Search

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) is mandated to establish, promote the development, strategically manage and safeguard the rational and sustainable exploitation and utilization of energy, including renewable energy, and mineral resources for social and economic development, while the legal and regulatory framework governing petroleum exploration and production includes the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, Chapter 150 of the Laws of Uganda 2000; the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) (Conduct of Exploration Operations) Regulations, 1993; production sharing agreements (PSAs); and various environment, wildlife, water statutes and guidelines

In order to deter illegal fishing and trade in immature fish, in 2010 Uganda supplemented the Fish Act (1951) with the Fish Rules contain provisions on prohibited nets and fishing methods, the landing and disposal of fish, and licences, permits, and fees

The 2011 National Forest Plan (NFP) emphasizes sustainable development through the preservation of natural resources such as forests and wetlands

Production of organic coffee is increasing, with production of 3.2 million bags expected in 2011, while cocoa is regarded as a high-value, environmentally friendly export crop

Uganda faces a number of challenges in its agriculture sector: a rapidly expanding population; unsustainable farming practices, leading to environmental degradation and soil erosion; declining crop yields, in part attributable to low use of fertilizer; inadequate pest and disease control, in addition to climate change

The National Development Plan (2010/2011-2014/2015) identified eight strategic objectives, including promoting sustainable population and use of the environment and natural resources

Standards dealing with, inter alia, chemicals and environment, and energy management, are prepared by Technical Committees (TCs) composed of consumers, traders, academicians, manufacturers, Government, and other stakeholders, while the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has adopted ISO standards as Ugandan Standards, such as ISO 14000 for environmental management systems

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives has the main responsibility for formulating and implementing trade policy, although other ministries involved include the ministries of Animal Industry and Fisheries; and Water and Environment

Uganda's main SPS-related legislation includes, among other things, the Plant Protection Act (1964), the Seeds and Plant Act No. 3 of 2007, and the Agricultural Chemicals (Control) Act No. 1 of 2007, with standards for organic products are controlled by the private-sector agency, UGACERT, while other food-related legislation pending and in various stages of development includes: regulations for the Agricultural Chemicals (Control) Act, which would separate the regulation of pesticides from fertilizers to address food-safety concerns about pesticide residues along the food chain, and the draft Biosafety Act and Regulations, pertaining to GMOs

Second-hand cars of eight years or older are subject to 25% import duty, 18% VAT, 6% withholding tax, and an environmental levy at 20%