Uganda boasts a number of wetlands that have been listed as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar convention. All these sites are recognized by BirdLife International as Important Bird Areas as well as providing a vital habitat for other threatened plants and animals.
Two of these wetlands are found within Uganda’s national parks:
Lake Mburo-Nakivali Wetland System, Lake Mburo National Park
This unique habitat lies at the convergence of two biological zones, giving it very high biodiversity. It supports globally threatened species of birds such as the Papyrus Yellow Warbler and Shoebill, and two of the endangered cichlid fish species which have become extinct in the main lakes. It is the only area in Uganda in which the impala is found.
Murchison Falls-Albert Delta Wetland System, Murchison Falls National Park
The site stretches from the top of Murchison Falls to the delta at its confluence with Lake Albert. The delta forms a shallow area that is important for water birds, especially the shoebill, pelicans, darters and various heron species. It is also an important spawning and breeding ground for Lake Albert fisheries, containing indigenous fish species, and it forms a feeding and watering refuge for wildlife during dry seasons.
Other Ramsar sites:
Eastern/Northeastern Uganda:
- Lake Bisina Wetland System
- Lake Nakuwa Wetland System
- Lake Opeta Wetland System
Lake Victoria Region:
- Sango Bay-Musambwa Island-Kagera Wetland System (SAMUKA)
- Nabajjuzi Wetland System
- Lutembe Bay Wetland System
- Mabamba Bay Wetland System