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Table of Contents

Acronyms and Abbreviations ................................................................................................. iv

1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Project Background .................................................................................................. 1

1.2 Background and Purpose of an Environmental Impact Assessment .................... 1

1.3 Objectives of the Study ............................................................................................. 2

1.4 The Environmental Impact Assessment Process ...................................................... 3

1.5 Project Overview ....................................................................................................... 3

1.5.1 Irrigation Design Options .................................................................................... 4

1.5.2 Irrigation Infrastructure ....................................................................................... 4
2 TERMS OF REFERENCE ........................................................................................................ 6

2.1 Introduction................................................................................................................ 6

2.2 Approach to the EIA study ....................................................................................... 6

2.2.1 Baseline Conditions Study .................................................................................. 6

2.2.2 Impact Prediction ............................................................................................... 6
2.2.3 Impact Evaluation .............................................................................................. 6
2.2.4 Impact Mitigation ............................................................................................... 6
2.2.5 Analysis of Alternatives ....................................................................................... 7
2.3 Methodology ............................................................................................................. 7

2.3.1 Field Visits ............................................................................................................. 7

2.3.2 Consultation with Stakeholders ......................................................................... 7
2.3.3 Desk Study/Literature Review ............................................................................ 7
2.4 Compliance to Regulatory/Legal Requirements .................................................... 8

2.5 Expected EIA Outputs ............................................................................................... 8

i
 2.6 EIA Report Content.................................................................................................... 9

2.7 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan ...............................................10

2.8 The Proposed EIA Team ...........................................................................................10

3 SCOPING REPORT .............................................................................................................11

3.1 Introduction...............................................................................................................11

3.2 Project Location .......................................................................................................11

3.3 Description of Baseline Environment .......................................................................12

3.3.1 Topography and Geology................................................................................13

3.3.2 Soils .....................................................................................................................13
3.3.3 Natural Vegetation ...........................................................................................14
3.3.4 Climatic Conditions ...........................................................................................15
3.4 Socio-economic Environment .................................................................................17

3.4.1 Land Use (Farming and Agricultural Management Systems) ........................17

3.4.2 Population ..........................................................................................................19
3.4.3 Existing Infrastructure and Services ..................................................................20
3.4.4 Economic Activity..............................................................................................22
3.5 Predicted Environmental Impacts Principal Issues for Investigation .....................24

3.5.1 Positive Impacts/Expected Project Benefits ....................................................24

3.5.2 Principle Issues for Investigation........................................................................25
3.6 Stakeholders Analysis ...............................................................................................27

3.6.1 Aim of the stakeholder identification ..............................................................27

3.6.2 Objective of Stakeholder and Community Consultations .............................28
3.6.3 Conclusions on the Key Aspects ......................................................................29
3.7 Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan (EMMP) .................................29

3.8 Conclusions ...............................................................................................................29

4 References .......................................................................................................................30

ii
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 Pipe Network for Gravity Flow System from Proposed Abstraction point to
Rwengaaju Project Area ......................................................................................................... 5
Figure 3-1: Location of Kabarole District in Uganda ...........................................................11
Figure 3-2: Location of Busoro Sub-County in Kabarole District and the Rwengaaju Parish
.................................................................................................................................................12
Figure 3-3: Location of Rwengaaju Parish in Busoro Sub-County .......................................12
Figure 3-4: Natural Vegetation on the banks of River Mpanga ..........................................15
Figure 3-5: Mean Monthly Rainfall (1992 - 2012) at Kyembogo Meteorological Station
(00041' N, 030o20' E, 1500 m a.s.l) ...........................................................................................16
Figure 3-6: Images from the socio-economic survey done for the Rwengaaju Parish .....17
Figure 3-7: Images showing a banana plantation and the farm landscape within
Rwengaaju Parish ...................................................................................................................18
Figure 3-8: Cattle and goats kept by the residents of the Rwengaaju Parish ...................19
Figure 3-9: Villages of Rwengaju Parish .................................................................................20

List of Tables
Table 3-1 Site topology, rock type, weathering product and stability ...............................13
Table 3-2: Livestock Population in Rwengaaju Parish, Kabarole District ............................18
Table 3-3 Type of Materials Used for building Wall, Energy for Lighting and Cooking ......20
Table 3-4: Source of Income for Household .........................................................................22
Table 3-5: Annual Household Income ...................................................................................23
Table 3-6 Stakeholder Analysis...............................................................................................27

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Terms of Reference
Rwengaaju Model Village Irrigation Scheme in Kabarole District

Acronyms and Abbreviations

BA Beneficiary Assessment

DWD Directorate of Water Development

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EIS Environmental Impact Statement

ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

EMP Environmental Management Programme

FGD Focus Group Discussions

GoU Government of Uganda

GPS Global Positioning System

IUCN International Union for Conservation of nature

MDG Millennium Development Goals

MWE Ministry of Water and Environment

NDP National Development Plan

NEMA National Environmental Management Authority

NGO Non-Government Organisation

NSR Night Storage Reservoirs

NWSC National Water and Sewerage Corporation

PEAP Poverty Eradication Action Plan

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Terms of Reference
Rwengaaju Model Village Irrigation Scheme in Kabarole District

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Background

The water and sanitation sector in Uganda has evolved over the past 10 to 15 years
through several reforms and national instruments all geared towards increasing
efficiencies in implementation and effectiveness in delivery of services to the public. This
continuous change process has enabled appropriate adaptation of sector policies and
strategies to be incorporated into emerging national and international development
agenda including the country's Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP), now transformed
into the National Development Plan (NDP) and also aligned towards the achievement
of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Water use for irrigation is among the technical options for enhancement of Water for
Production in Uganda; however, there has been limited exploitation of this option.
Therefore, the Government of Uganda (GoU), through Ministry of Water and Environment
(MWE) is seeking to establish small irrigation schemes in the country. Under this, MWE
through the Directorate of Water Development (DWD) has secured funding towards
planning and establishing a small-scale irrigation scheme in Rwengaaju Parish in
Kabarole District.

Under the programme, the MWE shall meet the capital investment costs for the scheme
in addition to providing on-job training of key staff in all aspects of the scheme planning,
supervision and post construction management set-up. This will assist in increasing
sustainable water use to improve production.

1.2 Background and Purpose of an Environmental Impact Assessment

Section 19 (3) of the National Environment Act, CAP 153 of 1995 requires that all projects
or policies that may, are likely to or will have significant impacts on the environment
should be subjected to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) so that adverse impacts
can be eliminated or mitigated. Projects for which an EIA is mandatory are listed in the
third schedule of this Act.

This particular project is listed in the Third Schedule of the National Environment Act,
where an EIA is mandatory. The categories triggered by this project include:

Category 1- General

(a) An activity out of character with its surrounding; and

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Terms of Reference
Rwengaaju Model Village Irrigation Scheme in Kabarole District

(c) Major changes in land use.

Category 4 – Dams, Rivers and Water resources, including:

(a) Storage dams, barrages and weirs; and

(b) River diversions and water transfers between catchments.

The main purpose of this EIA is to evaluate the project and determine whether the
proposal can proceed without unacceptable environmental impacts. This will be
achieved by identifying any potentially significant risks of environmental impacts
occurring associated with the project and evaluating and suggesting the corresponding
safeguards or prevention/mitigation measures.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

EIAs are used as a planning tool to promote the integration of environmental concerns
into the project planning process at the earliest possible planning and design stages. This
helps provide management of the project with practical advice on the mitigation of any
potentially adverse environmental impacts of the project. The specific objectives of the
proposed EIA include the following;
• Describing the baseline environmental conditions of the project area and its
environs, including the bio-physical, social and cultural aspects, and to assess how
these conditions will be affected by the proposed irrigation project;
• Assess suitability of the area in relation to the proposed project components taking
into consideration environmental and socio-economic concerns by discussing
project alternatives;
• To identify all likely positive and negative environmental impacts emanating as a
result of the construction of required infrastructure and subsequent operation of
the scheme;
• To evaluate all significant negative environmental impacts and propose
appropriate environmentally sound mitigation measures and project alternatives;
and
• Compile an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), incorporating an
Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for all aspects of the development. This
will guide decision making and act as the basis for future monitoring of the project
by the project implementers and Environmental Management Authorities.

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Terms of Reference
Rwengaaju Model Village Irrigation Scheme in Kabarole District

1.4 The Environmental Impact Assessment Process

The International Association for Impact Assessment (1999) defines an EIA as, "the process
of identifying, predicting, evaluating and mitigating the biophysical, social, and other
relevant effects of development proposals prior to major decisions being taken and
commitments made."

The EIA process in Uganda is guided by regulations made in terms of Section 107 of the
National Environment Act Cap 153 of 1st May 1998. The EIA Regulations of 1998 set out
the procedures and criteria for the submission, processing and consideration of and
decisions on applications for the Certificate of Approval of projects.

The EIA process in Uganda is divided into three main phases, which are the Screening
Phase, the EIS Phase and the Decision Making Phase. A detailed description of the EIA
process in Uganda in general can be obtained from the “Guidelines for Environmental
Impact Assessment in Uganda” (NEMA, July 1997).

The proposed project is currently in the initial step of the Environmental Impact Study,
namely the EIS Phase which includes the project scoping. This report has been compiled
after the scoping exercise.

Scoping is conducted to determine the scope of work to be undertaken in assessing the

likely environmental impacts of proposed projects. The full involvement of key
stakeholders in the process ensures an open and participatory approach to the study. It
also ensures that all the impacts are identified and that planning and decision-making
are conducted in an informed, transparent and accountable manner. Therefore, an
important part of scoping is to define and inform participants/stakeholders (e.g.
potentially affected communities, relevant Government agencies, representatives of
other interested parties including Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), the private
sector and independent experts (including the general public) of the proposed project
and EIA process, as well as to identify issues and concerns that need to be addressed in
the Environmental Impact Study of the EIA process (i.e. set the Terms of Reference (ToR)
for conducting the study) and what alternatives should be considered.

1.5 Project Overview

The project is located in Rwengaaju Parish in Busoro Sub-County, Kabarole District, in

Western Uganda. Busoro Sub-County and Rwengaaju Parish in particular is about 6 km
from Fort-Portal Municipality. The parish of Rwengaaju was declared a model parish in
2008 by His Excellency the President of Uganda. The parish was identified as one which
can be developed into a commercial farming model for the rest of the country.
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Terms of Reference
Rwengaaju Model Village Irrigation Scheme in Kabarole District

Approximately 500 households have been taken on to commercial farming, however, in

the dry season the parish becomes water stressed. Irrigation is therefore necessary to
address the water deficiency in order to encourage continuous production throughout
the year and to provide water for livestock and domestic use. Rwengaaju Parish has an
area of 2750 ha and it is planned that every zone in the parish is to have at least one
watering point for animals within its locality.

A total of 2,294 households with an average of 4.8 persons per household and an
average landholding of 0.1 – 1.2 hectares distributed in 18 villages will benefit from the
proposed project and will include; Nsaho, Kidubuli, Kyatambasa, Buzinda, Kansenene,
Manihya, Kinyaibumba, Bukoni, Kyembogo, Kicuna A, Kicuna B, Kyakabaka, Bakeebwa,
Nyabwina, Katunguta, Top Hill, Mbagani and Rwengaaju.

1.5.1 Irrigation Design Options

Two options were considered for irrigation water supply to the Rwengaaju Model Parish
Irrigation Project.

• Option1 would involve gravitating water from the Upstream Catchment of the
River Mpanga in the Rwenzori Mountains to the Project area.

• Option 2 will involve pumping water from the River Mpanga near Fort-Portal Town
to the project area.

The two options were evaluated taking into considering the issue of sustainability as a
large volume of water is needed for irrigation as well as operational and maintenance
costs. Gravity water for irrigation from Rwenzori Mountains has minimum operational cost
since energy is provided by gravity while pumping raises the issue of sustainability.
According to the local technical staff, beneficiaries are reluctant or unable to pay for
the high energy demand. Therefore, development of the Rwengaaju Parish Irrigation
Project will be guided by Option 1.

1.5.2 Irrigation Infrastructure

The construction of Option 1 will include an intake structure, bulk water transfer from the
upstream catchment of River Mpanga in the Rwenzori Mountains to the project area,
construction of reservoirs at farm level and irrigation distribution system at farm level. The
water storage reservoirs are required to store water to provide reliable irrigation water
supply.

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Terms of Reference
Rwengaaju Model Village Irrigation Scheme in Kabarole District

The pipeline layout (Figure 1-1) shows the proposed intake point, upstream of the River
Mpanga in the Rwenzori Mountains. From this intake point there would be an 24.46 km
transmission pipeline to a reservoir at Kachope Hill with a head difference of 74 m and
secondary transmission pipelines to reservoirs on other hills in the project area namely
Kicuna, Kabagambe, and Bukoni. These hills are within elevation difference of 5 -10 m
with respect to Kachope hill top. The capacity of the three (3) tanks required will initially
be assumed to be the same.

Figure 1-1 Pipe Network for Gravity Flow System from Proposed Abstraction point to Rwengaaju
Project Area

The available dependable yield of River Mpanga was evaluated to only provide
sufficient irrigation for 50.7 ha using the runoff of the river. In order to irrigate more land, it
is important to use night storage. Night Storage Reservoirs (NSR) store water during times
when there is abstraction from the headwork’s but no irrigation. Rwengaaju Irrigation
Scheme has been designed to operate for 10 hours a day, 7 days a week, implying that
the flow in the river for the remaining 14 hours of the day can be stored and used to
irrigate more land in the project area, increasing the potential irrigation area to 152 ha
(50.7 ha from the dependable yield of River Mpanga and 101.3 ha from NSR).

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Terms of Reference
Rwengaaju Model Village Irrigation Scheme in Kabarole District

2 TERMS OF REFERENCE

2.1 Introduction
These terms of reference are prepared to give a framework for the proposed EIA study.
They describe the scope of work, approach to the EIA study, and methodology for
undertaking the study, expected outputs, EIA report content and the proposed EIA team.

2.2 Approach to the EIA study

2.2.1 Baseline Conditions Study

The relevant aspects of the existing environment will be identified and described to
provide a baseline for the identification and prediction of potential impacts which are
likely to arise from implementing the proposed project. Baseline environmental surveys
will be undertaken and relevant documents will be reviewed (and information
incorporated where appropriate) to determine the existing environmental conditions at
the project site and all surrounding areas likely to be affected by the project.

2.2.2 Impact Prediction

Individual aspect assessments will be undertaken in accordance with the relevant

guidelines. Quantitative and qualitative methods will be used to predict environmental
impacts during the implementation phases of the proposed project.

The methodologies to be used in the assessments have previously been applied in similar
EIA studies in Uganda. These methodologies have been accepted for use in assessing
environmental impacts under the available guidelines.

2.2.3 Impact Evaluation

The predicted changes and effects resulting from implementation of the proposed
project will be evaluated in accordance with the assessment criteria. Wherever
practicable and appropriate, quantitative assessments will be undertaken.

2.2.4 Impact Mitigation

Mitigation measures will be identified and evaluated to avoid, control, reduce, minimise
or remedy the impacts. The effectiveness of the proposed mitigation will be assessed and
discussed for implementation. An implementation schedule for the mitigation measures

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Terms of Reference
Rwengaaju Model Village Irrigation Scheme in Kabarole District

will be prepared, where each mitigation measure identifies when and where it is required,
and the parties responsible for its implementation.

2.2.5 Analysis of Alternatives

The various alternatives to the proposed development, both fundamental and

incremental, will be assessed in terms of both environmental acceptability as well as
economic feasibility during the EIA phase of the project. The alternative of not
undertaking the project will also be assessed and feasible options will be recommended.

2.3 Methodology

The consultancy team will undertake the task of the EIA for the proposed project by
clearly defining the assignment into a number of discrete activities. These activities will
facilitate development of a workable framework for the speedy and timely execution of
the assignment. The team will use a range of methods to accomplish the assignment,
include the following:

2.3.1 Field Visits

Field visits will be made by the consulting team to identify the baseline environmental
conditions of the proposed site. Existing flora, fauna, topography, geology, hydro-
geology, biodiversity, ecology of the project area and its environment and land use
activities in the neighbourhood likely to be affected by the proposed project activities
will be assessed. Onsite observation will be recorded with the use of a Global Positioning
System (GPS) and camera in order to capture site specifics and as pictorial evidence.

2.3.2 Consultation with Stakeholders

During the EIA study, consultations will be held with all relevant stakeholders including all
affected local community members, local leaders from lower Local Council I to Local
Council III, Kabarole District Officials, NEMA, MWE and interest groups and all other
relevant stakeholders will be conducted.

2.3.3 Desk Study/Literature Review

Literature will be reviewed to obtain background and baseline information on the

proposed project and the project area, the regulatory and institutional background

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Terms of Reference
Rwengaaju Model Village Irrigation Scheme in Kabarole District

relevant to the project as well as the environmental requirements. This will include an
intensive review of the District State of the Environment Report and the area profile,
environmental policies, regulations and standards related to the proposed development
and revision of documents submitted by the implementers/developer.

2.4 Compliance to Regulatory/Legal Requirements

The Environmental Impact Assessment will be consistent with the laws, regulations,
policies and guidelines which govern the conduct of Environmental Impact Assessment
in Uganda. Additionally, it will comply with all international obligations such as
conventions on environment for which Uganda is party to as well as all institutional
frameworks within Uganda. This includes, among others, the Environmental Impact
Assessment Regulations, 1998 and Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment in
Uganda, 1997.

Other laws and policies relevant to the proposed project will also be reviewed and
include, but are not limited to:

 The National Environment Act, Cap 153

 The National Environment (Waste Management) Regulations, 1999
 The EIA Regulations,1998
 The National Environment (Control of Noise) Regulations, 2003
 The Occupational safety and Health Act, 2006
 The Town and Country Planning Act, Cap 246
 The National Environment Management Policy, 1994
 The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995
 The Workers’ Compensation Act, 2000
 The Investment Code,1991
 The Land Act, 1998;
 The Water Act, 1995;
 The National Environment (Riverbanks, Lakeshores and Wetland) regulations, 2000;
 The National Environment (standards for discharge of effluent into water or on
land) Regulations, 1999;
 The Public Health Act, Cap 281; and
 Any other relevant laws.
2.5 Expected EIA Outputs
After the studies have been conducted, the following outputs will be reached:

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Terms of Reference
Rwengaaju Model Village Irrigation Scheme in Kabarole District

i. An Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan. This will be incorporated in

the EIS and will present the mitigation measures, in sufficient detail that they can
be incorporated into the criteria of Project design, construction and operation;
and
ii. An Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Assessment Report.
Copies of this report will be submitted to NEMA for review and consideration for
approval.

2.6 EIA Report Content

The consultant shall undertake the EIA and will produce an EIS, which will include:
1. An Executive Summary, stating the major findings of the study;
2. Background information including a description of the planned activities and
operations, scope of work, and methodology for undertaking the EIA study;
3. A review of relevant policies, laws, regulations and standards;
4. A description of the area baseline bio-physical and socio-economic environment,
services and infrastructure in relation to the project;
5. A Project description giving details of the proposed project activities including
components to be established, area of coverage, project influence on the social
economic status of the area and the anticipated future operations;
6. Public consultations and disclosure, outlining stakeholder concerns and
suggestions;
7. An analysis of alternatives, including a comparison of feasible alternatives for the
proposed project location, project activities and location of components within
the project area, technology, design, construction and post construction in terms
of their potential environmental impacts, their suitability under local conditions,
and the institutional and monitoring requirements;
8. An evaluation of potential impacts including their extent, magnitude and
possibility of occurrence and recommendation of appropriate mitigation
measures for the negative impacts;
9. Environmental management and monitoring plan for negative impacts;
10. Conclusions and Recommendations regarding project implementation and future
operations.

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Terms of Reference
Rwengaaju Model Village Irrigation Scheme in Kabarole District

2.7 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

One of the key deliverables of this study will be an environmental management and
monitoring plan which provides guidelines to the project proponent and the technical
team, including Contractors, on how best to implement the mitigation measures and
recommendations outlined in the EIS for both the construction and operational phase.
The study will outline the proposed environmental management and monitoring plan
that spells out the impact issues and effects, provides mitigation/enhancement
measures, the responsible parties involved in monitoring performance of the proposed
mitigation measures, frequency of monitoring and costs involved as well as capacity
building needs will be specified where possible.

2.8 The Proposed EIA Team

A team of certified environmental practitioners will undertake the studies to ensure
expected accomplishment of this task. The key resource persons will include the
following:
The consulting team shall consist of a multi-disciplinary team of specialists with vast
experience in the field of environment assessment namely;

 Water resources specialist- Team leader

 A Sociologist - Member
 Environmental Engineer - Member
 Environmental Scientist - Member

Contributing Members

 Civil engineer;
 Surveyor;
 Land economics expert; and
 Socio-economic expert.

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Scoping Report
Rwengaaju Model Village Irrigation Scheme in Kabarole District

3 SCOPING REPORT

3.1 Introduction

A scoping exercise was carried out to identify fundamental issues to be addressed during
the EIA process for the Rwengaaju Model Village Irrigation Scheme. It also involved the
identification and preliminary consultation of stakeholders. The people to consult were
selected on the basis of their closeness to the proposed site, their administrative
responsibility in the area and any other who is likely to, or whose activities are likely to be
affected by the proposed project.

3.2 Project Location

Rwengaaju Parish is located in Busoro Sub County, in Kabarole district, Western Uganda
(Figure 3-1). Kabarole District lies between Latitudes 00o 15” N and 10o 00” N and
Longitudes 30o 00” and 31o 15” E with an altitude range of 1300 – 1800 m. a.s.l. The District
is bordered by Ntoroko District to the North, Kyenjojo District to the East, Kamwenge
District to the Southeast, Kasese District to the South and Bundibugyo District, across the
Rwenzori Mountains to the West.

Busoro Sub-County and Rwengaaju Parish (Figure 3-2 and 3-3) in particular is about 6 km
from Fort-Portal Municipality and is divided into 18 villages, namely: Nsaho, Kidubuli,
Kyatambasa, Buzinda, Kansenene, Manihya, Kinyaibumba, Bukoni, Kyembogo, Kicuna
A, Kicuna B, Kyakabaka, Bakeebwa, Nyabwina, Katunguta, Top Hill, Mbagani and
Rwengaaju (Figure 3-5).

Kabarole District

Figure 3-1: Location of Kabarole District in Uganda

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Scoping Report
Rwengaaju Model Village Irrigation Scheme in Kabarole District

Rwengaaju Parish

Busoro Sub-county

Figure 3-2: Location of Busoro Sub-County in Kabarole District and the Rwengaaju Parish

Figure 3-3: Location of Rwengaaju Parish in Busoro Sub-County

3.3 Description of Baseline Environment

The baseline environment is site specific and will therefore need to be studied in detail
during the EIA process. The following sections provide an overview of the project site
topography, geology, soil type, natural vegetation and climate.

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Scoping Report
Rwengaaju Model Village Irrigation Scheme in Kabarole District

3.3.1 Topography and Geology

The project area is characterized by a hilly topography with an altitude of 1300-1800 m.

a.s.l. The geology has been reported to be mainly bedrock which consists of quartzite,
gneiss and mica schist of the Toro- and Basement complex systems (Table 3-1).
Geological divisions in Kabalore District show that 90% of the district is covered with black
loams (volcanic) while a few places, especially in Busoro and parts of Hakibaale sub
counties have red sandy clay loams occasionally aligned by soft laterites.

Table 3-1 Site topology, rock type, weathering product and stability

S/No. Site Topology Basement rock Weathering Remarks on

type product stability

1 Mpanga Gentle Cobbles and Sandy Flood deposits

River/Intake slope Foot Granite gneiss Clayey from uphill in
Site rainy seasons
Hilly Silty
materials

2 John Cosy Site Hilly Granite gneiss Reddish Very stable

brown owing to the
course coarse nature
gravel of materials

3 Kansenene Hilly Volcanic Limestone Limestone rock

Site limestone materials bed gives
stable situation
Volcanic rocks

4 Kicuna Site Hilly Granite gneiss Reddish Very stable

brown course
course material
gravel

3.3.2 Soils
Rwengaaju parish is characterized by deep black volcanic soils that extend down by
three metres.

The soil pH was found to range between 5.9 – 7.2 which is ideal for growth of a wide range
of crops. Furthermore, the soil textural classes were found to range between sandy loam

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Scoping Report
Rwengaaju Model Village Irrigation Scheme in Kabarole District

to sandy clay loam. These textural classes are easy to work with in terms of tillage and
they exhibit good physical properties, including water holding capacity and soil structure
although drainage would need to be improved through the application of organic
matter.

The soils in the sampled area can be described as light, porous and loose. Although the
soil is not typically susceptible to erosion due to the particle sizes, the hilly topography
may result in erosion if natural top vegetation is removed, resulting in heavy rains washing
the soil particles to the valley bottoms.

Soil profile Pit 1 (Dr. Kabagambe) Horizon Description

It is black (Grey 1, 2.5/N) and

moist, Loamy with granular soil
aggregates that are weakly
developed, friable, porous and
A imperfectly drained with
A
abundant (20-100 roots per ft2)
0-40 cm free growing small sized woody
and fibrous roots: The boundary
sharpness is clear with a smooth
B boundary regularity.

It is reddish black (10R 2.5/1) and

moist, sandy and gritty soil
C
aggregates that are weakly
B
developed, friable and porous. It is
40 -74 imperfectly drained with rare
cm (about 1-3 per ft2) free growing
D small sized roots that are fibrous in
nature. The boundary regularity is
wavy and the boundary sharpness
is clear.
C It is dusky red (2.5YR 3/2) and moist, sandy loam with granular soil aggregates
that are weakly developed, friable and porous. It is imperfectly drained with no
74 -104 cm
roots.

D It is reddish brown (2.5YR 5/4) and moist, sandy and gritty soil aggregates that are
weakly developed, friable and friable. It is imperfectly drained with no roots.
104-down

3.3.3 Natural Vegetation

The project area and the River Mpanga banks have small stretches of natural tree
vegetation (Figure 3-4). Woodlots of planted eucalyptus trees are commonly found
throughout the area.

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Scoping Report
Rwengaaju Model Village Irrigation Scheme in Kabarole District

Figure 3-4: Natural Vegetation on the banks of River Mpanga

The prominent nonagricultural vegetation species in the area consists of Euphorbia

tirucalli, scattered species of Accia albezasnia, Acathus epetensis, Makhania lutea and
Pannicum calandestenum, which naturally occur along the river banks. None of these
vegetation species is on the IUCN red list of endangered species.

Present day agricultural activities are having an adverse impact on the natural
vegetation and on the river. Cultivation of food and cash crops is done all the way up to
the river banks. In addition, the river bed and banks are heavily mined for both sand and
aggregates which are used for construction purposes.

3.3.4 Climatic Conditions

The climate of Kabarole District is characterized by temperatures averaging between 22o

– 25o C and rainfall ranging from 1,200 mm – 1,500 mm per annum. The district has
bimodal rainfall influenced by altitude. The area experiences water shortage during the
months of May to August and December to March when the reference
evapotranspiration exceeds the rainfall. It can also be observed that there is a high
potential of rainwater harvesting especially in the months where effective rainfall
exceeds the potential evapotranspiration (Figure 3-5).

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Scoping Report
Rwengaaju Model Village Irrigation Scheme in Kabarole District

250

200

150
Rainfall (mm)

100

50

0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Mean monthly Rainfall

Figure 3-5: Mean Monthly Rainfall (1992 - 2012) at Kyembogo Meteorological Station (00041' N,
030o20' E, 1500 m a.s.l)

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3.4 Socio-economic Environment

The Rwengaaju Parish is characterized by scattered rural type housing. The road network
comprises of mainly murram roads, most of which are in a poor condition. The majority of
the farmers within the project area are able to access the nearest market or trading
centre within a distance of one to five kilometers.
Crop farming is the dominant economic activity for the local communities in Rwengaaju
Parish with the most common crops being bananas, sweet potatoes, a variety of
vegetables, beans and cassava. Several households also engage in trade and other
services like transportation by motorcycles while other households practice livestock
rearing of mainly are cattle, pigs and goats in addition to crop farming.
As part of the Technical Appraisal Report a socio-economic survey was undertaken and
included 269 individual interviews. These interviews were conducted at the household
level, targeting heads as the primary respondents.

Figure 3-6: Images from the socio-economic survey done for the Rwengaaju Parish

3.4.1 Land Use (Farming and Agricultural Management Systems)

Kabarole district has three distinct agro-ecological zones i.e. North-Eastern zone, the
Middle zone and the Highland (Mountain) zone. The three different zones offer different
opportunities for commercial agriculture ranging from tea, dairy cattle, bananas, coffee,
apiary, and horticulture. Rwengaaju Parish lies in the middle agro-ecological zone.
The major crops grown in Rwengaaju Parish include: bananas, horticultural crops such as
tomatoes, cabbage, green pepper, onions, carrots, passion fruits and citrus, cassava,
potatoes, sweet potatoes, beans, and sorghum (Figure 3-7). For the first season planting
is normally carried out in Mid-February and harvesting occurs in June. For the second
season, planting is normally carried out in late August and harvesting occurs in December
and January.

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Livestock production is another important activity in Rwengaaju project area but

practiced on a small scale with dominant animals being cattle (dairy and local) are the
main livestock item but sheep, goats, pigs and poultry (chicken and duck) are
widespread too.

Figure 3-7: Images showing a banana plantation and the farm landscape within Rwengaaju
Parish

Data obtained from the surveys revealed that households within the Rwengaaju Parish
had an average of 2 cattle, 5 goats, 2 pigs and 4 chickens. Sheep were far fewer with an
average of 0.20 per household. Most of the livestock kept by the beneficiary households
was not for commercial purposes, with only 0.7% of the total surveyed income coming
from livestock. Similarly, no fishing activities were reported in the project area.
The estimated livestock population based on interaction with the District Veterinary
Officer of Kabarole District is shown in Table 3-2.

Table 3-2: Livestock Population in Rwengaaju Parish, Kabarole District

Livestock type Population in 2013*

Cattle (exotic) 913
Cattle (local) 905
Goat (exotic) 137
Goats (local) 2397
Sheep 101
Pigs 284
Poultry 3,000-5,000

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Figure 3-8: Cattle and goats kept by the residents of the Rwengaaju Parish

3.4.2 Population

In 2002, the population of Kabarole District was estimated at 356,900 with a population
growth rate estimated at 3.0% annually. It is estimated that in 2010, the population of
Kabarole District was approximately 452,100.

Rwengaaju Parish has an estimated population of 11,000 people covering a total area
of 2,750 ha with approximately 2,294 households. It was determined that each household
has an average of 4.8 persons and an average landholding of 0.1 – 1.2 hectares. There
are 18 villages within the Rwengaaju Parish, namely: Nsaho, Kidubuli, Kyatambasa,
Buzinda, Kansenene, Manihya, Kinyaibumba, Bukoni, Kyembogo, Kicuna A, Kicuna B,
Kyakabaka, Bakeebwa, Nyabwina, Katunguta, Top Hill, Mbagani and Rwengaaju (Figure
3-9).

Male headed households were predominant over female headed households indicating
a strong patriarchal society where a family as a key society structure is headed by males.
Cumulatively, 55.9% of the household heads reported to be aged below 45 years. By
implication, this is a young population with the potential for increased population
especially in the agricultural sector. A substantial proportion of the remaining household
heads were aged above 61 years which age bracket qualifies them to be categorized
as a vulnerable group with urgent need for special and targeted assistance.

Most of the households reported to have between 5 and 10 people, most of whom were
children in the age category of 5 years and below. These large household sizes have a

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significant correlation to high demand for water for domestic consumption and
agricultural production.

Figure 3-9: Villages of Rwengaju Parish

3.4.3 Existing Infrastructure and Services

Approximately 85% of the individuals surveyed reported to have used mud and pole as
the main material for the construction of walls of houses. Those that used bricks for the
construction of houses formed a smaller percentage of the population (Table 3-3).
Furthermore, paraffin kerosene wick lamp and paraffin were the main sources of energy
for lighting and firewood was the main source of energy for cooking.

Table 3-3 Type of Materials Used for the construction of houses and sources of energy for Lighting
and Cooking

Type of materials Frequency Percent

Bricks 40 14.9

Mud & poles 227 84.4

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Cement blocks 1 0.4

Other 1 0.4

Total 269 100.0

Energy for lighting

Grid Electricity 11 4.1

Solar 19 7.1

Paraffin/ kerosene lamp 71 26.4

Paraffin – wick lamp 166 61.7

Candles 1 0.4

Others 1 0.4

Total 269 100.0

Energy for cooking

Paraffin 1 0.4

Firewood 265 98.9

Others 2 0.7

Total 269 100.0

3.4.3.1 Health Care

The majority of the households stated that Kidubuli Health Care III was the nearest health
facility known in the project area. Other accessible and utilized health facilities included
Buhanda Hospital, Rwengaaju HC III and other private clinics. Most of the health facilities
are located further than one kilometre, although the residents reported accessing and
utilizing these health facilities regularly. Both self medication with the use of local herbs
and prescriptions given at the referral regional hospitals were reported to be used by the
community to treat conditions.

3.4.3.2 Access to Education

Few households have reported to be near to a primary school while most residents
reported that nearest primary school was located within a distance of one to two
kilometres. Similarly, majority of the secondary schools were observed to be within a

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distance of over 2 kilometres, resulting in children having to travel long distances to and
from the schools.

3.4.4 Economic Activity

It was reported that different households are involved in different activities as sources of
income. The majority of the households are involved in crop farming, followed by those
engaged in trading/business activities. Other mentioned sources of household income
included riding a Boda-boda and casual labor such as providing building services and
working as mechanics (Table 3-4).
Table 3-4: Source of Income for Household

Source of income Frequency Percent

Crop farming 154 57.7

Livestock production 18 6.7

Poultry 2 0.7

Salaried employee 7 2.6

Trading/business 45 16.9

None 6 2.2

Other (casual labour) 35 13.1

Total 267 100.0

Very few households in the project area indicated that they were involved in livestock
production and a small percentage of households reported to have no single source of
income.
Many households are engaged in mixed crop farming i.e. rearing animals on a small
scale along with crop farming. The most grown crops both for domestic and commercial
purposes include bananas, sweet potatoes, beans, cassava, tomatoes and Irish
potatoes. Other crops grown on small scale included groundnuts, maize, millet and
cabbage. Given that majority of the beneficiary households reported crop farming as
the major source of income, there is a predictably high demand for water for crop and
livestock production.

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Findings from the household socio-economic survey revealed that the majority of the
households were earning less than 500,000 UGX annually (Table 3-5), with very few
households earning more than two million UGX per annum.

Table 3-5: Annual Household Income

Household income in UGX Frequency Percent

Below 500,000 174 66.7

500,000-1 million 57 21.8

1-2 million 20 7.7

2-3 million 5 1.9

5 + million 5 1.9

Total 261 100.0

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3.5 Predicted Environmental Impacts Principal Issues for Investigation

A key part of the scoping process is preliminary identification and consideration of the
ways in which the project may interact, both positively and negatively with the
environmental and the socio-economic resources. The issues that are identified as
potentially significant during the scoping process provide focus for more detailed
specialist studies during the EIA. Each of the potential issues will be briefly described in this
section while the significance of any resulting impacts will be discussed and assessed in
more detail in the EIS.

The potential impacts on environmental and social resources arising from the proposed
development include direct and indirect impacts. Potential impacts will also be linked to
the different stages of the project which are identified as design, construction and
operation.

The following section describes potentially significant issues based on the preliminary
project site visit, discussions with the project team, issues and concerns raised by
stakeholders during the initial consultation process and available information about the
environmental effects of similar projects. While the positive impacts will be enhanced,
adequate mitigation measures will be provided for implementation to minimise, avoid,
or mitigate the identified negative impacts. A detailed mitigation plan upon which each
impact will be mitigated will be discussed in the EIS.

3.5.1 Positive Impacts/Expected Project Benefits

The anticipated positive impacts of the proposed project include the following:

 Improved food security through increased and better crop yields;

 Creation of jobs for the local population and youth thus reducing on the possible
urban migrations;
 Increased household income;
 Sustainable management of land and water;
 Reduced distance to water points for livestock;
 Employment creation through marketing of produce and agriculture inputs
distribution; and
 Reduced poverty levels.

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3.5.2 Principle Issues for Investigation

3.5.2.1 Construction/Development Phase

Environmental

 Deforestation;
 Vegetation cover loss;
 Cultivation on river banks resulting in loss of river bank integrity;
 Soil erosion, particularly on the river banks;
 Bush burning during the dry seasons;
 Wetlands destruction/Drainage;
 Potential upstream flooding;
 Solid Waste Management by burning used up chemical packs and Buveera;
 Challenges of solid disposal; and
 Effects of change of land use especially on vegetation, area drainage and
aquatic species.
Social

 Loss of Livelihood by those engaged in sand/aggregate mining along the river

channels;
 Land take issues;
 Impacts on the social environment such as noise and dust generation;
 Occupational health and safety hazards due to various construction activities at
the site;
 Improper disposal of sanitary /human waste from workers at the site; and
 Effect on the local social morals as a result of settlements by foreign people who
come looking for jobs leading to family breakups, diseases such as HIV/AIDS,
among others.

3.5.2.2 Operational Phase

Environment

 Solid waste management concerns especially organic waste from food residues;
 Over use of fertilizers which could leech into the river water and wetlands, resulting
in poor water quality downstream;
 Downstream water is likely to be polluted by the water discharge from the irrigated
fields;
 Increased water logging as a result of irrigation;

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 Water and energy consumption practices; and

 The effect (reduction) on the downstream river flow affecting downstream
ecological functions.
Social

 Increased challenge of pests and diseases due to elimination of dry periods that
act as natural disease cycle checks/breaks (natural disinfection);
 Overuse of herbicides and pesticides which could affect human health;
 Reduction of available land due to increased population;
 Effects of noise and vibrations from the machines to be used during operation,
especially generators and tractors;
 Lost land use opportunities for grazing and fishing;
 Increased fire and security risks;
 Occupational health and safety issues to especially workers; and
 Effect on the downstream water users, especially with possible changes in the
water levels.
The potential impacts listed above will be further investigated in the EIA and appropriate
mitigation and management measures will be suggested for better environmental
performance.

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3.6 Stakeholders Analysis

3.6.1 Aim of the stakeholder identification

The aim was to identify the different stakeholders with interest in the irrigation scheme.
The identified stakeholders included:

Table 3-6 Stakeholder Analysis

Stakeholder Interest
The district Supervisory role

Sub-county leaders Direct beneficiaries, supervise, O &M

Uganda National Roads Irrigation pipelines will cross national roads

Authority

Community members Some will give up their land and Participate on

implementation of the project.

This information helped to identify institutions that are relevant to this irrigation project.
The Community members were deemed to be the most important stakeholders who
required constant information in order to support the project. It is important to get
everyone on board for the success of the project.

3.6.1.1 Village/Community Meetings

These were the first activities undertaken in the community in order to enlist everyone’s
support for the project. These meetings allowed the Consultant to explain the purpose of
the project and clear any misunderstandings that may arise as the Consultants embark
on the task. The community meetings were conducted to allow the team to describe
existing problems and their priorities and aspirations under the proposed project.

3.6.1.2 Structured Interview Schedule

This was a pre-coded interview schedule administered at household level. A total

of 269 questionnaires were completed in the 18 villages of Rwengaaju parish. The
questionnaire targeted either the head of the household or the spouse and
captured data on demographics, occupation and income; living conditions and

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households utilities; water. Fourteen households were randomly selected from

every village where household heads or their spouses were interviewed with the
household questionnaire. This information was used for the scoping phase to
assess the socio-economic environment of the project area.

3.6.1.3 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)

Focus Group Discussions are a rapid way to collect comparative data from a variety of
stakeholders. The meetings helped to address particular concerns in the proposed
project, such as:

 building community consensus about implementation plans;

 cross-checking information with a large number of people; and
 obtaining reactions to hypothetical or intended actions.

3.6.1.4 Beneficiary Assessment

A Beneficiary Assessment (BA) was undertaken to systematically investigate the

perceptions of a sample of beneficiaries and other stakeholders to ensure that their
concerns were heard and incorporated into the proposed project.

3.6.1.5 Participant Observations

Participant observations enabled the collection of qualitative data to develop an in-

depth understanding of peoples' motivations and attitudes towards the proposed
project. This was based on looking, listening, asking questions and keeping detailed field
notes. Observations helped to confirm some of the responses given, especially in the
questionnaire.

3.6.2 Objective of Stakeholder and Community Consultations

The main objective of the stakeholder consultations, at this stage was to introduce the
project to the stakeholders and to gather their views on the proposed project and to
discuss project challenges and mitigation measures with the different stakeholders and
community members. Consultations with the community ensure project reception in the
area and easy conflict resolution. It can also form the basis for future collaboration and
partnerships.

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3.6.3 Conclusions on the Key Aspects

Having engaged the various stake holders during the consultation exercise, the major
concerns/issues/fears the stake holders raised included the following;

 Need to establish an irrigation facility committee which should be trained by the

project;
 Fear of misappropriation of funds contributed by members by the irrigation
committee;
 Fear of some communities being left out in water distribution; and
 Fear that the pipe layout may traverse people’s land without consent.

3.7 Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan (EMMP)

An Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan (EMMP) for implementation of

mitigation measures and ensuring environmental compliance will be developed. Having
identified the likely impacts, the various indicators of such impacts will be listed, mitigation
measures developed, and a monitoring schedule for the developer and
stakeholders/lead agencies formatted.

3.8 Conclusions

Water use for irrigation is imperative for enhancing the Water for Production in Uganda.
The establishment of small irrigation schemes around the country will increase the annual
crop production of Uganda and assist by increasing income for many local communities.

The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) will allow for sustainable
development of the Rwengaaju Model Irrigation Scheme in Rwengaaju Parish, in
Kabarole District, so as not to negatively impact or deplete the available natural
resources. Additionally, the ESIA will consider all social implication of this project before
development commences.

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4 References

ILISO Consulting (Pty) Ltd. October, 2013. Final Inception Report: Consultancy Services for
Detailed Design of Rwengaaju Model Village Irrigation Scheme in Kabarole District
[Procurement Reference Number: MWE/SRVCS/12-13/01566].

ILISO Consulting (Pty) Ltd . April, 2014. Final Technical Appraisal Report – Irrigation:
Consultancy Services for Detailed Design of Rwengaaju Model Village Irrigation Scheme
in Kabarole District [Procurement Reference Number: MWE/SRVCS/12-13/01566].

ILISO Consulting (Pty) Ltd . June, 2014. Final Detailed Design Report: Consultancy Services
for Detailed Design of Rwengaaju Model Village Irrigation Scheme in Kabarole District
[Procurement Reference Number: MWE/SRVCS/12-13/01566]

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