage Oil.

Environmental Sensitivity Atlas for the Albertine Graben 2010 vii

L I S T O F A C R O N Y M S

% - Percentage

ºC - Degrees Celsius tons - Tonnes m - Metres

CAS - Catch Assessment Surveys

CFCs - Chlorofloralcarbons

DEM - Digital Eleva�on Model

DFR - Department of Fisheries Resources

DRC - Democra�c Republic of Congo

DWRM - Directorate of Water Resources Management

EAMD - East African Metrological Department

EARS - East African Ri� System

HFO - Heavy Fuel Oils

IBA’s - Important Bird Areas

ITCZ - Inter-tropical Convergence Zone

Km - Kilometre

Kv - Kilovolts

MFCA - Murchison Falls Conserva�on Areas

MFNP - Murchison Falls Na�onal Park

MIST - Management Informa�on System Technology

MUIENR - Makerere University Ins�tute of Environment and Natural Resources

MW - Mega Wa�s

NaFIRRI - Na�onal Fisheries Resources Research Ins�tute

NEMA - Na�onal Environment Management Authority

NFA - Na�onal Forestry Authority

NP - Na�onal Park

NFRRI - Na�onal Fisheries Resources Research Ins�tute

PAs - Protected Areas

PCE - Policy Commi�ee on Environment

PEPD - Petroleum Explora�on and Produc�on Department

PPD - Physical Planning Department (Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development

QECA - Queen Elizabeth Conserva�on Areas

QENP - Queen Elizabeth Na�onal Park

SRTM - Shu�le Radar Topographic Model

SWL - Sta�c Water Level

UBOS - Uganda Bureau of Sta�s�cs

UM - Uganda Museums

UNEP - United Na�ons Environment Management Programme

UWA - Uganda Wildlife Authority

WCS - Wildlife Conserva�on Society

WMD - Wetlands Management Department

WWF - World Wide Fund For Nature viii Environmental Sensitivity Atlas for the Albertine Graben 2010

L I S T O F M A P S

Map1: Alber�ne graben Geology ……………………………………………………..............................................................…1

Map2: Map of Uganda showing loca�on of the Ri� Valley …………………………..............................................……..2

Map3: Alber�ne graben Explora�on areas …………………………….............................................................……..……3

Map 4: Alber�ne graben Geology ...........…………………………………………………………

Map 5: Alber�ne graben Annual rainfall …………………………………………………………

Map 6: Alber�ne graben Drainage ……………………………………………………………

Map 7: Alber�ne graben Surface water sources ……………………………………………………

Map 8: Alber�ne graben Groundwater sources ……………………………………………………

Map 9: Alber�ne graben Land cover ………………………………………………………………

Map 10: Alber�ne graben Protected areas …………………………………………………………

Map 11: Alber�ne graben Major crops ……………………………………………………………

Map 12: Alber�ne graben Popula�on density ……………………………………………………

Map 13: Alber�ne graben Trading centers and major towns ……………………………………

Map 14: Alber�ne graben Fishing sites ……………………………………………………………

Map 15: Alber�ne graben Revenue ………………………………………………………………

Map 16: Alber�ne graben Archeological sites, Infrastructure, Hotels and Lodges …………………

Map 17: Alber�ne graben Archeological sites…………………

Map 18: Alber�ne Fish species distribu�on ………………………………………………………...........................................…39

Map 19: Alber�ne graben Large mammals and crocodiles species count …………………………............................…43

Map 20: Alber�ne graben Birds species distribu�on ……………………………………………......................................……45

Map 21: Alber�ne graben Plant species counts …………………………………………………........................................…..46

Map 22: Alber�ne graben Endemic birds species distribu�on ………………………

Map 23: Alber�ne graben Endemic plants species distribu�on …………………………………….................................…49

Map 24: Alber�ne graben Threatened birds species distribu�on ………………………………

Map 25: Alber�ne graben Species richness ………………………………………………………..........................................…..51

Map 26: Alber�ne graben Species of special importance ………....................................……………………………………52

Map 27: Alber�ne graben Conserva�on status ranking of all protected areas …..........................……………………54

Map 28: Alber�ne graben Overall biodiversity sensi�vity ……………………………………....................................………55

Map 29: Alber�ne graben Land cover sensi�vity …………………………………………………........................................….59

Map 30: Alber�ne graben Forested areas ………………………………………………………………....................................……60

Map 31: Alber�ne graben Wetlands ………………………………………………………...............................................…………69

Map 32: Alber�ne graben Surface water sources……………………………………....................................…................…70

Map 33: Alber�ne graben Bedrock depth ………………………………………………............................................……………71

Map 34: Alber�ne graben Portable water sources ………………………………………………….......................................…72

Map 35: Alber�ne graben First water strike …………………………………………………….........................................……..73

Map 36: Alber�ne graben Ground water sources……………………………………………...........................................……74

Map 37: Alber�ne graben Soils …………………………………………………………………….................................................…75

Map 38: Alber�ne graben Soil erodibility ………………………………………………………….............................................…77

Map 39: Alber�ne graben Rainfall erosivity…………………………………………………....................................……

Map 40: Alber�ne graben Soil erosion risk ……………………………………………………….............................................…79

Map 41: Sens�vity of Lake Albert shoreline...................................................................................................82-92

Map 42: Bathymetry of Lake Albert…………………………………………………..................................................……

Environmental Sensitivity Atlas for the Albertine Graben 2010 ix

L I S T O F F I G U R E S

Figure 1: An Explora�on site at Bu�aba Runga village, Kapapi Parish, Hoima District

Figure 2: A concrete lined waste mud and cu�ngs pit at Kingfisher in Bungoma, EA 3A

Figure 3: Bu�aba-Wanseko Ri� valley

Figure 4: A herd of ca�le grazing and watering at the banks of River Semliki

Figure 5: Land cover in Hoima District

Figure 6: Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Figure 7: A Tea estate in Kabarole District

Figure 8: Human se�lements in Hoima Dis�ct

Figure 9: Buffaloes in Murchison Falls Na�onal Park

Figure 10: The Mountain Gorill

Figure 11: The Uganda Crested Crane

Figure 12: Livestock grazing in a rangeland

Figure 13: Kabwoya Game Reserve

Figure 14: Elephants in Queen Elizabeth Na�onal Park

Figure 15: Climbing Lions in Ishasha

Figure 16: Pelikans in Queen Elizabeth Na�onal Park

Figure 17: An aerial view of River Nile at Moyo, West Nile region

Figure 18: The Delta in Murchison Falls Na�onal Park

Figure 19: Mparo Cultural tomb and an�ques in Hoima District

Figure 20: Biodiversity in the Alber�ne graben

Figure 21: Mountain Gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Na�onal Park

Figure 22: L’Hoest Monkey in the Alber�ne graben

Figure 23: A school of white-winged terns on the northern shores of Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth Na�onal Park

Figure 24: The giant Lobelia on Rwenzori Mountains

Figure 25: Threatened species in the Alber�ne graben

Figure 26: Murchison Falls........�

Figure 27: A typical wetland.....�

Figure 28: Sandstones of the Kisegi forma�on exposed in Kibuku, Semliki Ba-

Figure 29: Sandstone of Sebugoro forma�on in Kaiso-Tonya area

Figure 30: East-West structural cross-sec�on across the Alber�ne graben

Figure 31: Sandy soils in the Alber�ne graben

Figure 32: Oil explora�on along Lake Albert

Figure 33: Oil tes�ng in the Alber�ne graben

L I S T O F TA B L E S

Table 1: Conserva�on areas along the Alber�ne graben ……………………………..............................................………53

Table 2: Alber�ne graben Central Forest Reserves …………………………………………...............................................…61

Table 3: Sensi�vity of Wetlands ………………………………………………………….........................................................…..68

Table 4: Sensi�vity of Groundwater resources ……………………………………………................................................…..74

Table 5: Soil organic ma�er and carbon ra�ng ………………………………………….................................................…….76

Table 6: Ra�ng of the Silt/clay ra�o ………………………………………………………........................................................…76

Table 7: Final soil erosion erodibility factor ra�ng …………………………………................................................………..76

Table 8: Erosional slope ra�ng and categories ……………………………………………..................................................….78

Table 9: The rainfall erosivity factor ra�ng categories …………………………………..............................................…….80 x Environmental Sensitivity Atlas for the Albertine Graben 2010

The giant Lobella in the Rwenzori mountains

C H A P T E R 1 I N T R O D U C T I O N

1.1 Background to Oil Explora�on in the Alber�ne Graben

1.1.1 Physical Landscape of the Alber�ne Ri� System

The Alber�ne graben forms part of the western arm of the Great Ri� Valley system in East Africa.

The Ri� System is a unique physiographic region, comprising of the ri� escarpments, the amorphous block of the Rwenzoris and an extensive Ri� Valley or graben that extends in a north-east direc�on from the districts of Kanungu and Rukungiri at the border with the DRC, to the districts of Moyo and Adjumani at the border with the Sudan.

This Sensi�vity Atlas covers an area of the Alber�ne defined by the boundary of oil explora�on blocks which was established by Petroleum Explora�on and Produc�on Department (PEPD). The area includes the Ri� Valley floor and the largest parts of the escarpment except in some parts of the ri� stretch in the northern most and southern most parts of Lake Albert. In this la�er area, the boundary of the explora�on blocks excludes the ri� escarpment.

Map 1: Geology of the Albertine graben Source: Geology Department

Environmental Sensitivity Atlas for the Albertine Graben 2010 1

The Alber�ne graben has several lakes including lakes Albert, Edward and George. These lakes were formed by intensive ri�ing in the geological past, which created depressions that were later filled with water. The valley floor also has a number of crater lakes all of which punctuate the generally variate and spectacular landscape of Ri� Valley escarpments, the extensive Ri� Valley and the towering block of mountains.

The Alber�ne area is a landscape of great relief contrast, with both the lowest eleva�on in the country of about 620m above mean sea level and the highest eleva�on in the country of about 5110m above mean sea level on the Magherita peak in the Rwenzori Mountains. The Ri� Valley extends for a total distance of over 500 km with variable widths of 45-80 km (including part of the Democra�c Republic of Congo).

Map 2: Map of Uganda showing location of the Rift Valley.

Source: Petroleum Exploration Production Department (PEPD), August, 2009

2 Environmental Sensitivity Atlas for the Albertine Graben 2010

1.1.2 Trends in Oil Explora�on in the Alber�ne Graben

The petroleum poten�al of Uganda was first documented by A.J. Wayland in 1925, based on oil seepages he mapped at that �me. The first well, Waki-B1, was drilled in the Bu�aba area in 1938. The Alber�ne graben, the area with poten�al for petroleum accumula�on, has since been subdivided into ten Explora�on Areas. The Explora�on Areas include blocks 1 and 5 located to the north of Lake Albert, blocks 2, 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D on and around Lake Albert, while blocks 4A, 4B and 4C are located around lakes Edward and George in the southern part of the graben. Five out of these ten Explora�on Areas are licensed to oil explora�on companies for explora�on, development and produc�on.

Map 3 (above) indicates the explora�on areas.

Map 3: Albertine graben Exploration areas Source: Petroleum Exploration Production Department (PEPD), August, 2009

Environmental Sensitivity Atlas for the Albertine Graben 2010 3

Fig. 1: An Exploration site at Butiaba Runga village, Kapapi Parish, Hoima District.

Source: Petroleum Exploration Production Department (PEPD)

Whereas the first phase of the Sensi�vity Atlas focused on areas on and around Lake Albert where oil explora�on and produc�on ac�vi�es were well advanced, this second phase covers other areas to where the ac�vi�es have now been extended. Specifically, the second phase of the sensi�vity mapping exercise will focus on upda�ng the informa�on provided in the first edi�on of the Sensi�vity Atlas that was produced in 2009. It will also assess and map environmental sensi�vi�es in the addi�onal explora�on areas including blocks 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A 4B and 4C.

Oil explora�on and produc�on ac�vi�es so far indicate that the oil poten�al in this area is promising. For example, out of the 34 oil and gas wells that have been drilled, only 2 have been found without oil. Furthermore, the produc�vity prospects in the area are reasonably high; for instance the buffalo prospect alone can produce 400 million barrels of oil with an es�mated revenue 15 �mes the Uganda’s current expenditure. The es�mated reserves in the Alber�ne graben as a whole are about 2 billion barrels. The size of the reserves is enough to sustain produc�on for 20 years.

The significant scale of oil discoveries as well as government policy on energy suggests the need for the construc�on of a fully fledged oil refinery, preferably within the explora�on area. The preferred loca�on of the refinery implies the need for construc�on of pipelines to transport crude and processed oil between the produc�on wells, the refinery and later to the market outlets. The idea of a fully fledged refinery replaced earlier plans to construct an Early Produc�on Scheme (EPS). The refinery is now deemed appropriate in view of the large size of oil reserves and large regional oil market. A consultant has, therefore, been hired to study the feasibility of the refinery. Some of the key issues in the study include the type, size, loca�on and funding op�ons of the refinery. The feasibility study will also include a preliminary environmental assessment of the poten�al environmental and social impacts of the proposed refinery. Furthermore, plans to commercialize gas produc�on at Nzizi through use of the gas for power genera�on project are in final stages.

4 Environmental Sensitivity Atlas for the Albertine Graben 2010

1.2 Objec�ves of the Sensi�vity Atlas

The overall objec�veof the Sensi�vity Atlas is to:

“display, iden�fy and provide the ability to analyse the rela�ve environmental sensi�vi�es(physical, biologicaland socio-economic) to oil spill and oil development within the explora�on areas in the Alber�ne Graben region of western Uganda”. This objec�ve was agreed upon through a consulta�ve process involving all key stakeholders in the sector.

The following detailed and specific objec�ves were derived from the overall objec�ve. The specific objec�ves formed the basis for modelling of the various data layers to determine the environmental sensi�vi�es to oil development ac�vi�es.

The first objec�ve is to iden�fy and protect:

• fragile land cover types;

• designated protected areas;

• endemic and threatened species;

• areas of high biodiversity;

• cultural, religious and historical sites;

• economic ac�vi�es that could be nega�vely impacted by oil ac�vi�es and;

• loca�on and size of water courses.

The second objec�ve is to:

• iden�fy and preserve areas currently covered by vegeta�on but, which areas are suscep�ble to erosion;

• iden�fy and locate permeable soils or areas with high ground water and shallow aquifers that could easily be contaminated by oil development ac�vi�es, and also;

• iden�fy fault lines and advise against major construc�on of major infrastructure such as, pipelines on fault lines. This objec�ve also covers issues of oil spill risk reduc�on on lake shorelines.

• provide informa�on to guide decision making.

Fig. 2: A concrete lined waste mud and cuttings pit at Kingfisher in Bugoma, EA 3A.

Source: Petroleum Exploration and Production Department (PEPD) 2006

Environmental Sensitivity Atlas for the Albertine Graben 2010 5

1.3 Geology of the Alber�ne Graben

The Alber�ne graben is a Cenozoic ri� basin formed and developed on the Precambrian orogenic belts of the African Craton. Ri�ing was ini�ated during the late Oligocene or Early Miocene ( 25-40 million years ago).

The Alber�ne graben was ini�ated by either reac�va�ng pre-Cambrian lineaments or crea�ng new normal faults by an extensional regime during the Cretaceous prior to ini�a�on of the East African Ri� System. Available geological and geophysical data suggest that the Alber�ne graben has undergone substan�al tectonic movements and thick sediments (approximately 6 km) have been deposited in fluvial deltaic and lacustrine environments. Surface geological mapping undertaken by the Petroleum Explora�on and Produc�on Department and the wells drilled by the Licensees so far indicate these sediments to be predominantly sandstones, siltstones, clay stones and shales. The sandstones and siltstones are mostly of high porosity and permeability.

Map 4: Albertine graben Geology Source: Petroleum Exploration and Production Department (PEPD) 2008

6 Environmental Sensitivity Atlas for the Albertine Graben 2010

1.4 Climate

1.4.1 Rainfall

The Alber�ne graben has a sharp varia�on in rainfall amounts, mainly due to varia�ons in the landscape. The landscape ranges from the low lying Ri� Valley floor to the ri� escarpment, and the raised mountain ranges. The highest landscape is the mountain ranges of Rwenzori, the Rwenzori mountains towering at over 5000m above mean sea level (a.m.s.l).

The Ri� Valley floor lies in a rain shadow of both the escarpment and mountains, and has the least amount of rainfall average of less than 875mm per annum much lower than that of the highland area. Rainfall records by Directorate of Water Resources Management indicate that Moyo in the extreme north-east received an annual rainfall mean of

Fig. 3: Butiaba-Wanseko Rift Valley Source:Petroleum Exploration and Production Department (PEPD) 2008

Environmental Sensitivity Atlas for the Albertine Graben 2010 7

Map 5: Albertine graben Rainfall Source: Department of Meteorology

8 Environmental Sensitivity Atlas for the Albertine Graben 2010

Environmental Sensitivity Atlas for the Albertine Graben 2010 9

1174.8mm over a seven year period between 2003 and 2009. Over the period the highest annual mean rainfall was recorded in 2006 (1593.9mm) while the lowest was recorded in 2004 (623.6mm) indica�ng a high varia�on range in the mean annual rainfall received. Bu�aba around Lake Albert in the center north-east receives 750mm, while Kasese in the central part of the graben receives a slightly higher mean rainfall of 970mm. No records are available for areas in the extreme south-western parts of the graben in Rukungiri and Kanungu. However, the area similarly receives rainfall amounts lower than that in the highland area flanking the Ri� Valley. On the highland areas of the ri� escarpment, rainfall averages increase largely due to orographic influence. For example, Masindi receives an annual average rainfall of 1,359mm, while Hoima receives 1435mm.

Rainfall amounts are even higher on the slopes of the Rwenzoris, in most cases increasing to over 1500mm. There is however, a serious lack of coverage of clima�c measuring instrumenta�on, which is a common problem in mountainous regions worldwide. As a result of this, informa�on on the spa�al distribu�on of rainfall in the Rwenzori mountains remains scanty.

There is also scanty rainfall informa�on in the graben but a high varia�on in the rainfall received both along and across the Ri� Valley. Mean Rainfall amounts in the Murchison Falls Conserva�on Area for instance vary from 1,500mm per year at Chobe in the east to about 1,100mm at Paraa on the western part of the Ri� Valley. Likewise, the mean annual rainfall recorded at Pamo� (Moyo District Farm Ins�tute) in Moyo from 2003 to 2009 was 1174.8mm. The long-term mean rainfall amount recorded at Wadelai in Nebbi is 1,029mm, 750mm at Bu�aba and 970mm at Kasese; giving a mean range of 425mm between the most northerly and southerly points where rainfall has been measured in the ri� system. There is also significant seasonal varia�on in the rainfall pa�ern, mainly as a result of varia�on in factors influencing rainfall and especially the periodic shi�ing of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and the wind blows from the Atlan�c Ocean through the Congo basin in central Africa. In the northern part of the region, there are two seasons of high rainfall, associated with the passing of the ITCZ over the region. Generally, rain occurs in all months, but with two peaks occurring between April and May, and August through to October, with two rela�vely drier spells around January and June.

Fig.5: A herd of cattle grazing and watering at the banks of River Semliki.

The degraded banks are widening at 10m/yr due to the receding snow on the Rwenzori mountains.

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1.4.2 Temperature and humidity

The Alber�ne graben region lies astride the equator. The region experiences small annual varia�on in air temperatures;

and the climate may be described as generally hot and humid, with average monthly temperatures varying between 27°C and 31°C. The temperature maximas are consistently above 30°C and some�mes reach 38°C. Average minimum temperatures are rela�vely consistent and vary between 16°C and 18°C. The recorded lowest and highest monthly mean temperatures in the year vary along the Ri� Valley: In Pamo� in Moyo, the lowest mean temperatures are recorded in August (22.6ºC) while the highest are recorded in February (27.1ºC). Southwards at Wadelai, the lowest mean temperatures are recorded in January (8.7ºC) and the highest in February (39.0ºC) indica�ng an extreme change in temperatures within a period of one month. At Bu�aba, the lowest mean temperatures were recorded in September (18.0ºC) and the highest in February (35.6ºC). Further south at Kasese, the lowest mean temperatures were recorded in July (10.5ºC) and the highest in February (36.0º). The high air temperatures result in high evapora�on rates causing some parts to have a nega�ve hydrological balance.

The rela�ve humidity in the Alber�ne graben is higher during rain seasons with maximum levels prevalent in May. The lowest humidity levels occur in dry seasons with minimum levels occurring in December and January. The average monthly humidity is between 60% and 80%. The rela�ve humidity recorded at Wadelai at 0600 hrs ranges between 70% in February and 88% in August while the record at 1200 hrs ranged between 35% from January to February and 55% from August to September. The average humidity recorded at 0600 hrs for Bu�aba ranged between 67% in January and 80% in August while at 1200 hrs, the humidity records ranged between 66% in January and 71% in October. At Kasese, the average humidity recorded at 0600 hrs ranged between 79% in January and February and 85% from April to July, while records at 1200 hrs ranged between 49% in July and 61% in November. Rela�ve humidity records for Moyo and the areas in the extreme south-west of the graben in Rukungiri and Kanungu are not available. It can be concluded therefore , that varia�on in rela�ve humidity is generally moderate, except for Wadelai where both low and high rela�ve humidity figures have been recorded (35% and 88% respec�vely).

1.4.3 Wind

Wind speed and direc�on records indicate a high incidence of strong winds especially in the Ri� Valley. The prevailing winds commonly blow along the valley floor in a north-east to south-west direc�on or vice versa. Winds also blow across the Ri� Valley in an east to west direc�on. On the escarpment and mountain slopes, prevailing wind-blow is largely mul�-direc�onal. The long-term wind speed records from the East African Meteorological Department (1975) indicate average annual wind speeds of 4 knots and 6 knots at 0600 hours and 1200 hours, respec�vely, for Bu�aba; 3 knots and 5 knots, respec�vely, for Hoima and; 2 knots and 6 knots, respec�vely, for Kasese. The wind speed values indicated, therefore, represent condi�ons of moderate to strong or turbulent condi�ons. The average number of calms experienced in the area, are indicated to be experienced for 41days at 0600 hours, and 14 days at 1200 hours, respec�vely, at Bu�aba; 99 days and 27 days, respec�vely, for Hoima; 181 days and 44 days, respec�vely, for Kasese; and 99 days and 27 days, respec�vely, for Masindi. The general conclusion from these clima�c figures is that for most of the year, the area experiences moderate to strong and gusty winds, increasing in the a�ernoon.

Both wind speed and direc�on have important implica�ons on oil explora�on and produc�on ac�vi�es par�cularly the dispersion poten�al for oil pollutants.

1.5 The Drainage system

All of Uganda drains into the Nile. Within the Alber�ne graben, there are three main lakes: Lake Albert, Lake Edward and Lake George. Most of the rivers and streams origina�ng from the highlands surrounding this area drain into the lakes which, in turn, drain into the Nile via Lake Albert. Most significant of these rivers is River Semliki which comes from Lake Edward through the western edge of the great Ituri rain forest in DR Congo, and enters Uganda at a point close to the northern end of the Rwenzori range. The other, is the Victoria Nile which enters Lake Albert at its northern most �p before draining out of the lake as Albert Nile on its way to Nimule and onward to Sudan. Both rivers have built deltas into Lake Albert with that of the Semliki being larger. Ninety percent of the delta is created in Uganda. Although the Victoria Nile carries more water than the Semliki, it has li�le influence on the ecology of the lake, other than to maintain water levels. The Semliki on the other hand provides the primary supply of water into the lake system. The lake also has a large sedimenta�on poten�al from the Victoria Nile. There are other numerous small streams entering the lake from both Uganda and DR Congo, some of which are highly seasonal and of only minor importance to the hydrology of the lake.

Sensi�vity of the rivers is in regard to their proximity to the oil wells; The closer the wells are to the river, the more sensi�ve the river is and vice versa. Several drainage classes are, therefore, formed based on the proximity of the wells to the rivers, as indicated in Map 5.

Map 6: Albertine graben Drainage Source: DEM - from UNEP Drainage - from the Directorate of Water Resources Management, Entebbe

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1.6 Surface and Groundwater

The Alber�ne graben area has significant amounts of surface water resources including lakes and rivers (Sec�on 1.2).

The rivers/streams originate from the elevated grounds on the escarpment and mountain ranges and flow down into the Ri� Valley. There are also a number of Ri� Valley lakes whose waters are mainly derived from the flowing rivers. The area is drained by numerous perennial rivers including Amua, Nyawa, Kochi, Enyawu, Nyagak, Aswa, and Zoka in the north east of the graben. In the Lake Albert area, rivers like Sambiya, Victoria Nile, Semliki, Hohwa, Wambabya, Waki, Waiga, Sonso, Waisoke and Muzizi are found. The central sec�ons of the graben have rivers Mpanga, Nyamwamba, Mubuku, Kyambura, Oruyubu and Rusangwe, while the south western sec�ons of the graben have rivers Nyamugasani, Ishasha and Mitano- Ntungwa in addi�on to small seasonal streams.

Furthermore, a series of erosion valleys and gullies cut the escarpment and discharge runoff from the escarpment to the valley. There are also seasonal streams and rivers which are flooded by runoff from the catchment areas a�er a heavy rainfall event. For example, in the Lake Albert area, water from these rivers drains quickly either into Lake Albert or seeps into the thick sediments of the Ri� Valley floor. The seasonal rivers in this area include Sebugoro, Kabyosi, Warwire and Nyamasoga.

Most of the rivers and streams have incised into the landscapes leading to a topographic pa�ern of narrow river valleys and some�mes gorge-like features. Due to the nature of ri� escarpment landscape, the rivers and streams flowing into the Ri� Valley o�en have a limited catchment size and this implies limited hydrological poten�al.

Consequently, some of the scarps are drained by ephemeral (intermintent) flows to the extent that some of the river valleys are dry most of the �me.

The most spectacular landscape of river flow is perhaps the Victoria Nile. The Victoria Nile runs east-west through Murchison Falls Na�onal Park for over 80 km. Between Chobe and Paraa, the Nile drops 350 m through stretches of white water rapids and cascades. The most drama�c feature along this reach is Murchison Falls, where the river has cut back through the Ri� escarpment plunging 45m below, with huge convulsions through a cle� only 6 m wide. At this point, the falls may be discernable into two separate features. Apart from Murchison falls, a further spill occurs over an adjacent cataract known as ‘Uhuru Falls’ formed in 1962 (year of Uganda’s independence). Below Murchison Falls, the river flows out of the gorge to become calmer and wider, before finally entering Lake Albert as a delta (now a Ramsar Site). While Victoria Nile is responsible for most of the surface drainage in the protected area, smaller watersheds divert drainage into Waiga and Waisoke rivers which discharge into Lake Albert south of Buliisa. The Albert Nile drains in Lake Albert to the north.

Further south-west, the Rwenzori Mountains become the most important water catchment with numerous rivers descending from the high rainfall and snow-capped mountain to the Ri� Valley floor and into lakes George and Edward.

The key rivers in this area include rivers Mubuku and Nyamwamba. On the other hand numerous rivers and streams drain from the escarpment and highland areas beyond to the ri� valley zone, and also o�en end up in the lakes.

Some ground water resources exist in a number of loca�ons, the hydrology of which is undoubtedly influenced by a number of environmental condi�ons including geology, rainfall and the existence of Ri� Valley lakes and rivers. Overall however, the graben is poor in ground water resources due to absence of true aquifers. Most of the under lying rocks are basement complex which by nature do not contain good aquifers. However, limited ground water reserves occur in rock fissures and localized aquifers. Ground water is harnessed in many areas, largely to provide for water needs of local communi�es. Evidence from many boreholes and shallow wells indicate rela�vely high water table condi�ons in many places. Such condi�ons imply high sensi�vity of the water resources to oil explora�on and development ac�vi�es, including poten�al for serious problems of pollu�on of the shallow aquifers.

Map 7: Albertine graben Surface Water Sources

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Map 8: Albertine graben Ground Water Sources

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1.7 Minerals and Energy Resources

1.7.1 Mineral resources

The Alber�ne graben has a number of economic mineral resources, although there is not much detailed and accurate informa�on about the loca�on and extent of the mineral deposits. In the northern part of the graben, deposits of lime and dolomite are known to exist. Further south, the Lakes George-Edward area has copper, exploited in the past at Kilembe mines in the Nyamwamba river valley near Kasese town. Although mining at the facility stopped in 1970s, there are s�ll significant mineral reserves which could be exploited in future. Furthermore, the copper ore is richly associated with cobalt mineral that could increase the feasibility of mineral wealth exploita�on in the area.

Extrac�ons of cobalt from copper tailings is currently going on at Kasese Cobalt Company Ltd located along the Kasese to Katunguru highway.

At Hima, Dura and Muhokya areas in Kasese District, limestone deposits exist and are currently being extracted for the manufacture of cement and lime. Gypsum has been mined for quite some �me in the Kibuku area near Sempaya in Semliki, Bundibugyo District.

Gold has also been reported to exist in Maramagambo forest south of Lake Edward in Bushenyi District, while to the extreme south-west, deposits of iron-ore, gold and wolfram are known to exist especially in the escarpment region of Kabale, Kanungu and Rukungiri districts. An assessment of mineral resources in this area is ongoing and possibly more minerals such as �n, might be found when the assessment is completed.

Salt is the other mineral of socio-economic significance found in the graben . Salt mining has been undertaken for over half a century at Lake Katwe north of Lake Edward for many years, both for commercial and local purposes. A second salt deposit at Kibiro near the shores of Lake Albert north of Kaiso-Tonya has also been exploited for a long �me, mostly for domes�c needs. Poten�al for export of the mineral also exists and in the past, a�empts have been made to establish a complex salt factory at Lake Katwe although this experienced problems related to both industrial structuring and the complexity of the salt mineral cons�tuents.

Existence of minerals has important implica�ons to the dynamics of socio-economic ac�vi�es in this area and possibly poten�al for their exploita�on could be accelerated by the ongoing petroleum development ac�vi�es in the region.

1.7.2 Energy resources

1.7.2.1 Energy Poten�al

Uganda has a rich renewable energy resource base. This includes solar, wind, hydro power, biomass and geothermal energy resources. The Alber�ne graben similarly has significant energy resource poten�al. The area has considerable hydropower, geothermal, wind and solar energy resources. At Mubuku River near Kasese, hydropower is being generated by both Kilembe Mines Ltd and Kasese Cobalt Company Ltd. New mini hydropower sites have been ini�ated on rivers Wambabya in Kaiso-Tonya and on River Muzizi. Hydropower poten�al also exists on river Waki and at Murchison Falls on the Victoria Nile.

Poten�al for geothermal energy exists at several known sites in the region, although they have not been adequately explored. Poten�al sites include the hot springs at Katwe near Lake Edward, at Buranga in the Semliki flats in Bundibugyo District, Kibiro on the shores of Lake Albert and in the Virunga area in the extreme south-west . The total es�mated poten�al from the 4 sites is 450 MW. The Katwe site is considered the most promising due to the presence of sub-surface steam at 230 ºC. The site is also located only 35km from the 132Kv transmission line to Kasese, making it easy to inter-connect to the na�onal grid (NEMA, 2004/2005).

Solar energy use is also becoming more relevant especially given the limited connec�ons to the na�onal grid. Uganda straddles the equator and has a very good average insola�on of about 4-5kWh/m²/day. The costs of accessories involved are, however, s�ll rela�vely high and unaffordable to the majority of the households in the region

1.7.2.2 Energy use

The majority of the popula�on in the Alber�ne graben use wood fuel as the most dominant source of energy. Kerosene or paraffin is used for ligh�ng and less than 3% of all households have access to electricity supply. However, firewood has become scarce and most people have resorted to using charcoal which is o�en imported from elsewhere and is very expensive. At the moment, most of the Ri� Valley area is not connected to the na�onal grid. Individual companies involved in oil explora�on have therefore had to invest in generators.

1.8 Land use and Land Tenure System

The Alber�ne graben covers a total land area of 6,788,616 ha. Out of this, 5,369,164 ha (79.1%) is under agriculture, se�lement and other miscellaneous land uses. The remaining 1,419,452 ha (20%) are under protected areas form of land use. Protected areas include forest reserves (Central Forest Reserves, Jointly Managed Forests by UWA and NFA and Local Forest Reserves) and wild life conserva�on areas (na�onal parks and wild life reserves). Forest Reserves cover a total area of 462,129 ha (7.01%) while wildlife conserva�on areas cover a total of 957,194 ha (14.5%).

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Map 9: Albertine graben Land cover

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The area, therefore, has four main types of land use namely; agriculture, se�lements, forest conserva�on and wild life conserva�on with the protected areas occupying a significant propor�on of the total land area, i.e. 20.9%, which has important implica�ons on available land for agriculture and other ac�vi�es.

Furthermore, the loca�on of 10 out of the total 22 na�onal parks and wildlife reserves in Uganda within the oil rich Alber�ne graben, presents a land use challenge. Oil development could disrupt conserva�on efforts if not well planned. Yet, another issue is that these Na�onal Parks and Forest Reserves, together with other protected areas inside and outside the Graben, form a rela�vely con�nuous protected areas system and are generally linked by wildlife corridors. These corridors facilitate the movement of wildlife between habitats that are increasingly being fragmented by farmed and urban ecosystems. The corridors movement promote exchange of genes, allow animal interac�ons and act as dispersal routes. The animal corridors also link Uganda’s protected area system to the larger protected areas in the Democra�c Republic of Congo (DRC).

The major land tenure systems in the graben include customary, freehold, leasehold and public land. All protected forests and wild life conserva�on areas are under public land form of tenure, in addi�on to areas accommoda�ng government ins�tu�ons and infrastructure.

On private land, customary land tenure (both individual and communal) is the most widely prac�ced system. The majority of households in the areas around Karuma and Bugungu Wildlife Reserves in Masindi District, for instance, acquire land through inheritance, while a few purchase their land. For example, in Buliisa, land tenure remains largely customary, and all members of village communi�es communally own the land. The lack of a uniform land tenure system, however, presents management challenges par�cularly with regard to land specula�on that has been exacerbated by the discovery of oil in the region. This is threatening to cause land use conflicts and landless households and communi�es in the area, as land purchases and delinea�on from the previously communally owned land con�nue to take place. This challenge is further exacerbated by the lack of a comprehensive land use plan.

Fig. 5: Land cover in Hoima…