NILE EQUATORIAL LAKES SUBSIDIARY ACTION PROGRAM

(NELSAP)

KAGERA RIVER BASIN MANAGEMENT PROJECT

DETAILED IDENTIFICATION STUDIES FOR POTENTIAL LARGE DAMS IN THE

KAGERA BASIN

FINAL REPORT

(Volume I)

PREPARED BY
Eng. Dr. Henry K. Ntale

November, 2012
 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background
The Kagera basin is characterized by low-productive peasant agriculture, endemic poverty,
and extensive land degradation caused by population pressure and deforestation, and
increasing water scarcity. Water scarcity and growing food insufficiency are some of the
major issues facing the Kagera river basin and the situation is expected to get worse as the
population increases and as demand by the different water use sectors out-matches the
existing supply and is exacerbated by the imminent effects of climate change. A
multipurpose water resources development project with a focus on storage for energy,
irrigation and other uses is thus conceived to address issues related to water, food and
energy security within the basin. Some potential dam sites have been identified in earlier
rapid identification studies and their suitability shall be further investigated by the individual
consultant. The Consultant shall be required to make detailed appraisal of 9 large 1 dam
sites, and subsequently prepare their preliminary designs and cost estimates.

Objective of the Assignment

The overall objective of this study was to undertake detailed identification studies for nine
potential large dam sites within the Kagera Basin and prepare produce Initial
Environmental and Social Evaluation (IESE) report as well as technical reports on nine
sites in Kagera River Basin spread in the three partner states of Burundi, Rwanda and
Uganda.

The Initial Environmental and Social Examination

An Initial Environmental and Social Examination (IESE) or Scoping was undertaken on all
the 9 potential large multi-purpose dams as part of the detailed identification studies. The
overall objective of the IESE was to analyse potential adverse environmental impacts
arising from site selection, design, construction, and operation of the Project. The IESE has
been prepared to meet the requirements of the National Environment Management
Authority (NEMA) Uganda as well as NELSAP requirements. In addition, the study also
made reference to Sida’s Guidelines for the Review of Environmental Impact Assessments
of 2002 as well as the World Bank Safeguard policies which have all informed the
preparation of this IESE.

Focus of IESE Study

Preliminarily, the IESE study covered the following:
o provision of information about the general environmental and social settings of the
project areas as baseline data;
o provision of information on the potential impacts of the project and the characteristic of
the impacts, magnitude, distribution, who will be the affected group(s), and their
duration;
o provision of information on the potential mitigation measures to minimize the impacts;
o establishing the existing social and economic profiles for the probable areas of project
influence, which profiles included but was not be limited to: existing demographics and
trends, social setting and structures, economic activities and livelihoods, level of

1 Large dams, as defined by the World Bank Environmental and Social Safeguards OP 4.37

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 access to safe water and sanitation and electricity, current water uses and demands;
and Identification and justification of the potential water uses/demands for the site.
These have helped to produce a socio-economic and environmental profile of the project
areas with amongst others.

Technical assessment of the sites

The study reviewed and analyse existing hydro-meteorological data and used it to
delineate the contributing catchments for each of the 9 proposed sites. The catchment
characteristics such as area, slope, soil type, and land cover for each site were
established. Water availability (annual catchment runoff) at each site based on rainfall-
runoff modelling was computed. The reservoir storage capacity (with a volume-depth-
surface area relationship); the dead and active dam storage volumes, the reservoir area for
inundation at maximum flood level were all established at each site. The study grappled
with the difficult subject of sediment transport at the various sites and established the
sediment yield rates using the suitable empirical relationships.

The reservoirs volumes and areas as well as people to be affected for the respective nine
sites are shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Reservoir characteristics for the proposed dam sites

Property Reservoir Reservoir Catchment Potential number of
Capacity m3 Area (km2) Area (km2) people to be relocated
Kabuyanda 10.0 1.2 109.04 0
Kagitumba 26.3 2.8 712 751
Muvumba 108.7 7.1 956.12 1435
Akanyaru 333.9 14.9 1727.79 8450
R.Mbarara 9.9 1.6 30.69 1130
Upper Ruvubu 110.3 6.8 440 3327
Ruvyironza 372.6 15.0 1998.91 8580
R. Gashayura 20.4 2.8 159.23 740
R. Kavuruga 10.9 1.9 135.6 630

Water requirements and demands for the different multipurpose uses were computed;
irrigation command areas the sites were established and their maps developed. The
hydropower potential at each site was quantified [where applicable]; drawings of the
conceptual designs and dam profiles were produced for each site. Table 2 below shows
these potential various dam uses.

Table 2: Potential Irrigation areas, Hydropower Potential and No of people to benefit from
water supply from the dams
Population affected

Location Irrigation Water Supply Electricity

Command No of No of Year 2012 Year 2016 Year 2041 Year 2062 Annual Population Household
area (ha) farmers people fed Energy served s served
(GWh)
Upper Ruvubu 8,137 16,275 81,374 154,613 171,999 334,802 585,824 31 208,667 34,778
Ruvironza 14,674 29,348 146,739 264,531 294,278 572,822 1,002,303 241 1,606,667 267,778
Akanyaru 12,474 24,948 124,740 614,202 683,585 1,330,007 2,340,902 127 846,667 141,111
Kagitumba-Maziba 178 356 1,780 46,728 53,002 101,186 225,716 102 680,000 113,333
Muvumba 10,000 20,000 100,000 29,788 33,267 64,503 118,494 25 168,667 28,111
R. Kavurungu 452 903 4,517 47,764 53,136 103,430 180,978 - - -
R. Gashayura 1,212 2,425 12,124 170,720 189,918 369,682 646,856 - - -
R. Mbarara 489 978 4,889 79,783 88,754 172,763 302,295 - - -
Kabuyanda 4,203 8,407 42,033 69,753 79,119 151,044 336,934 1 6,000 1,000

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Preliminary costs
For the preparation of the preliminary costs, quantities of the dam structure and
appurtenances were estimated from the site maps and proven formulae. The unit rates
were derived basing on current rates in dam construction within the East African region. A
15% contingency was included as part of the project costs, along with another 10% as
consultancy fees for both the design and supervision of the construction. Table 3 below
gives a summary of the costs for the proposed dam sub-projects.

Table 3 Summary Costs of the proposed dam sub-projects

Dam site Type of Dam Dam Reservoir Cost of Dam
height, Capacity Million US$
(m) Million m3
Kabuyanda Earth Dam 20.0 10.0 13.3
Kagitumba Concrete Gravity 20.5 26.3 32.1
Muvumba Earth Dam 43.0 108.7 104.3
Akanyaru Rock fill 52.0 333.9 92.0
Mbarara Earth Dam 19.0 9.9 10.9
Upper Ruvubu Concrete Gravity 45.5 110.3 70.0
Ruvyironza Composite Earth Fill 58.9 372.6 137.3
Gashayura Earth Dam 19.0 20.4 17.2
Kavuruga Earth Dam 19.5 10.9 12.4

Ranking of dam sub-projects

The following multi-criteria matrix was developed to guide evaluation and ranking of the
different dam sub-projects:
(i) Reservoir Capacity
(ii) Water Storage/earth ratio,
(iii) Irrigation command area
(iv) Hydropower potential
(v) Water Supply
(vi) Cost of sub-projects
(vii) Environmental considerations

The ranking indicated that the Kanyaru subproject shared between Rwanda and Burundi
should be given the highest priority among the nine dam sites while Kavuruga should be
ranked the least. The Kavuruga site surprisingly has excellent environmental scores but
registers poor scores in other areas, due in part by its close proximity to the Kayanza
hydropower reservoir/dam complex 5 km downstream on the river.

Preliminary Cost Benefit analysis was carried out for the sites. The principal outcome of
this assessment was that apart from Kavurungu site, the net present value of benefits
accrued over the project lives of all reservoir sites are higher than the net present value of
costs. The viability of Kavurungu site is impacted by the existence of another reservoir only
4 km downstream from the proposed site which limits the irrigation command area.
Kabuyanda site has the highest B/C ratio while those of Upper Ruvubu, Ruvironza,
Akanyaru, and Kagitumba are also high

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Conclusions:
The following conclusions arise from the study:
1. The proposals to develop multi-purpose dams seeks to ensure efficient and
optimal use of water resources in light of changing environmental and social
parameters;
2. Some of the sub-projects are on the same river separated by a distance of less
than 20km. The Kagitumba and Muvumba can properly co-exist on the same river
because the water use emphasis of each subproject is different. However, the
situation is not clear with Mbarara and Upper Ruvubu sites which are separated by
about 6 km only. Further hydrology modelling is necessary to investigate the
suitability of the multiple sites to co-exist on the same river system
3. Seven of the nine proposed dam sites present no major negative impacts.
However, attention is drawn to Kabuyanda site which is located inside Rwoho
Central Forest Reserve at the same time, Rwoho CFR is one of the CDM sites
being implemented in collaboration with the communities, therefore, details on
implementation modalities for the project on this site need to be explored before it
is confirmed as a candidate area.
4. The Ruvyironza reservoir would inundate a major high way and also flood lots of
settlements. Hence it has considerable negative impacts despite its technical
suitability of the site in terms of site geometry and available water resources.
5. It is evident that, the proposed multi-purpose dams will have a wide range of
positive economic impacts to the immediate communities, partner states and their
sectors;
6. The dams will go a long way to supplement sectoral efforts towards sustainable
development and poverty eradication through improved household incomes and
food security;
7. It is recognized that, the proposed dams will all be located on the River Kagera
system which supports a large part of population in the region and are all multi-
purpose in nature. Despite this, there are a number of potentially significant and
unknown negative environmental and social impacts associated with the projects
that need to established and responsive mitigation measures instituted before
undertaking to implement the projects; and
8. The study concludes that the significance of some predicted environmental
impacts and uncertainties about the compatibility of multiple site developments on
the same river systems demonstrate the need for a full Environmental Impact
Assessment and feasibility studies.

Recommendations
1. The dam projects will be multipurpose types serving water supply, electricity
generation and irrigation and each of these has set of activities with their own
impacts which will be in the same ecosystem. It is therefore noted that, there will
be need to put in place multi-stakeholder committees to over-see implementation
and general compliance of project works with environmental and social
requirements as enshrined in the line polices and laws in partner states;
2. Additional studies and consultations need to be instituted with regard to
appropriateness of Kabuyanda site since it inside a protected area (Rwoho CFR);

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3. Staff gauges should be placed at the selected sites to start monitoring the
discharge as soon as possible. The collected data will be used to augment the
already existing data for those rivers that are gauged upstream or downstream of
the site location. For the ungauged rivers such as Gashayura, early placement of
the discharge station will prove very valuable in a few months time when further
downstream studies commence.
4. Recognizing the importance of an accurate assessment of current sediment loads
to the planning of reservoirs, it would be prudent to carry out observations of
sediment concentration in the rivers at the proposed dam sites during at least one
flood season.
5. The implementation of the nine sub-projects should take cognizance of lessons
learned from other trans-boundary water resources management frameworks.
These should include the need to have focused missions; the need for autonomy
and impartiality; the need to have high level of political support; the need to focus
on common crosscutting issues of immediate challenges; the need to avoid areas
of conflict with governments; the need to have full stakeholder participation at all
stages of project implementation; the need to build reliable funding mechanisms;
the need to build on existing institutions and the need to build transparent systems
of sharing information, costs and benefits.
6. To ensure that, the life span and the capacity of the dams are guaranteed in line
with their design capacities, there is need to institute integrated watershed
management measures in order to address amongst others, potential erosion and
siltation concerns. This can be achieved through better farming methods, agro-
forestry, water conservation measures and sanitation practices which should all be
part of the overall project costings.

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 Table of Contents

1 General Overview of the Assignment ..................................................................... 1

1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Project Rationale and Origin .............................................................................. 1
1.3 Study Objective .................................................................................................. 2
1.4 Scope of Services .............................................................................................. 2
1.5 Expected Outputs of the study ........................................................................... 2
1.6 Arrangement of this report ................................................................................. 4

2 Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework ............................................................. 5

2.1 Burundi Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework ............................................. 5
2.2 Uganda Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework ............................................ 7
2.3 Rwanda Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework ............................................ 9
2.4 World Bank Safeguard Policies ........................................................................ 12
2.5 Consideration of the Transboundary aspects of the proposed infrastructure ... 13

3 Overview of the methodology adopted for the IESE of the nine sites ............... 16
3.1 Project Approach.............................................................................................. 16

4 IESE and Technical assessment of the dam sites ............................................... 19

4.1 Kabuyanda Dam Site ....................................................................................... 19
4.2 Kagitumba-Maziba Dam Site............................................................................ 43
4.3 Muvumba Dam Site.......................................................................................... 67
4.4 Akanyaru Dam Site .......................................................................................... 87
4.5 Mbarara Dam Site .......................................................................................... 112
4.6 Upper Ruvubu Dam Site ................................................................................ 134
4.7 Ruvyironza Dam Site ..................................................................................... 155
4.8 Gashayura Dam Site ...................................................................................... 177
4.9 Kavuruga Dam Site ........................................................................................ 199

5 Preliminary Economic analysis and ranking of the dam sub-projects ............ 223
5.1 Background .................................................................................................... 223
5.2 Preliminary costs ............................................................................................ 224
5.3 Ranking of dam sub-projects.......................................................................... 225
5.4 Cost Benefit Analysis ..................................................................................... 232

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6 Conclusions and recommendations ................................................................... 245
6.1 Ranking of dam sub-projects.......................................................................... 245
6.2 Conclusions ................................................................................................... 245
6.3 Recommendations ......................................................................................... 246

References ..................................................................................................................... 248

Annex 1: Summary of the consultative meetings held for the entire 9 dam sites ... 250

Annex 2: Draft ToRs for the Feasibility Study of the proposed 9 multi-purpose dam
sites 257

Annex 3: Draft ToRs for the ESIA study of the proposed 9 multi-purpose dam sites
269

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 List of Figures

Figure 1.6-1 Location of the proposed dam sites ................................................................................... 3

Figure 4.1-1 Kabuyanda Site location .................................................................................................. 20
Figure 4.1-2 Kabuyanda catchment mean monthly rainfall and potential evaporation.......................... 21
Figure 4.1-3 Geological Map of South Western Uganda (Source: ESIA Ishaka-Kagamba Road
Project, 2010-UNRA) ............................................................................................................... 21
Figure 4.1-4 Map of Uganda with all Central Forest Reserves. Dark arrow shows location of Rwoho
CFR (Source: NFA, 2006) ....................................................................................................... 24
Figure 4.1-5: Daily flow variation: Kabuyanda ...................................................................................... 29
Figure 4.1-6 Kabuyanda Mean monthly flow variation .......................................................................... 30
Figure 4.1-7: Plot of Kabuyanda reservoir surface elevation versus reservoir surface area ................. 31
Figure 4.1-8: Plot of Kabuyanda reservoir surface elevation versus reservoir volume ......................... 31
Figure 4.1-9 Kabuyanda Reservoir at 1362m above sea level ............................................................. 33
Figure 4.1-10 Kabuyanda command area ............................................................................................ 36

Figure 4.2-1 Kagitumba Maziba Catchment ......................................................................................... 44

Figure 4.2-2 Kagitumba catchment mean monthly rainfall and potential evaporation........................... 45
Figure 4.2-3 Age Distribution in the Kagitumba project area ................................................................ 47
Figure 4.2-4 Religious groups in the Kagitumba project area ............................................................... 48
Figure 4.2-5 Land tenure modes in the Kagitumba project area........................................................... 48
Figure 4.2-6 Common Diseases in the Kagitumba project area ........................................................... 50
Figure 4.2-7 Summaries of water information in the Kagitumba project area ....................................... 51
Figure 4.2-8 Main sources of energy for cooking, Kagitumba project area........................................... 51
Figure 4.2-9: Daily flow variation, River Nyakizumba ........................................................................... 54
Figure 4.2-10 Mean monthly flow variation, R. Nyakizumba................................................................. 54
Figure 4.2-11: Plot of reservoir surface elevation versus reservoir surface area, Kagitumba project ... 55
Figure 4.2-12: Plot of reservoir surface elevation versus reservoir volume, Kagitumba project ........... 56
Figure 4.2-13 Kagitumba Maziba Reservoir at 1788m above sea level................................................ 57
Figure 4.2-14: Lognormal fit to annual maximum data, R. Nyakizumba ............................................... 58

Figure 4.3-1 Muvumba catchment monthly rainfall and potential evaporation variation ....................... 69
Figure 4.3-2: Daily flow variation .......................................................................................................... 74
Figure 4.3-3 Mean monthly flow variation ............................................................................................. 74
Figure 4.3-4: Plot of reservoir surface elevation versus reservoir surface area, Muvumba project ...... 75
Figure 4.3-5: Plot of reservoir surface elevation versus reservoir volume, Muvumba project ............... 75
Figure 4.3-6 Muvumba Reservoir at 1415m above sea level ............................................................... 77
Figure 4.3-7 Muvumba Command area ................................................................................................ 81

Figure 4.4-1 Kanyaru Catchment contributing to the reservoir ............................................................. 88

Figure 4.4-2 Climatic Regions of Burundi (Source: NAPA for Burundi, 2005) ...................................... 89
Figure 4.4-3: Akanyaru mean monthly rainfall and potential evaporation variation .............................. 90
Figure 4.4-4: Daily flow variation, River Kanyaru.................................................................................. 97
Figure 4.4-5: Mean monthly flow variation, River Kanyaru ................................................................... 98
Figure 4.4-6: Flow duration curve, River Kanyaru ................................................................................ 98
Figure 4.4-7: Plot of reservoir surface elevation versus reservoir surface area, Kanyaru project ......... 99
Figure 4.4-8: Plot of reservoir surface elevation versus reservoir volume, Kanyaru project ................. 99
Figure 4.4-9 Kanyaru Reservoir at 1412m above sea level ................................................................ 101
Figure 4.4-10 Kanyaru Command area .............................................................................................. 106

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Figure 4.5-1 Mbarara and Upper Ruvubu Catchments (The Mbarara sub catchment is in the right
top corner) ............................................................................................................................. 113
Figure 4.5-2 Mbarara catchment mean monthly rainfall and potential evaporation ............................ 115
Figure 4.5-3 Mean monthly flow variation ........................................................................................... 121
Figure 4.5-4: Plot of reservoir surface elevation versus reservoir surface area, Mbarara project ....... 122
Figure 4.5-5: Plot of reservoir surface elevation versus reservoir volume, Mbarara project ............... 122
Figure 4.5-6 Mbarara Reservoir at 1659.5m above sea level ............................................................. 124
Figure 4.5-7 Mbarara Command area ................................................................................................ 129

Figure 4.6-1: Upper Ruvubu catchment mean monthly rainfall and potential evaporation .................. 135
Figure 4.6-2 Upper Ruvubu Dam Axis Options .................................................................................. 138
Figure 4.6-3: Daily flow variation, Upper Ruvubu River ...................................................................... 139
Figure 4.6-4: Mean monthly flow variation, Upper Ruvubu River ....................................................... 140
Figure 4.6-5: Upper Ruvubu reservoir surface elevation versus reservoir surface area ..................... 141
Figure 4.6-6: Upper Ruvubu reservoir surface elevation versus reservoir volume ............................. 141
Figure 4.6-7: Upper Ruvubu Reservoir ............................................................................................... 143
Figure 4.6-8 Upper Ruvubu Command area ...................................................................................... 150

Figure 4.7-1 Ruvyironza Catchment ................................................................................................... 156

Figure 4.7-2 Ruvyironza catchment mean monthly rainfall and potential evaporation ........................ 157
Figure 4.7-3: Ruvyironza Daily flow variation ..................................................................................... 163
Figure 4.7-4 Ruvyironza Mean monthly flow variation ........................................................................ 164
Figure 4.7-5: Plot of Ruvyironza reservoir surface elevation versus reservoir surface area ............... 164
Figure 4.7-6: Plot of Ruvyironza reservoir surface elevation versus reservoir volume ....................... 165
Figure 4.7-7 Ruvyironza Reservoir at 1527m above sea level ........................................................... 166
Figure 4.7-8 Ruvyironza Command area............................................................................................ 170

Figure 4.8-1 Gashayura Catchment ................................................................................................... 178

Figure 4.8-2: Gashayura catchment mean monthly rainfall and potential evaporation ....................... 179
Figure 4.8-3: Gashayura Daily flow variation ...................................................................................... 185
Figure 4.8-4: Gashayura Mean monthly flow variation ....................................................................... 186
Figure 4.8-5: Gashayura Flow duration curve .................................................................................... 186
Figure 4.8-6: Plot of Gashayura reservoir surface elevation versus reservoir surface area ............... 187
Figure 4.8-7: Plot of Gashayura reservoir surface elevation versus reservoir volume ........................ 187
Figure 4.8-8 Gashayura Reservoir at 1555 m above sea level........................................................... 189
Figure 4.8-9 Gashayura Command area ............................................................................................ 192

Figure 4.9-1 Kavuruga Catchment ..................................................................................................... 200

Figure 4.9-2: Kavuruga catchment mean monthly rainfall and potential evaporation ......................... 201
Figure 4.9-3: Kavuruga Daily flow variation ........................................................................................ 209
Figure 4.9-4: Kavuruga Mean monthly flow variation ......................................................................... 210
Figure 4.9-5: Kavuruga Flow duration curve....................................................................................... 210
Figure 4.9-6: Plot of Kavuruga reservoir surface elevation versus reservoir surface area .................. 211
Figure 4.9-7: Plot of Kavuruga reservoir surface elevation versus reservoir volume .......................... 211
Figure 4.9-8 Kavuruga Reservoir at 1403 m above sea level ............................................................. 212
Figure 4.9-9 Kavuruga Command area .............................................................................................. 215
Figure 4.9-10: Ground profile at dam site. Stations measured from left flank towards right flank ....... 216

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 List of Plates

Plate 4.1-1 Papyrus section on the River. Note the pine trees on the background. Communities
harvest papyrus for handcrafts from this part of the River. ...................................................... 25
Plate 4.1-2 White arrows shows part Rwoho CFR planted with Pines and is likely to be inundated
once the dam is constructed. ................................................................................................... 25
Plate 4.1-3 Sections of the neighboring communities with bananas .................................................... 26

Plate 4.2-1 Sections of the River Nyakizumba with some relic riverine forest patches of Acacia and
Elephant grass......................................................................................................................... 46
Plate 4.2-2 Grazing lands along sections of the River Nyakizumba ..................................................... 46
Plate 4.2-3 Some of the water sources shared by communities and livestock ..................................... 51
Plate 4.3-1 A section of the Muvumba River 2km upstream of the proposed site ............................... 69
Plate 4.3-2 (a) A section of the river towards the project site. Note the nature of state of the
vegetation typically overgrazed; and (b) Banana cultivation in the project area. Note their
good and healthy state an indication of good and fertile soils.................................................. 70

Plate 4.3-3 (a) The area has shortage of wood fuel. Note white arrows pointing at the tree barks
collected for cooking purpose; and (b) Part of Eucalyptus/Gerevalia plantation forest north
of the site ................................................................................................................................. 71
Plate 4.3-4 (a) Watering of livestock close in the proposed project area; and (b) A young boy
collecting water in the R. Muvumba ......................................................................................... 71
Plate 4.3-5 (a) Brick making along the banks of R. Muvumba. In the background are fields of maize
at harvest stages; and (b) Some of the pits left behind out of brick making activities .............. 72

Plate 4.4-1 (a) A section of the Kanyaru River; and (b) Dam axis location indicated by red line ......... 87
Plate 4.4-2 (a) A typical House on slate rock outcrop; and (b) Homestead fenced with Euphorbia
tiraculii ..................................................................................................................................... 92
Plate 4.4-3 Part of the Rice fields downstream of the planned dam site.............................................. 93
Plate 4.4-4 (a) Harvested beans on rock slate ground; and (b) Poor stand of sunflower crop. Note
the patchy/rocky soils in the foreground. ................................................................................. 93
Plate 4.4-5 (a) A mix of yams and coffee. The state of the crop is poor and so is likely to be the
harvest. and (b) Children by the roadside at the edge of coffee shamba ................................ 94

Plate 4.5-1 Mbarara Dam site, viewed from upstream. The dotted line shows the proposed dam
axis. ....................................................................................................................................... 112
Plate 4.5-2 Part of irrigation infrastructure constructed by CRS. ....................................................... 114
Plate 4.5-3 (a) Cultivation in some sections of Mbarara marshland (b) Fields of sweet potatoes on
the marshland ........................................................................................................................ 114
Plate 4.5-4 Woodlots in the background and in the foreground a woman returns with fuel wood on
the head. ............................................................................................................................... 115
Plate 4.5-5 (a) A typical house in the areas of the project (b) Homestead surrounded by bananas
and woodlots ......................................................................................................................... 117
Plate 4.5-6 Garden with beans. Note the poor lateritic soils. .............................................................. 118
Plate 4.5-7 Stacks of wood fuel for sale ............................................................................................ 119
Plate 4.5-8 (a) A protected well south edge of Mbarara marshland (b) Community members
washing clothes around the protected well ............................................................................ 120

Plate 4.6-1 Upper Ruvubu Site. Dotted line shows the proposed dam axis........................................ 134

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Plate 4.6-2 The silty waters of Upper Ruvubu at the dam site. .......................................................... 145
Plate 4.7-1 Cultivation of crops done close to River Ruvyironza banks ............................................. 155
Plate 4.7-2 Part of vegetation set in the areas of Ruvyironza site ..................................................... 158
Plate 4.7-3 Field of vegetables on some sections River Ruvyironza ................................................. 160
Plate 4.7-4 Diversion works from the Ruvyironza downstream of the proposed site ......................... 161

Plate 4.8-1 Gashayura River, just downstream of the proposed dam site ......................................... 177
Plate 4.8-2 Field of rice in a section of the proposed dam site in Gashayura River. .......................... 181
Plate 4.8-3 Cassava and beans at the fringes of the marshland areas. ............................................ 182
Plate 4.8-4 Drying of local tiles (tegura) at the fringes of project site ................................................. 183
Plate 4.8-5 Brick burning near the site .............................................................................................. 183

Plate 4.9-1 Kavuruga River, just downstream of the proposed dam site ........................................... 199
Plate 4.9-2 Beans grown on the areas of the planned dam site ........................................................ 203
Plate 4.9-3 Garden with cassava near the planned dam site; and (b) Woman with some sweet
potatoes in the hand .............................................................................................................. 203
Plate 4.9-4 Isolated trees of Syzygium spp close to the site.............................................................. 204
Plate 4.9-5 A tree stump where sections of the communities cut some wood fuel ............................ 205
Plate 4.9-6 Grass thatched House structure in the project area ........................................................ 206
Plate 4.9-7 House structure roofed with local tiles ............................................................................. 206
Plate 4.9-8 Iron sheets roofed house structure.................................................................................. 207
Plate 4.9-9 Youth mining sand near Kavuruga site ........................................................................... 208
Plate 4.9-10 Degraded wetland through sand mining activities ......................................................... 208

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 List of Tables

Table 2.5-1 Summary of the Safeguard Policies with Reference to the Planned Dam Projects ........... 14

Table 4.1-1 Kabuyanda Population Characteristics .............................................................................. 27

Table 4.1-3 Daily and monthly potential evaporation rates ................................................................... 32
Table 4.1-4 Kabuyanda Sediment Properties ....................................................................................... 34
Table 4.1-5: Flood estimates for the Kabuyanda Project ...................................................................... 34
Table 4.1-6: Irrigation command area for Kabuyanda .......................................................................... 35
Table 4.1-7: Potential water supply beneficiaries for Kabuyanda ......................................................... 35
Table 4.1-8: Kabuyanda dam design .................................................................................................... 37
Table 4.1-9: Spillway design parameters.............................................................................................. 38
Table 4.1-10 Kabuyanda Project costs ................................................................................................. 38
Table 4.1-11 Key impacts and mitigation measures for the planned Kabuyanda site........................... 40

Table 4.2-1 Disease Burden for Ten Top Diseases Reported in 2010/11 ............................................ 49
Table 4.2-2: Land area to be inundated by the Kagitumba-Maziba reservoir and the affected
population ................................................................................................................................ 56
Table 4.2-4 Daily and monthly potential evaporation rates, Kagitumba project .................................... 56
Table 4.2-5 Kagitumba Sediment Properties ........................................................................................ 58
Table 4.2-6: Kagitumba flood estimates and associated return periods ............................................... 59
Table 4.2-7: Kagitumba dam design..................................................................................................... 60
Table 4.2-8: Spillway design parameters, Kagitumba project ............................................................... 60
Table 4.2-9: Hydropower estimation, Kagitumba project ...................................................................... 61
Table 4.2-10: Irrigation command area for Kagitumba-Maziba............................................................. 62
Table 4.2-11: Potential water supply beneficiaries for Kagitumba-Maziba ........................................... 62
Table 4.2-12 Kagitumba Dam project costs.......................................................................................... 63
Table 4.2-13 Key impacts and mitigation measures for the planned Kagitumba-Maziba Dam site ...... 65

Table 4.3-1 Temperature Characteristics near the Muvumba project site ............................................ 68
Table 4.3-3 Daily and monthly potential evaporation rates ................................................................... 75
Table 4.3-4 Muvumba Sediment Properties ......................................................................................... 76
Table 4.3-5: Muvumba flood estimates and associated return periods................................................. 78
Table 4.3-6: Muvumba dam design ...................................................................................................... 78
Table 4.3-7: Spillway design parameters, Muvumba project ................................................................ 79
Table 4.3-8: Hydropower estimation, Muvumba project ....................................................................... 79
Table 4.3-9: Irrigation command area for Muvumba ............................................................................. 80
Table 4.3-10: Potential water supply beneficiaries for Muvumba ......................................................... 82
Table 4.3-11 Muvumba Project Costs .................................................................................................. 82
Table 4.3-12 Key impacts and mitigation measures for the planned the Proposed Muvumba site ....... 84

Table 4.4-1 Population of Gisagara District .......................................................................................... 91

Table 4.4-2 Nyanza Roads that need rehabilitation .............................................................................. 95
Table 4.4-3 Water Sources in the Nyanza Disctrict .............................................................................. 96
Table 4.4-5: Land area to be inundated by the Akanyaru reservoir and the affected population .......... 99
Table 4.4-6 Daily and monthly potential evaporation rates, Kanyaru project ...................................... 100
Table 4.4-7 Kanyaru Sediment Properties.......................................................................................... 102
Table 4.4-8: Akanyaru flood estimates and associated return periods ............................................... 102
Table 4.4-9: Kanyaru dam design ...................................................................................................... 103
Table 4.4-10: Spillway design parameters, Kanyaru project ............................................................... 103

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Table 4.4-11: Hydropower estimation, Muvumba project ................................................................... 104
Table 4.4-12: Irrigation command area for Akanyaru ......................................................................... 105
Table 4.4-13: Potential water supply beneficiaries for Akanyaru ........................................................ 105
Table 4.4-14 Akanyaru Project Costs ................................................................................................. 107

Table 4.5-1 Distribution and Population Density by Municipality ........................................................ 116

Table 4.5-2 Daily and monthly potential evaporation rates ................................................................. 122
Table 4.5-3 Mbarara Sediment Properties.......................................................................................... 123
Table 4.5-4: Mbarara flood estimates and associated return periods ................................................. 125
Table 4.5-5: Mbarara dam design ...................................................................................................... 126
Table 4.5-6: Spillway design parameters, Mbarara project................................................................. 127
Table 4.5-7: Irrigation command area for Mbarara ............................................................................. 128
Table 4.5-8: Potential water supply beneficiaries for Mbarara ............................................................ 128
Table 4.5-9 Estimated Mbarara Project costs..................................................................................... 130
Table 4.5-10 Key impacts and mitigation measures for the planned the Proposed Mbarara site ....... 131

Table 4.6-1 Distribution and Population Density by Municipality ........................................................ 136

Table 4.6-3: Land area to be inundated by the reservoir and potentially affected population ............. 141
Table 4.6-4: Daily and monthly potential evaporation rates ................................................................ 142
Table 4.6-5: Upper Ruvubu flood estimates and associated return periods ....................................... 144
Table 4.6-6 Upper Ruvubu Sediment Properties ................................................................................ 144
Table 4.6-7: Irrigation command areas for Upper Ruvubu.................................................................. 145
Table 4.6-8: Potential water supply beneficiaries for Upper Ruvubu .................................................. 146
Table 4.6-9: Upper Ruvubu dam design ............................................................................................. 146
Table 4.6-10: Spillway design parameters.......................................................................................... 148
Table 4.6-11 Hydropower estimation .................................................................................................. 148
Table 4.6-12 Upper Ruvubu Project costs .......................................................................................... 151
Table 4.6-13 Key impacts and mitigation measures for the planned Upper Ruvubu site .................... 153

Table 4.7-2: Land area to be inundated by the Ruvironza reservoir and the affected population ....... 165
Table 4.7-3 Ruvyironza Daily and monthly potential evaporation rates .............................................. 167
Table 4.7-4 Ruvyironza Sediment Properties ..................................................................................... 167
Table 4.7-5: Ruvyironza flood estimates and associated return periods ............................................ 168
Table 4.7-6: Irrigation command area for Ruvironza .......................................................................... 168
Table 4.7-7: Potential water supply beneficiaries for Ruvironza ......................................................... 169
Table 4.7-8: Ruvyironza dam design .................................................................................................. 171
Table 4.7-9: Ruvyironza Spillway design parameters ......................................................................... 171
Table 4.7-10: Ruvyironza Hydropower estimation .............................................................................. 172
Table 4.7-11 Ruvyironza Project costs ............................................................................................... 172
Table 4.7-12 Key impacts and mitigation measures for the planned Ruvyironza site ......................... 174

Table 4.8-1 Census of the population in the Karuzi Province ............................................................. 180
Table 4.8-2 Primary and secondary schools in Karuzi Province ......................................................... 184
Table 4.8-4: Gashayura Daily and monthly potential evaporation rates ............................................. 188
Table 4.8-5: Flood estimates for the Gashayura Project (assuming the design life of the dam to be
50 years) ............................................................................................................................... 190
Table 4.8-6: Gashayura Estimation of annual sedimentation rates .................................................... 190
Table 4.8-7: Irrigation command area for Gashayura ......................................................................... 191
Table 4.8-8: Potential water supply beneficiaries for Gashayura ........................................................ 193
Table 4.8-9: Gashayura dam design .................................................................................................. 193

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Table 4.8-10: Gashayura Spillway design parameters ....................................................................... 194
Table 4.8-11 Estimated Gashayura Project costs .............................................................................. 195
Table 4.8-12 Key impacts and mitigation measures for the planned Gashayura dam site ................. 196

Table 4.9-2: Kavuruga Daily and monthly potential evaporation rates ............................................... 213
Table 4.9-3: Flood estimates for the Kavuruga Project (assuming the design life of the dam to be
50 years) ............................................................................................................................... 213
Table 4.9-4: Estimation of Kavuruga annual sedimentation rates ...................................................... 214
Table 4.9-5: Kavuruga Dead storage ................................................................................................. 214
Table 4.9-6: Irrigation command area for Kavuruga ........................................................................... 216
Table 4.9-7: Potential water supply beneficiaries for Kavurungu ........................................................ 216
Table 4.9-8: Kavuruga dam design .................................................................................................... 217
Table 4.9-9: Spillway design parameters............................................................................................ 218
Table 4.9-10 Estimated Kavuruga Project costs ................................................................................. 219
Table 4.9-11 Key impacts and mitigation measures for the planned Kavuruga dam site ................... 220

Table 5.2-1 Summary Costs of the proposed dam sub-projects......................................................... 225

Table 5.3-1: Summary of the criteria and scoring system used for ranking ........................................ 226
Table 5.3-2: Evaluation criterion of reservoir capacity ........................................................................ 226
Table 5.3-3: Evaluation criterion of water/earth ratio .......................................................................... 227
Table 5.3-4: Evaluation criterion of selected water uses .................................................................... 227
Table 5.3-5 Impact Categorization ..................................................................................................... 228
Table 5.3-6 Summary of the Environmental Ranking of Dam Sites .................................................... 230
Table 5.3-7: Evaluation criterion for cost ............................................................................................ 231
Table 5.3-8: Combination of all evaluation criteria .............................................................................. 231

Table 5.4-1 Key input data for each multipurpose reservoir site ......................................................... 234
Table 5.4-2: CBA for Kabuyanda........................................................................................................ 235
Table 5.4-3: Kagitumba-Maziba Dam site .......................................................................................... 236
Table 5.4-6: CBA for Muvumba .......................................................................................................... 237
Table 5.4-4: CBA for Akanyaru........................................................................................................... 238
Table 5.4-9: CBA for Mbarara ............................................................................................................ 239
Table 5.4-5: CBA for Upper Ruvubu ................................................................................................... 240
Table 5.4-5: CBA for Ruvyironza ........................................................................................................ 241
Table 5.4-7: CBA for Gashayura ........................................................................................................ 242
Table 5.4-8: CBA for Kavuruga .......................................................................................................... 243
Table 5.4-11: Summary of CBA results .............................................................................................. 244

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 List of Acronyms

AfDB African Development Bank

CDM Clean Development Mechanism
CFR Central Forest Reserve
CRS Catholic Relief Services
DSOER District State of Environment Report
EMP Environmental Management Plan
ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan
ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
ESRF Economic and Social Research Fund
EWSA Energy, Water and Sanitation Authority, Rwanda
DPAE Direction Provinciale de l’Agriculture er de l’elevage
FAO Food And Agriculture Organization
GIS Geographical Information System
GoB Government of Burundi
GoR Government of Rwanda
GoU Government of Uganda
HIV/AIDS Human Immuno Virus/Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome
IESE Initial Environmental and Social Examination
KBO Kagera Basin Organization
KIRBMD Kagera Integrated River Basin Management and Development
KIWRM Kagera Integrated Water Resources Management
KRBMP Kagera River Basin Management Project
KWAMP Kirehe Community Based Watershed Management Project
MINAGRI Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Rwanda
MININFRA Ministry of Infrastructure, Republic of Rwanda
MINIRENA Ministry of Natural Resources, Republic of Rwanda
NBI Nile Basin Initiative
NEA National Environment Act
NELSAP Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program
NEMA National Environment Management Authority
NFA National Forestry Authority
NAPA National Adaptation Plan of Action
PMU Project Management Unit
PUP Planning Unit of Population
RBM River Basin Management
RDB Rwanda Development Board
RECPA Rwoho Environment Conservation and Protection Association
REMA Rwanda Environment Management Authority
RNRA Rwanda Natural Resources Authority
SAPs Subsidiary Action Program
Sida Swedish International Development Agency
SVP Shared Vision Program
SWAT Soil and Water Assessment Tool
tCO2 Tonnes of Carbondioxide
WCD World Commission on Dams

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DETAILED IDENTIFICATION STUDIES FOR POTENTIAL LARGE DAMS IN
THE KAGERA BASIN

1 General Overview of the Assignment

1.1 Introduction
In December 2011, the services of a consultant were procured by NELSAP to undertake
Detailed Identification Studies for 9 potential Large Dams in the Kagera basin. This report
contains the study findings as per the requirements of the Terms of Reference.

1.2 Project Rationale and Origin

The Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) is a partnership of riparian states of the Nile, which seeks to
develop the River Nile in a cooperative manner, share socioeconomic benefits, and
promote regional peace and security. The NBI’s Strategic Action Program is made up of
two complementary programs: the basin wide Shared Vision Program (SVP) to build
confidence and capacity across the basin, and Subsidiary Action Programs (SAPs) to
initiate concrete investments and action on the ground in the Eastern Nile (ENSAP) and
Nile Equatorial Lakes sub-basins (NELSAP). The programs are reinforcing in nature. The
SVP focused on building regional institutions, capacity and trust, to lay the foundation for
unlocking the development potential of the Nile, which will be realised through concrete
investments carried out through the Subsidiary Action Programs.
The Countries of the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP) have
identified a number of projects to promote poverty alleviation, economic growth, and
reversal of environmental degradation in the sub-basin. The investments are grouped into
two major groups: Natural Resources Management and development of projects, and the
Power Trade and Development program. The two programs target investments in
agricultural development, fisheries development, water resources management, water
hyacinth control, hydropower development and transmission interconnection. The Natural
Resources Management sub program consists of three transboundary river basin
management projects, namely Kagera, Mara and Sio-Malaba-Malasiki River Basin
Management Projects. The Projects are aimed at poverty reduction and achieving socio-
economic development through the rational and equitable use of the shared water
resources of their respective River Basins.
The project objective of the Kagera RBM Project is to establish a sustainable framework for
management of water resources of Kagera River Basin, in order to prepare for sustainable
development oriented investments that will improve the living conditions of people while
protecting the environment. The Kagera River is the largest of 23 rivers that drain into Lake
Victoria and it carries 34% of the annual inflow to the lake. The river basin covers some
59,800 km2 and has a population of nearly 15 million people. The basin covers portions of
the four countries of Burundi (22%), Rwanda (33%), Tanzania (35%) and Uganda (10%).
The Kagera basin is characterised by low-productive peasant agriculture, endemic poverty,
extensive land degradation caused by population pressure and deforestation, increasing
water scarcity. Water scarcity and growing food insufficiency are some of the major issues
facing the Kagera River Basin and the situation is expected to get worse as the population

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General Overview of the Assignment

increases and demand by the different water use sectors out-matches the existing supply
and exacerbated by the imminent effects of climate change.
A multipurpose water resources development project with a focus on storage for energy,
irrigation and other uses is thus conceived to address issues related to water, food and
energy security within the basin. Some potential dam sites have been identified in earlier
rapid identification studies and nine of these have been selected for detailed investigation
and appraisal.

1.3 Study Objective

The primary objective of this study was to undertake detailed identification studies for nine
potential large dam sites within the Kagera Basin and prepare preliminary designs and cost
estimates. The nine potential large dam sites included Kabuyanda, Kagitumba in Uganda;
Muvumba in Rwanda; Akanyaru shared by Rwanda and Burundi; as well as Mbarara,
Upper Ruvubu, Ruvyironza, Gashayura and Kavuruga in Burundi. The location map of
these sites is shown in Figure 1.5-1 below.

1.4 Scope of Services

As outlined in the ToRs, the scope of services included:
(i) Desk review of relevant documentation to the assignment:
(ii) Preliminary socio-economic analysis of the project sites
(iii) Environmental and social scoping of the project sites
(iv) Preliminary hydrological studies of the project sites
(v) Preliminary technical design of the project sites
(vi) Preliminary economic/financial analysis
(vii) Ranking of the sites
(viii) Development of Terms of reference for downstream feasibility studies
The above scope of services could be broadly summarised into two categories, the Initial
Environment and Social Examination (IESE) for the sites on one hand and on the other;
preliminary hydrological and technical assessment of the sites crowned with their
respective preliminary economic and financial assessment.

1.5 Expected Outputs of the study

As per ToR requirement, this report contains the following outputs from the study;
(i) Detailed synthesis of the collected and reviewed data, with clear deductions and
issues pertinent to this assignment. (This informs all the analysis and deductions
of all the report chapters)
(ii) Environmental and Socio-economic profiles of the project areas, with clear
justification for the potential water uses/demands. (Chapter 3 and 4)
(iii) Initial Environmental and Social Examination (IESE) reports for each site
(Summarised in Chapter 3 and 4)

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General Overview of the Assignment

(iv) Description of the catchment physiographic characteristics, with maps and areas
of delineated site catchments, reservoir storage capacities with volume-depth-
surface area relationships, dead and active dam storages, catchment runoff and
sediment yield, reservoir inundation areas, future water demands, IDFs. It should
also include maps of the catchment and reservoir extents for the different sites,
etc. (Chapter 4)
(v) Water requirements and demands for the different multipurpose uses; delineated
irrigation command areas, maps, etc.; hydropower potentials; conceptual designs;
dam profiles; drawings; proposed approaches for construction and operation of the
multipurpose infrastructure (distributed within Chapter 3 and 4).
(vi) Preliminary CBA results; preliminary cost estimates. (Chapter 5)
(vii) Ranked sites/projects (Chapter 5)
(viii) TOR for feasibility studies for the sites (Attached in the Report Annex).

Figure 1.5-1 Location of the proposed dam sites

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General Overview of the Assignment

1.6 Arrangement of this report

This report has been arranged into two volumes, Volume I and II.
Volume I (this report) is the main text and consists of six chapters, each addressing issues
pertinent to the study as spelt out in the ToR. Chapter One gives a background, objectives
and expected output of the assignment. Chapter two presents the policy and institutional
setting within which the study was made. Chapter Three presents an overview of the
methodology adopted for the Initial Environmental and Social Examination (IESE)
assessment for the nine sites. Chapter Four details the IESE outcomes combined with the
the technical assessment for each of the sites. Chapter five discussed the economic and
financial considerations of the subprojects as well as the ranking criteria. Finally, Chapter
Six presents the conclusions and recommendations from the study.

Volume II contains all the maps and AUTOCAD design drawings for the conceptual dam
designs for the nine sites.

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2 Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework
The purpose of this section is to set out the legislative, regulatory, and policy context in the
three countries under which the proposed projects will be undertaken and the need for
compliance. These policies, legal and institutional instruments have been summarised on
countrywide basis as follows:

2.1 Burundi Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework

2.1.1 Burundi Policy Framework

2.1.1.1 Regarding Water uses in Burundi
The National policy on Water, 2001 (“Politique nationale de Gestion des Ressources en
eau et Plans d’action, Juillet 2001”) is the main policy about the water uses. This plan
focuses on access to domestic water supplies, rural hydropower development. It aims at
increasing the use of water for agriculture and livestock. The Decree n’°1/41 of 26th
November 1992 about water sector regulation (“Décret-Loi portant institution et
organisation du domaine public hydraulique”) considers a wide range of issues of water
resources management: fisheries, water resources governance, irrigation and water
supply.
The Title III, chapter 2 of the above Environmental Code, 2000 highlights the importance of
meeting with water quality standards. According to the Article 52, all dams are subject to
EIA procedure. The Article 53 mentioned that minimum flows have to be maintained in
order to preserve the life circle and the circulation of living species in the river.
The Law dealing with public water supply, 2000 (“Loi Nº 01/014 du 11 août 2000 portant
libéralisation et réglementation du secteur de l’eau potable et de l’énergie électrique”)
regulates the use of natural resources, including water management plans, water quality
standards and licensing.

2.1.2 Burundi Legislative Framework

2.1.1.2 Regulations regarding environmental impact studies in Burundi

The main text related to environmental impact studies in Burundi is the Environmental
Code -“Loi n°01/010 portant Code de l’Environnement de la République du Burundi”- on 30
June 2000, in particular the title II, chapter 3: The Article 22 deals with environment impact
assessment process. When a project is likely to impact the environment, an EIA has to be
presented to the “administration in charge of Environment”; The Article 23 sets out the
mandatory content of EIAs; According to the Article 27, the power of enforcement and of
ensuring compliance is vested in the Ministry in charge of Water, Environment, Territory
Management and Urbanism.

2.1.1.3 Legislative Framework for Land Tenure Management in Burundi

The main texts about land tenure management in Burundi to be taken into account for the
study are the followings:
The Land Code of the Republic of Burundi (Law No.01/008 of 01/09/1986): The procedures
for resettlement are provided within the Land Code. Responsibility for resettlement lies with
the Ministry of Environment & Lands, but if the land is in a wetland, the responsibility lies
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Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework

with the Ministry of Agriculture. The Transitional Act of Constitution, 1998 (Acte
transitionnel de Constitution du 6 juin 1998): the article 29 states that “every person is
granted the right to property”. The 2011 Land Act (Nouveau code foncier) recognizes
private rights to land, permits usufruct rights, leasehold and concessions. Furthermore,
rights over previously titled land are recognized as private property rights and land rights
acquired and held under customary law are considered as legitimate. The article 407
provides the rules for the expropriation of land. The Ministry decree n°720/304 stated on
March, 20th 2008 provides guidelines for compensation based on the market value and on
land for land replacement.

2.1.1.4 Regulations for Land Tenure in Burundi

Burundi’s formal law recognizes state land and private land. All land that is not occupied is
considered as state land by the law. According to the 2011 Land Code, unregistered
customary do not have the protection of the formal law. Nevertheless registration has
hardly taken place. Under customary law, land is usually held individually and household,
rather than by lineage. Nowadays, most households obtained land through leasing,
inheritance or purchase. Land transactions and succession are now regulated locally within
families, possibly accompanied by a deed outlining the transaction which may have been
witnessed by the local administration or by Bashingantahe, which is the customary
institution in charge of village-level dispute resolution. This institution is an organized and
local body of “wise men”, known for being fair and responsible. Their decisions are not
legally binding, but carry social weight.

2.1.2 Institutional context in Burundi

2.1.2.1 The Ministry of Water, Environment, Territory Management and Urbanism
The following institutions are related to environmental management in Burundi:
The Ministry of Water, Environment, Territory Management and Urbanism (Ministère de
l’Eau, de l’Environnement, de l’Aménagement du Territoire et de l’Urbanisme) which is the
key ministry dealing with environment issues in Burundi. It is given the power of
enforcement of EIA process. The National Institute of the Environment and Nature
Conservation (Institut National pour l’Environnement et la Protection de la Nature) which is
responsible for, inter alia: (i) collection of data related to environmental monitoring, (ii)
making sure that environmental standards concerning pollution are respected.

The Ministry of Water, Environment, Territory and Urbanism (Ministère de l’Eau, de

l’Environnement, de l’Aménagement du Territoire et de l’Urbanisme) is also responsible for
the cadastre and for titling. The Ministry of Agriculture (Ministère de l’Agriculture) is in
charge of land use planning. The National Commission for Land and Other Properties was
set up in 2006 temporarily. It is under the Office of the First Vice President. Its aims is to
mediate and resolve land disputes related to refugees, to obtain compensation, to update
the inventory of state-owned lands and to assist other vulnerable people to reclaim their
land.

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Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework

2.2 Uganda Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework

2.2.1 Uganda Environmental Policy Framework
2.2.1.1 The National Environment Management Policy, 1994
The overall goal of the National Environment Management Policy is the promotion of
sustainable economic and social development mindful of the needs of future generations
and ESIA is one of the vital tools it considers necessary to ensure environmental quality
and resource productivity on long-term basis. The policy calls for integration of
environmental concerns into development policies, plans and activities.

2.2.1.2 The National Water Policy, 1999

The Government of Uganda produced a National Water Policy in 1999, which emphasizes
the need for participatory planning at the lowest possible level and specifically mentions
the requirement for districts to set priorities, by-laws and annual development plans within
policies and guidelines set by national level ministries.

2.2.1.3 The National Gender Policy, 1997

The aim of this Policy is to guide and direct at all levels, the planning, resource allocation
and implementation of development programmes with a gender perspective. Its overall
goal is to mainstream gender concerns in the national development process in order to
improve the social, legal/civic, political, economic and cultural conditions of the people in
Uganda in particular, the women.

2.2.1.4 The National HIV/AIDS Policy, 2004

This Policy provides overall policy framework for national HIV/AIDS response, and in a
nutshell, it mandates sectors to mainstream HIV/AIDS into its their programmes, plans and
activities hence, the need to have HIV/AIDS mitigation measures integrated into the project
during its design and implementation process.

2.2.2 Uganda Environmental Legal Framework

Uganda Legal section presents a summary of the legal and institutional frameworks
governing the construction proposed dam project. It also summarizes the relevant lead
agencies and departments that administer and monitor issues related to the proposed
investment.

2.2.2.1 The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995

The importance of environment in Uganda is recognized by the Constitution of the
Republic of Uganda of 1995. The Constitution provides for inter alia, matters pertaining to
land, natural resources such as rivers and lakes and the environment. The Constitution
puts upon all Ugandan’s the duty to create and protect the clean and a healthy
environment. In this context, an ESIA should be conducted so as to identify, assess and
put in measures to ensure that, during implementation of the project the environment does
not compromise the environmental and social settings for the project.
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Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework

2.2.2.2 The National Environmental Act Cap 153

Section 20 of the Act makes it a legal requirement for every developer to undertake an
environmental assessment for projects listed in the Third Schedule of the Act. The
activities of the planned dam project fall under those which are out of character with the
surrounding and hence, require an ESIA to be conducted before implementation which
therefore justifies the need an ESIA to be conducted.

2.2.2.3 The Water Act, Cap 152

This law, consisting of 4 Parts, describes the protection and management policies of water
resources such as impoundments and others. The objective of the Act is to enable
equitable and sustainable management, use, and protection of water resources of Uganda
through supervision and coordination of public and private activities that may impact water
quantity and quality; hence the ESIA should outline such measures before project
implementation is undertaken.

2.2.2.4 National Forestry and Tree Planting Act, 2003

The National Forestry and Tree Planting Act 2003 is the main law that regulates and
controls forest management in Uganda by ensuring forest conservation, sustainable use
and enhancement of the productive capacity of forests, to provide for the promotion of tree
planting and through the creation of forest reserves in which human activities are strictly
controlled. Specifically, the Act provides for tree planting and ownership which could be
undertaken in this project as part of its environmental mainstreaming.

2.2.2.5 The Local Government Act, 1995

This Act provides the legal foundation of the Government Policy on decentralization and
devolution of functions, powers, and services to Local Governments. Under this Act, district
and lower local councils are given the responsibility of managing their natural resources
including environment at the local government level. With reference to this project, the local
governments will be involved in issues of land acquisition, compensation and
environmental monitoring and compliance.

2.2.2.6 Land Acquisition Act, 1965

This Act makes provision for the procedures and methods of compulsory acquisition of
land for public purposes whether for temporary or permanent use. The Act requires that
adequate, fair and prompt compensation is paid before taking possession of land and
property. These are all meant to ensure that the process of land acquisition is in
compliance with existing laws and that the affected persons receive fair, timely, adequate
compensation.

2.2.2.7 The Land Act, 1998

This Act provides for the tenure, ownership, and management of land in Uganda. The
tenure systems are customary, freehold, mailo and leasehold. Section 43 of the Act

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Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework

empowers the GoU to acquire land compulsorily in accordance with Article 26 (92) and
Article 237 of the Constitution. However, the Constitution and the Land Act have both
guaranteed security of occupancy of land to lawful and bona fide occupants.

2.2.2.8 The Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2006

The Act provides for the prevention and protection of persons at all workplaces from
injuries, diseases, death and damage to property. Employers must provide for the
protection of workers from adverse weather, provision of a clean and healthy work
environment, sanitary conveniences, washing facilities, First Aid and facilities for meals.
The Act provides for safe access to the workplaces and safe work practices which applies
to this project as well.

2.2.2.9 Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 1998

The procedures for conducting ESIAs and guidelines for ESIA practitioners and regulatory
bodies are stipulated in this document. The regulations require a detailed study to be
conducted to determine the possible environmental impacts, and measures to mitigate
such impacts. At the end of the study, the environmental assessment report is submitted
to NEMA to take a decision as to whether to approve or reject the project. The Guidelines
also stipulate that the ESIA process should be participatory, that is the public should be
consulted widely to inform them and get their views about the proposed investment.

2.3 Rwanda Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework

This section highlights policies and laws related to Rwandan land legislation with regard to
resettlement. It provides a brief overview of the Rwandan Land Policy; the provisions in the
Rwandan Constitution regarding land use planning, management and tenure; the Organic
Land Law; Presidential and Ministerial orders and decrees related with land expropriation,
land valuation and land replacement.

2.3.1 Rwanda Environment Policy Framework

2.3.1.1 National Land Policy, 2004
The Policy is premised on the National Development Strategy of Rwanda (Vision 2020). It
provides for land tenure systems, guiding principles of land management, an effective &
efficient land registry, and land transactions. In order to achieve the objective of the Land
Policy, a number of organic laws, decrees and orders have been and are still being
prepared and promulgated to facilitate the implementation of the Rwandan Land Policy.
Those that are currently in force are discussed below:

2.3.1.2 National Land Policy, 2004

The Policy is premised on the National Development Strategy of Rwanda (Vision 2020). It
provides for land tenure systems, guiding principles of land management, an effective and
efficient land registry, and land transactions. The Organic Law on Land and the other more

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Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework

recent land legislation are a realization of the policy objectives stated in the National Land
Policy.

2.3.2 Legal Framework in Rwanda

2.3.2.1 The Organic Land Law No 08/2005 of 14/7/2005
This categorizes land via two criteria: (1) Land Use and (2) Land Ownership. Article 9 splits
land use into two categories: urban lands and rural lands. Urban lands are defined as lands
confined within the legal boundaries of towns and municipalities as well as lands in
suburbs Volume III – Preliminary Resettlement Action Plan Page 54 and collective
settlements of towns and municipalities. Any other land is rural land. Land ownership is
divided into the following categories: individual owned lands and State lands (whether
urban or rural). Individual land is comprised of land acquired through custom, written law,
acquisition from competent authorities, purchase, gift, exchange and sharing (Article 11).
State lands are further categorized into two sub-categories: public domains and private
State owned lands (Articles 12 and 13). State land for public domain includes land
reserved for public use, for use by organs of state services or for environmental protection.
Private state owned land consists of all other state owned land not considered to be part of
public domain.
The Organic Land Law also provides two types of formal land tenure: full
ownership/Freehold and long term leasehold. Following the recent privatization 09/04/2007
of State owned lands, very few land users currently hold either type of land tenure. This
means that PAPs will receive compensation for individual land owned unlike in the past
where land was communally owned (customary) or state owned. Therefore, the Organic
Land Law recognizes existing rights, whether written or unwritten, under both civil law and
customary practices through new national land tenure arrangements. Efforts are being
made under the Law (Article 7) to formalize land ownership, especially those acquired
through customary means.
For instance, rural populations with customary/indigenous land rights are being
encouraged to register their land through decentralized land institutions like the District
Land Bureau, Sector Land Committees and Cell Land Committees (Ministerial Order
N°001/2006 of 26/09/2006 determining the structure of Land Registers, the responsibilities
and the functioning of the District Land Bureau). All types of land tenure must be in
compliance with the designated land use and environmental protection measures as
outlined in the Land Use Master Plan (Organic Land law N0 08/2005 of 14/07/2005, article
6).
In addition, the present Organic Land Law sets a legal framework for property law under
articles 5 and 6 which provides for full ownership of land and permits any person that owns
land (either through custom or otherwise), to be in conformity with the provisions of this
law. It is important to observe however that full ownership of land is only granted upon
acquisition of a land title issued by the general land registrar authority. Once the efforts to
provide proper land tenure documentation are completed, ownership of land without proper
documents such as land title will not be deemed lawful land ownership and thus in event of
circumstances like expropriation, one will not be able to benefit from a fair and just
compensation package.

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2.3.2.2 Rwandan Constitution 2003

Rwandan Constitution recognizes that every person has a right to private property (Article
29). Consequently, private property, whether individually or collectively owned is inviolable.
Exceptionally, the right to property may be overruled in the case of public interest. In these
cases, circumstances and procedures are determined by the law and subject to fair and
prior compensation (Article 29). Laws on property are also found in various legal texts of
Rwanda. Eligibility for compensation is also enshrined under the Rwandan constitution
(Article 29) and the Expropriation Law. The two laws regulate and give entitlement to those
affected, whether or not they have written customary or formal tenure rights.

2.3.2.3 Ministerial Order N0 001/2006 of 26/09/2006 Determining the Structure of Land

Registers, the Responsibilities and the Functioning of the District Land Bureau.
This Order determines the structure of land registers, the responsibilities and the
functioning of land bureau in each district (Article 1). However, this Order does not apply to
land specified in articles 12, 14, 15 and 72 of the Organic Land Law n° 8/2005 of
14/07/2005 determining the use and management of Land in Rwanda (Article 2).
Article 3 of this Order stipulates the following land registers; Cadastral register, Short term
lease and long term lease contract. Chapter 2 (Article 3-4) highlights the structures of land
registers while responsibilities are stipulated in Chapter 3 (Article 5-7) of this order.
According to this order, the overall responsibility of implementing the land policy lies with
the Land Bureau (Article 5-7). Functioning of the land Bureau is stipulated in Chapter 4 of
this order.

2.3.2.4 Expropriation Law

In addition to eligibility discussed under the Constitution above, expropriation law defines
the person to be expropriated any person or legal entity who is to have his or her private
property transferred due to public interest, in which case they shall be legally entitled to
payment of compensation (Article 2 (7)).
Article 3 of the Expropriation Law stipulates that any individual who suffers any loss he or
she should receive just compensation for it, although it is not clear what comprises fair and
just compensation, this being left to the judgment of independent valuers. Article 4 of this
law also stipulates that any project which results in the need for expropriation for public
interest shall provide for all just compensation in its budget. Article 22 (2) of this law further
indicates that through an agreement between the person to expropriate and the one to be
expropriated, just compensation may either be monetary, alternative land or a building
equivalent as long as either option equates to fair and just monetary compensation.
Through mutual arrangement, both parties can determine the mode of payment. In case
the determination of just compensation exceeds in value the alternative land given to the
expropriated person, the difference will be paid to the expropriated persons.

2.3.3 Environmental Institutional Framework

2.3.3.1 Rwanda Environment Management Authority
The Government of Rwanda has undertaken strong commitment to understand its current
and future environmental challenges as a necessary step in the pursuit for sustainable
development. Today, to effectively manage environmental challenges such as soil erosion,
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Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework

deforestation, wetland drainage, water degradation, climate change and the loss of
biodiversity, GoR established Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA),
under Organic Law No.04/2005 of 08/04/2005 Article 64, to coordinate and oversee all
aspects of environmental management for sustainable development. One of ERMA’s
principal functions is to oversee the conduct of EIA and take a decision on proposed
development projects to be undertaken by both public and private sectors.

2.3.3.2 Ministry of Natural Resources

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MINIRENA), deals with the environment; and natural
resource management including water resources, forests, mining, and land management.
Its role is to provide policy guidance for these sectors, ensure the protection of the natural
resources and environment, and provide oversight for the Rwanda Natural Resources
Authority (RNRA) and REMA.

2.3.3.3 Rwanda Development Board

Rwanda Development Board (RDB) considers and approves EIAs. It is the first point of
contact for a developer and should be well versed with the EIA process and the
government and other agencies that need to be consulted as each case may require.
REMA is the principal organ of government responsible for the environment. It retains
oversight in EIA matters and takes charge of post EIA and other environmental matters.

2.3.3.4 Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources

The Mission of Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) is to initiate,
develop and manage suitable programs of transformation and modernization of agriculture
and livestock to ensure food security and to contribute to the national economy. The Vision
of Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources is to modernize Agriculture and Livestock
to achieve food security.

2.3.3.5 Energy, Water and Sanitation

Energy, Water and Sanitation Authority (EWSA) has as mission to create conditions for the
provision of sufficient, safe, reliable, efficient, cost-effective and environmentally
appropriate energy, Water and Sanitation services to households and to all economic
sectors on a sustainable basis. EWSA has a vision of contributing effectively to the growth
of the national economy and thereby improve the standard of living for the entire nation in a
sustainable and environmentally sound manner.

2.4 World Bank Safeguard Policies

The Bank’s categorization of projects is based on screening process in which, the
proposed projects are screened to determine the appropriate extent and type of EIA to be
undertaken. The Bank classifies the proposed project into one of four categories,
depending on the type, location, sensitivity, and scale of the project and the nature and
magnitude of its potential environmental impacts. Based on these considerations, these
projects fall under the Bank’s Category A group and the safeguards justification is as
follows:

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2.5 Consideration of the Transboundary aspects of the proposed

infrastructure
Some of the proposed dams are located at or near boundaries between countries
(Uganda-Rwanda, Burundi-Rwanda) and therefore development of these sites have
transboundary implications. Although there are positive examples of cross border treaties
and collaboration (for example the Mekong and the Senegal River) aimed at facilitating
transboundary cross-boarder water infrastructure development, the implementation and
governance of transboundary infrastructure is particularly challenging. If not handled
properly, the transboundary impacts of such structures may lead to cooperation deadlocks,
if not of open conflicts, between countries within the Kagera basin. However, these
structures can also become drivers of regional economic integration and sustainable
development, especially for agriculture, energy and transport.
Infrastructure development in transboundary basins needs as a minimum, to apply the
1997 UN Convention on the Law of the Non-navigational Uses of international
watercourses with particular emphasis on equitable and reasonable use of water resources
and associated benefits. Investments in transboundary water infrastructure projects are
only equitable and sustainable when the benefits are shared between all stakeholders
including local communities alongside wider macroeconomic benefits.
Development of the transboundary infrastructure will be implemented within the NBI
cooperative framework. At the minimum, the respective countries may consider avoiding
wasting time trying to harmonise their national plans for the construction of the
transboundary infrastructure. Instead, they should discuss and agree on one single
regional plan for the construction of dams, taking into account the best location possible for
a given infrastructure with targeted uses. This gives room to manoeuvre for a truly
integrated approach, optimizing the balance of multiple uses of the water retained by the
hydraulic infrastructures (hydropower, irrigation, inland navigation, etc.), and minimizing in
the same time environmental and social externalities.
Transboundary river basin organizations are obviously the most relevant structures for the
implementation of such transboundary projects which should work hand in hand with the
regional economic community (EAC) and the national governments.

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Table 2.5-1 Summary of the Safeguard Policies with Reference to the Planned Dam Projects

OP No. Summary of Safeguard policy Its implication Triggered/Not Triggered

OP 4.01 Environmental Assessment: Under the OP 4.01 category A projects are characterized The planned large dams fall under those projects
based on amongst others, if such a project is likely to have significant adverse that require an EIA to be prepared and approved
environmental impacts that are sensitive, diverse, or unprecedented. These impacts may before their implementation. 
affect an area broader than the sites or facilities subject to physical works. The planned
works on the multi-purpose dams will likely be major and trans-boundary hence, the EIA
will be required to recommend measures that will be needed to prevent, minimize,
mitigate, or compensate for such adverse impacts and improve environmental
performance which qualifies the projects to be Category A type.
OP 4.04 Natural Habitat: The Bank supports the protection, maintenance, and rehabilitation of No natural habitats will be impacted by the
natural habitats and their functions. The conservation of natural habitats is essential for planned project.
X
long term sustainable development.
OP 4.09 Pest Management: In appraising a project that will involve pest management, the Bank At this stage is not known if agro-chemicals shall
assesses the capacity of the country's regulatory framework and institutions to promote be applied on the project, hence this IESE study
X
and support safe, effective, and environmentally sound pest management. As cannot commit to assess whether this safeguard
necessary, the Bank and the borrower incorporate in the project components to will be triggered or not. This should be explored in
strengthen such capacity. the detailed ESIA.
OP 4.10 Indigenous peoples: These are defined to be a distinct, vulnerable, social and cultural No Indigenous People exist in the project area
group possessing a number of characteristics including collective attachment to hence, there will be no impact and the safeguard
X
geographically distinct habitats or ancestral territories in the project area and to the will not be triggered.
natural resources in these habitats and territories.
OP 4.11 OP 4.11 Physical Cultural Properties: This policy addresses physical cultural This IESE did not encounter any information on
resources, which are defined as movable or immovable objects, sites, structures, groups physical cultural resources in the area of the
X
of structures, and natural features and landscapes that have archaeological, project. It is suggested that detailed ESIA for the
paleontological, historical, architectural, religious, aesthetic, or other cultural significance. project to assess this further to confirm existence
of such resources.
OP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement: This policy includes safeguards to address and mitigate The Project will involve land uptake for project
these risks and recommends involuntary resettlement instruments which include a infrastructure and associated facilities which
resettlement plan, a resettlement policy framework and a resettlement process makes the need for a RAP study apparent. 
framework.

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Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework

OP No. Summary of Safeguard policy Its implication Triggered/Not Triggered

OP 4.36 Forests: The objective of this policy is to assist borrowers to harness the potential of The project will impact on Kabuyanda CFR hence; 
forests to reduce poverty in a sustainable manner, integrate forests effectively into it triggers this safeguard policy instrument.
sustainable economic development, and protect the vital local and global environmental
services and values of forests.
OP 4.37 Safety of Dams: For the life of any dam, the owner is responsible for ensuring that All the 9 dams under this study have heights
appropriate measures are taken and sufficient resources provided for the safety of the above 15 m and therefore qualify as large dams,
dam, irrespective of its funding sources or construction status. When the Bank finances as per OP 4.37. 
a project that includes the construction of a new dam, it requires amongst others, that
the borrower adopt and implement certain dam safety measures for the design, bid
tendering, construction, operation, and maintenance of the dam and associated works.

The Bank distinguishes between small and large dams where large dams are 15 m or
more in height. Dams that are between 10 and 15 m in height are treated as large dams
if they present special design complexities. Dams fewer than 10 m in height are treated
as large dams if they are expected to become large dams during the operation of the
facility. Such large dams require amongst others, that preparation and implementation of
detailed plans ensure safety aspects. The EIA is one of the tools that can therefore
formulate some of the safety aspects in large dams.
OP 7.50 Projects on International Waterways: This policy applies to the following types of Based on this Policy provisions above, the 
international waterways: (a) any river, canal, lake, or similar body of water that forms a planned dams will be on river systems that follow
boundary between, or any river or body of surface water that flows through, two or more between Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda, they also
states, whether Bank members or not; and (b) Any tributary or other body of surface flow through more than two states. In addition, the
water that is a component of any waterway described in (a) above. river systems form part of the larger trans-
boundary Kagera River. This further justifies the
need for an ESIA to be conducted on the
proposed multipurpose dam projects
OP 7.60 Projects in Disputed Areas: Projects in disputed areas may raise a number of delicate
problems affecting relations not only between the Bank and its member countries, but
The project areas for the planned dam site are not X
also between the country in which the project is carried out and one or more
disputed, and therefore, this policy will not be
neighbouring countries.
triggered.

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3 Overview of the methodology adopted for the IESE of the
nine sites
3.1 Project Approach
The study approaches employed during the IESE study included document review,
reconnaissance surveys, stakeholder consultations and field observations. These
approaches are further elaborated below.

3.1.1 Review of Available Documents

Documents and records were reviewed to obtain existing secondary data and information
relevant to the study. The major source of such information included socio-economic and
investment profiles for Kagera River Basin Management Project (Kagera RBM Project),
national or partner country’s education, health and community development reports.
Environmental and social safeguard policies Furthermore, policies of focus in the study
included but were not limited to the following:
o Sida’s Guidelines for the Review of Environmental Impact Assessments, 2002;
o World Bank safeguard policies;
o Uganda’s EIA Guidelines, 1997 (NEMA);
o REMA’s EIA Guidelines of 2006;
o Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) procedures for AfDB funded projects of
2002;
o African Development Bank safeguard policies;
o EAC Protocol on Environment and Natural Resources; and
o EAC EIA Guidelines for shared ecosystems.

3.1.2 Reconnaissance surveys

Reconnaissance visits to the proposed eight dam sites were undertaken which as a vital
activity of this assignment which accorded the consultant the opportunity to carefully take
stock of what is on the ground, examine the extent to which water services are required,
and collect all the preliminary field data from the sites. The carefully planned tour, using the
checklist and plan developed at the initial analysis of maps and desk review provided the
Consultant with an in-depth understanding of the social, economic, environmental and
hydrologic situation on the ground, leading to an improved strategy and action plan for
detailed investigations.
From the perspective of the environment and socio-economic scoping, the field
reconnaissance visits have been used to gather information on ground issues that are
likely to be impacted on and mpact on the project intervention during its implementation.
These visits were important in helping to formulate focus for subsequent and detailed
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Study (ESIA) investigations and general
formulation of ToRs for ESIA as well as in ranking the sites based on a combination of
factors such as social, ecological/biological and cultural, amongst others. In all, the
reconnaissance surveys helped to answer the key question which is “what exists where
and what is/and of what value is it and to who?”. Information gathered from the field
reconnaissance visits was utilized in the preparation of the preliminary description of
existing environmental and social conditions at site and the characterization of the spot
preliminary evaluation of the projects’ potential environmental and social risks and impacts
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Overview of the methodology adopted for the IESE of the nine sites

in their areas of influence thereby leading to formulation of ways to prevent, minimize,

mitigate, or compensate for adverse environmental impacts and enhance positive impacts.

3.1.3 Stakeholder Consultations

The Consultant carried out consultations with the relevant stakeholders and these included
the District staff, ministries, local authorities and also local people at the project sites that
might be affected by the project. The local people provided information such as land tenure
systems, existing conflicts in regard to natural resources, and socioeconomic information
among others.

3.1.4 Field Observations

Observations were made through transects walks; the consultant observed among other
things housing, infrastructure, settlement patterns and other economic activities. This
method was equally employed to document major vegetation and animal groups in the
areas of the project.

3.2 Approach to Technical Assessments:

3.2.1 Introduction
Assessment of the dam sites was carried out to analyse the technical options for
development of the sites. The steps followed in carrying out the analysis included; (1)
review of available documents; (2) field observations; (3) catchment and dam site
characterisation; (4) hydrological analyses; (5) preliminary dam design and costing; (6)
economic analysis and ranking of the dam sites

3.2.2 Review of available documents

Review at each site was carried out of the following types of information, when available
o Previous designs on or close to the proposed sites, when available
o Review of country water policies and legal frameworks
o Review of guidelines for specific analyses like
- Hydrological modelling
- Dam design
- Sediment estimation
- Project ranking
- Project economic analysis
3.2.3 Field observations
Excursions were made to each of the 9 sites in which on-spot assessments were carried
out to ascertain the following
o Suitability of site for development

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o Soil types and general geology

o Dominant crops
o Extent of reservoir inundation and necessary compensation
o Catchment and dam site characterisation. The main factors considered included;
(1) catchment size and physiography; (2) general geology and soils; (3) climate
including rainfall, evapotranspiratiion, and temperature

3.2.4 Hydrological analyses

These were aimed at obtaining design information based on an anlysis of the hydrology of
each basin. Hydrological analyses were based on (1) river flow data, for gauged basins, (2)
hydrological modelling for ungauged basins. The hydrological information obtained were
useful for sizing the reservoir, spillway sizing, estimation of hydropower potential, and
other. Some of the statistics that were computed included;
o Mean and median flow (m3/s);
o Mean monthly and annual flow
o Design flood (T=10,000 years)
o Sediment accumulation rates

3.2.5 Preliminary dam design and costing

This included the following
o Choice of dam type and sizing
o Spillway design
o Other structures; power station, intake structures, power canals
o Estimation of irrigation command area, water supply area
o Costing based on unit rates used for similar projects in the region

3.2.6 Economic analysis and ranking of sites

The sites were ranked based on multi-criteria analysis using attributes like reservoir
capacity, storage/earth ratio, water use benefits of created and/or boosted irrigated
agriculture and hydropower generation, cost of sub-projects, and environmental attributes
An economic analysis was carried out basing on assumptions about discount rate, project
economic life and commodity prices

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4 IESE and Technical assessment of the dam sites
This chapter outlines the findings from the IESE and technical assessment of the nine
sites. For each site, the physical environment profile is discussed followed by the
ecological and baseline social environment findings. A discussion of the technical
assessment of the site follows, which includes the site hydrology; an appreciation of the
water uses (irrigation, water supply and hydropower where applicable) and a summary of
the site specific dam design elements. The discussion of each site ends with an outline of
the estimated project costs.

4.1 Kabuyanda Dam Site

4.1.1 Physical Environment Profile

Kabuyanda Dam Site is located on River Mishumba, at coordinates -0° 54’ 26.04” (South)
and 30° 35’ 58.14” (East), where it leaves the Rwoho Central Forest Reserve towards the
communities and flows towards Kikagate areas in Isingiro district, Uganda. Figure 4.1-1
and Figure 4.1-9 below show the geographical location of the site and the details of the
proposed reservoir.
The mean catchment slope is about 27.8% but the steepest slopes may be higher than
110%. The catchment elevation ranges between 1345 m asl at the dam site to 1843 m asl
while the mean is 1585 m a.s.l.
The constructed reservoir could be utilized for multipurpose uses that include water supply,
and irrigation needs. The area to be inundated by the Kabuyanda reservoir is completely
un-inhabited. In this regard, there are likely to be minimal compensation costs associated
with the Kabuyanda dam/reservoir project.

4.1.1.1 Climate
Available data indicates that the basin receives a mean annual rainfall of 1004 mm. The
mean monthly rainfall distribution is bimodal with two rainy seasons. The long rains occur
from March to May while the short rains occur between September and November but can
sometimes extend to December. The maximum rainfall is received in April and averages
140 mm while maximum rainfall in the short rainy season is received in November and
averages 138 mm. July is the driest month, receiving only 22 mm of rainfall. The mean
annual potential evaporation is 1219 mm and varies over a narrow range between 113 mm
in March and 84 mm in May. The mean monthly temperature ranges between 20 oC in July
and 23oC in April.

4.1.1.2 Temperature
Average daily temperature for Mbarara and Isingiro areas based on the Mbarara regional
Meterological station for the period 1960-1993 was a minimum of 13.7°C and a maximum
of 26.6°C. Analysis of the trend showed an increase of about 2°C over the period. The
temperature for Kabuyanda site and Rwoho Central Forest Reserve is expected to be
slightly different due to differences in altitude. The strongest winds blow during the months
of June and August and are from the South and East.

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 IESE and Technical assessment of the dam sites Kabuyanda Dam Site

Figure 4.1-1 Kabuyanda Site location

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IESE and Technical assessment of the dam sites Kabuyanda Dam Site

Kabuyanda

Rainfall
200 Potential Evapotranspiration

Mean Monthly Rainfall, PET (mm)

150

100

50

0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Month
Figure 4.1-2 Kabuyanda catchment mean monthly rainfall and potential evaporation

4.1.1.3 Geology of the Dam site

The geology of the project area is said to be part of Southern Ankole geological system
which is entirely dominated by ancient (Precambrian) metamorphic rocks of the Toro and
Karagwe-Ankolean Systems, which are intruded by slightly younger granitic rocks (Figure
4.1-3). The tightly folded Toro System is overlain uncomfortably by the Karagwe-Ankolean
System. The granitic rocks intruded the Karagwe-Ankolean at the time of fold formation
and were typically emplaced in the cores of major anticlines. The geological map indicates
that Toro System rocks only occur beneath the first two km of the project road and typically
comprise mica schists, but these rocks were not seen in outcrop close to the project area.

Figure 4.1-3 Geological Map of South Western Uganda (Source: ESIA Ishaka-Kagamba
Road Project, 2010-UNRA)
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IESE and Technical assessment of the dam sites Kabuyanda Dam Site

The underlying rock is mainly the Precambrian rock, which is described in four types:
(i) The Buganda Toro system – age dating over 1800 million years;
(ii) Wholly granitized or high to medium grade metamorphic formation (Northern part
of District);
(iii) The Karagwe–Ankolean System (southern and north western) age dating varies
from 1300-1400 million years; and
(iv) The Granitold and highly granitised rock (south of district).

4.1.2 Ecological Environment

4.1.2.1 Rwoho Central Forest Reserve
The planned project site lies within the Rwoho Central Forest Reserve which itself is within
a mosaic natural vegetation characterized by riparian forest, bare hilltops with sparse
woody plant cover and artificially planted trees of Pinus caribaea, Pinus ocarpa and
Eucalyptus sp. Rwoho forest reserve still exhibits its original native vegetation
predominantly covered with Albizia grandbracteata, Rhus longiflora, Prunus africana and
Erythrina abyssinica. The mid altitude forest is on the fringes of the bare Mbarara hill tops
and Oruchinga Valley to the south east draining to Kagera river.
Grasses and shrubs cover the slopes and peaks of the hills. A total of 179 species in 56
families with 7 Albertine rift endemic plants (Oxyanthus troupinii, Elatostema monticola,
Zanthoxylum gilletii, Pavetta oliveriana, Peddiea rapaneoides, Macaranga capensis, and
Peddiea rapaneoides) have been recorded in the Rwoho Forest. The dominant plant
families in the areas are reported to include Poaceae with 19 species encountered,
Asteraceae 18, Euphorbiaceae 17 and Fabaceae 12 species. A variety of woody forest
plants exist in the remnant riparian forest patches that has been greatly exploited by the
local communities in dire need for grazing land, building material, hunting and non-timber
forest product exploitation of some species for animal and human consumption. The bear
hilltops that have been highly degraded by grazing are supporting grassland and
vegetation, which is predominantly covered with short grass, shrubs and fire resistant
species.

4.1.2.2 Categorization of Rwoho Central Forest Reserve

Rwoho Central Forest Reserve is categorized as a secondary conservation forest in the
National Forestry Nature Conservation Master Plan. There are no red-list species in the
area. Of the 65 forests investigated in Uganda, Rwoho ranks 41st in overall biodiversity
importance. Rwoho has one tree species unique to Uganda (Terminalia laxiflora) and one
tree species endemic to the Albertine Rift (Grewia pubescens).
Furthermore, there are a number of restricted range species that only occur in less than 5
forests in Uganda, but also in other forests in the East African region. In the area also two
mammals and one butterfly which are regional endemics, and 5 trees/shrubs, one small
mammal and 8 butterflies of restricted range were found. In the table below the main
results of the conservation value assessment are presented.
For the reforestation activities the following tree species are being used:
o 75 % Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis
o 20 % Maesopsis eminii
o 5 % Prunus africana
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Pinus caribaea is widely tested in Uganda and adaptable to a number of site conditions. P.
caribaea was introduced to Uganda around 1960. Experiences with native tree species are
limited in East Africa but the natural occurrence of Maesopsis eminii and Prunus africana in
Rwoho is indicating that the prevailing site conditions are favourable for these tree species.
However, due to limited information on tree growth performance and pest problems, in
particular with Prunus africana, further increasing the proportion of native tree species
would increase the project risk.

4.1.2.3 Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Project in Rwoho Central Forest Reserve
The small-scale CDM A/R project is part of a project cluster of 5 similar projects aiming to
provide a new financing mechanism to overcome the current barriers to establish timber
plantations in Uganda and to allow communities to benefit from the CDM. The project area
is part of the Rwoho Central Forest Reserve, a gazetted woodland reserve (Figure 4.1-4).
In total the reserve covers an area of 9,100 ha, of which 50 % is available for reforestation
activities. Of the 50 km of external boundary about 9 km follows streams while 41 km is an
artificial boundary maintained as a planted cutline with earth corner cairns and boundary-
directional trenches. The reserve lies on top of a large flat-topped ridge running from North
to South. In total the project activities cover an area of 341.9 ha within Rwoho Central
Forest Reserve (NFA planting area: 319.2 (93 %), community planting area: 22.7 ha (7 %).
The Reserve covers in total an area of 9,100 ha. Based on conservative estimates, with a
22 years rotation cycle for all tree species, the project is anticipated to produce 29,269
tCO2-e.
The project allows the involvement of private and community-based tree planting initiatives
with different investor shares. Due diligence, monitoring, validation and verification costs
are shared among the project cluster. Based on a successful implementation of this first
pilot cluster, it is planned to extend the portfolio across the country clustered in a number of
deforested public forest reserves and target regions.
In the project the NFA is the main investor being responsible for 93 % of the investor
shares and proportional area. The NFA is dominating this first project cluster considering
that it is currently the only organization in Uganda able to provide confidence to
international investors in this new investment concept and being able to provide the
expected guarantees to replace the emission reductions in case the project activities may
fail. The Co-investor is the community groups, like the Rwoho Environmental Conservation
and Protection Association (RECPA), with currently 250 members that are interested in
tree planting. Many of the members already have a track record planting trees. Community
groups will manage the remaining 7 % of the project area. In subsequent project activities
the investor share of communities and/or private enterprises will be gradually increased
considering the learning curve and the available track record from the first project cluster.

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Figure 4.1-4 Map of Uganda with all Central Forest Reserves. Dark arrow shows location
of Rwoho CFR (Source: NFA, 2006)

Community groups will receive the payments for each tCO2 sequestered at a price
stipulated in the Emission Reductions Purchase Agreement between the buyer and the
NFA. Detailed rights and responsibilities are regulated in Community Forest Management
Agreements and a Tree Farming License (see attached documents). The NFA will provide
seedlings and technical advice to community groups. In return they will be in charge to
protect the plantations from fire and the remaining patches of natural forests.

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Plate 4.1-1 Papyrus section on the River. Note the pine trees on the background.
Communities harvest papyrus for handcrafts from this part of the River.

Plate 4.1-2 White arrows shows part Rwoho CFR planted with Pines and is likely to be
inundated once the dam is constructed.

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Plate 4.1-3 Sections of the neighboring communities with bananas

4.1.3 Baseline Social Environment

4.1.3.1 Population
The population in the district has nearly doubled in a period of 20 years implying that there
is increased pressure on natural resources in order to improve on the quality of life and
standards of living of the people. Rapid population growth slows down economic progress
and lowers standards of living in a family. These manifests itself in form of scarcity of basic
needs of man like education, Health, Infrastructure such as transport and communication
systems, water and sanitation; and land for crops and livestock production (Mbarara,
DSOER 2004).
Poor management of solid waste, land degradation and loss of soil fertility and erosion
leading to low agricultural production are some of the key issues concerning population
and social development in Mbarara district and Rwoho and Bugamba Forest management
area in particular.

4.1.3.2 Population characteristics

The population characteristics in the project area can be summarized in Table 4.1-1 below:
The area is basically inhabited by Banyankole, Bakiga and some Banyarwanda. The
current population around the reserves of Rwoho and Bugamba is 141,383 distributed in
four sub counties of Mwizi (26,136), Bugamba (28,822), Rukoni (44,401) and Kabuyanda
(42,024).

4.1.3.3 Socio-economic Activities

Agriculture is the mainstay of the District economy, as 92% of the rural population depends
on agriculture for livelihood and income and crop farming is a predominant activity
engaging two thirds of the population and can be easily noted as one drives through the

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Rwampara and Isingiro hills. Poor agricultural practices on fragile mountains and hills have
increased incidences of soil erosion. During the discussions, it was revealed that there are
seasonal wildfires started by cattle keepers and subsistence farmers especially during the
dry season, this could spread and damage forest plantation.

Table 4.1-1 Kabuyanda Population Characteristics

Parameter Parameter Value
Birth rate 55 per 1000
Death rate 20 per 1000
Growth rate per annum 3.2%
Density 138 per sq Km
Total fertility 7.8
Infant mortality rate 87 per 1,000 births
Literacy rate 53%
Sex ratio 47.3%
Proportion of National population 4.4%
Life expectancy at birth 47%
Maternity mortality rate 504/100,000
Adolescent pregnancy rate 38%
HIV / AIDs prevalence rate 10%
(Source: DSOER, Isingiro 2009)
The villages on the fringes of the project area are mostly isolated agricultural villages.
Subsistence farmers whose main activity is cultivation of bananas inhabit them. Petty trade
is common within the neighbourhood of the project area and several small shops/kiosks
were sited in the villages. According to the population and housing census of 2002, the
average monthly house income in nominal values was estimated at Uganda Shs 127,700
and crop farming was the major source of income much of which is spent on foods and
beverages. rent fuel and power. The majority of the population IS engaged in private
economic activities. The district economic status indicators are as follows:
o Per capita income estimated at Uganda shillings 540.000 (US $ 350)
o Major cash crops: Bananas. beans maize, coffee fruits and vegetables;
o Major cash livestock and live stock products. Cattle, goats, chicken milk, eggs,
hides and skins;
o Major cash services: Human transport, private-education and health/medical
services, trade and commerce; and
o Industries: - metal fabrication, wood works, saw milling, grain milling, treatment of
hides and milk processing.

4.1.3.4 Land tenure and land use

Land tenure system fall under the following categories as stipulated in the Constitution of
Uganda 1995.
o Customary tenure:- Common tenure in the district. The land under this tenure is
entrusted to a household whose head of the household normally subdivides it
among his children.
o Freehold land- is basically Government owned.
o Leasehold: Most of leasehold are granted for development purpose like agriculture
development and setting up of the institutions.

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The Rwoho and Bugamba CFRs management plan will be implemented within the Central
Forest Reserves which fall under Freehold Government land held in trust by the Uganda
Land Commission. The dominant land use within the management area is forestry. Outside
the management planning area it is agricultural activity including cultivation of crops and
keeping of livestock.

4.1.3.5 Economic activities

According to the population and housing census of 2002, the average monthly house
income in nominal value was estimated at Uganda Shs. 127,700 and crop farming was the
major source of income of the population is engaged in private we economic activities. The
district economic status indicators are as follows:-
o Per capita income estimated at Uganda shillings 540,000 (US $ 350)
o Major cash crops: Bananas, beans, maize, coffee fruits and vegetables.
o Major cash livestock and livestock products: cattle, goats, chicken, milk, eggs,
hides and skins.
o Major cash services: Human transport, private-education and health/medical
services, trade and commerce.
o Industries: - metal fabrication, wood works, saw milling, grain milling, treatment of
hides and milk processing.
Agriculture is the back bone of the district economy, as 92% of the rural population
depends on agriculture for livelihood and income and crop farming is a predominant activity
engaging two thirds of the population. Poor agriculture practices on fragile mountains and
hills increased incidences of soil erosion.

4.1.3.6 Rangeland Management

Rangeland distribution is mainly in Kazo Nyabushozi, Bukanga, Isingiro and Kashari
countries, which are within the cattle corridor. Pastoralist practice communal grazing and
keeps many animals exceeding the carrying capacity of the area resulting into over grazing
leading to land degradation.

4.1.3.7 Education
The district has 629 government aided primary schools and 212 private owned. It has 41
government aided secondary school and 49 private owned. There are 2 universities;
Mbarara University of Science and Technology and Bishop Stuart University Kakoba.
There was one National Teachers College (Kakoba, 3 primary school Teachers College, 3
technical schools and 2 farm schools).

4.1.3.8 Energy
The district energy sources are mainly woodfuel, petroleum products, electricity and
renewable resources like solar energy and Biogas Woodfuel accounts for 95% of the total
energy used in the district. This has resulted into a lot of deforestation and loss of tree
cover. The increased demand for wood fuel is due to slow adoption of Biogas and solar
energy technologies and high cost of petroleum products and slow rate of rural
electrification and increased tariffs on electricity.
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4.1.4 Hydrology of the site

The physical environment of the site (i.e. climate) has been discussed in section 4.1.1.1
above. Hence the discussion of the hydrology in this section shall limit itself to the
analyzing the site runoff properties, reservoir sizing as well as preliminary investigation of
the associated sediment transport

4.1.4.1 Previous studies

Ntale (2011) considered some aspects of the Kabuyanda site in the study report titled
“Rapid identification and assessment of potential sites for multipurpose storage reservoirs”,
a report prepared for the Kagera River Basin Project.

4.1.4.2 Alternative developments

It should be appreciated that there are three rivers that flow into the Kabuyanda valley,
River Mishumba being the largest. For complete control of the waters flowing into the
valley, the other smaller rivers could either be dammed at the entrance into the flat
depression (Figure 4.1-1) or alternatively they could be diverted into the primary irrigation
canal to serve the command area. Therefore, if the decision to develop this dam is taken, it
should be implemented, taking into consideration the whole Kabuyanda valley water
system requirements and control.

4.1.4.3 Runoff
Flow at the proposed dam site is not gauged. However, hydrological modeling using
regionalized parameters shows that between years 1956 and 2000, the daily flow at the
dam site ranged between 0.1 m3/s on 7-May-1967 and 10.6 m3/s on 12-Sep-1982 and
averaged 0.6 m3/s (Figure 4.1-5). The mean flow has an exceedance probability of 27%
while the median flow is 3.7 m3/s.
The mean monthly total flows vary between 0.7 Million m3 (Mm3) in July and 1.5 Mm3 in
April (Figure 4.3-3). A secondary peak flow of 2.4 Mm3 occurs in November. The total
annual flow averages about 19 Mm3.
12

10

8
Daily flow (m /s)
3

0
1963 1965 1968 1971 1974 1976 1979 1982 1984 1987 1990

Figure 4.1-5: Daily flow variation: Kabuyanda

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2.5

Mean Monthly (Million m )

3 2

1.5

0.5
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

2.5
Mean Monthly (Million m )
3

1.5

0.5
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Figure 4.1-6 Kabuyanda Mean monthly flow variation

4.1.4.4 Reservoir
Using a 30m digital elevation model (DEM) of the area, reservoir elevation-area and
elevation-volume curves were prepared and are shown in Figure 4.1-7 and Figure 4.1-8
respectively. The figures show that the inundation area and volume of reservoir increases
steadily with elevation up to an elevation of 1400 m asl. The limiting parameter to the
reservoir size is the quantity of available water. After computation of the available runoff at
the site, it was decided to fix the ratio of the runoff to the volume of the reservoir to no less
than 1.1. Taking this ration and dead storage into consideration, a reservoir elevation of
1363.2 m asl was recommended for this proposed dam site. Figure 4.1-1 shows the
Volume – Area relationship for the dam site. The reservoir fetch is about 2.8km.

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Figure 4.1-7: Plot of Kabuyanda reservoir surface elevation versus reservoir surface area

Figure 4.1-8: Plot of Kabuyanda reservoir surface elevation versus reservoir volume

A reservoir elevation of 1363.2 m asl will inundate 1.183 km 2 of land and will have a total
volume of 10 million cubic meters of water. The reservoir fetch will be approximately 2.3
km along the main river. Kabuyanda reservoir would not require any resettlement of
people.

4.1.4.5 Reservoir evaporation

Being an open water body, the reservoir evaporation rates would be expected to be close
to the potential evapotranspiration rates. Table 4.1-2 shows the daily and monthly potential
evaporation rates estimated from data at 1 meteorological stations located close to the
Kabuyanda dam site.

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Table 4.1-2 Daily and monthly potential evaporation rates

Month Daily Evaporation Monthly Evaporation (mm)

Jan 3.3 103

Feb 3.6 100
Mar 3.7 113
Apr 3.0 90
May 2.7 84
Jun 3.1 94
Jul 3.4 104
Aug 3.5 109
Sep 3.6 108
Oct 3.6 113
Nov 3.2 97
Dec 3.3 104
Annual 3.3 1219

4.1.4.6 Sediment transport

This study shall use an empirical sediment assessment methodology first proposed by
Lawrence et al. (2004) which was a based on study they undertook on sediment deposition
in 14 dams in East and Southern Africa. Lawrence et al (2004) estimated sediment yields
by first carrying out a rapid catchment characterization procedure which included scoring
qualitative factors describing soil type, crop cover, and signs of erosion. Lawrence et al
(2004) then combined the qualitative factors with quantitative information on slopes, rainfall
and catchment area in the following simple predictive function calibrated using measured
catchment sediment yields:-
SY = 0.0194 Area-0.2* MAP0.7* Slope0.3 SASE1.2 * STD0.7* VC0.5
Where
SY = Sediment yield (t/km2/year)
Area = Catchment area (km2)
MAP = Mean annual precipitation (mm)
Slope = River slope from the catchment boundary to the dam
SASE = Signs of active soil erosion (Score from catchment characterization)
STD = Soil type and drainage (Score from catchment characterization)
VC = Vegetation condition (Score from catchment characterization)

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Figure 4.1-9 Kabuyanda Reservoir at 1362m above sea level

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It should be borne in mind that the catchment characterization represents a “snapshot” of

conditions in the catchments on a single visit. In light of the high standard errors associated
with sediment measurement, and some other potentially large sources of error, the values
obtained from this study are only indicative. It is the understanding of the consultant that
more rigorous methods will be adopted during feasibility studies of the project to obtain
more accurate sediment yields information. However, this will only be possible if sediment
data collection is embarked on right now, so that by the time the feasibility study is carried
out at least there will be some data with which to calibrate and validate the numerical
model outputs.
Using the approach suggested by Lawrence et al (2004), sedimentation yields for the
Kabuyanda catchment contributing to the dam site was established to be 672 t/km2/yr. The
dead storage properties of the dam are shown in below:

Table 4.1-3 Kabuyanda Sediment Properties

Site Name Kabuyanda
Reservoir Volume (Mm3) 10
Catchment area (km2) 109
SY (t/km2/yr) 672
Assumed Sediment density (t/m3) 1.1
Dead Volume (Mm3)/yr 0.03
Dead storage after 50 years (Mm3) 1.45
Percentage of Reservoir filled with sediment after 50 years 14%

4.1.4.7 Floods
The annual maximum series model was used for flood frequency analysis. The following
approach was used
i). Selection of the maximum 24-hour flows from the modeled flows
ii). Selection of the distribution that best fits the data. Lognormal distribution was
shown to provide an acceptable fit to the annual maximum data
iii). Estimation of the flood magnitudes corresponding to various return periods (Table
4.1-4)

Table 4.1-4: Flood estimates for the Kabuyanda Project

Return period, Flood magnitude Risk of failure for a 50
T (years) (m3/s) year design life (%)
50 14.2 63.6
100 15.7 39.5
200 17.1 22.2
500 19.1 9.5
1000 20.6 4.9
10000 25.7 0.5

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4.1.5 Irrigation and command area

The Kabuyanda site is very suitable for irrigation immediately downstream of the dam.
There is intensive mixed farming in the Kabuyanda valley. Availability of water all year
around would enable the valley residents to engage in more profitable agriculture The
irrigation command area for Kabuyanda is about 1283 ha (Table 4.1-5) This is the area that
can directly be irrigated by the reservoir. However some more 2920 ha of irrigable land are
available and may be irrigated if other feeding rivers are diverted into the primary irrigation
canals. The command area can support 2500 farmers and provide food for about 12,700
people. The annual water demand for irrigation is about 6.4 Mm3.

Table 4.1-5: Irrigation command area for Kabuyanda

District Sub- Area (ha)
County
Isingiro Kabuyanda 931

Kikagate 352

Total 1283

4.1.6 Water Supply

The total population that can benefit from water supply from the Kabuyanda project in 2012
and 2062 was estimated at 69,753 and 336,934 people respectively (Table 4.1-6). The
annual water demands are 0.8 Mm3 and 2.9 Mm3 for 2012 and 2062, respectively.
Table 4.1-6: Potential water supply beneficiaries for Kabuyanda
District Sub- Population Population
County (2012) (2062)
Isingiro Kabyanda 33,420 161,431
Kikagate 9,869 47,670
Nyakitunda 4,206 20,315
Ntungamo Rukoni 22,259 107,518
Total 69,753 336,934

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Figure 4.1-10 Kabuyanda command area

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4.1.7 Dam Design elements

4.1.7.1 General
Owing to the nature of the river cross-section at the proposed dam site as wide valley, an
earth dam is proposed. The dam will have a base elevation of 1347.2 m asl while the crest
elevation will be 1364.7 m asl. The dam crest will be 350m long. An Ogee type spillway is
included within the design to be located on the right side of the dam. The spillway crest
elevation will be 1362.7 m asl while the spillway crest length will be 15 m.

4.1.7.2 Dam Type

The dam at Kabuyanda has been designed as an earth dam with a roadway on top.
Table 4.1-7: Kabuyanda dam design
Variable Units Value

Dam location Kabuyanda

Dam type Earth Dam
Reservoir base elevation m asl 1345.2
Reservoir top elevation m asl 1362.7
Reservoir depth at above dam base (Hnet) m 17.5
Free board (Flood Flood control pool (flood height 2.5 m 2.5
control pool + 3% above spillway crest): 1.5m
of dam height)
3% of dam height (for wave action,
etc): 1.5m

Dam height H m 20.0

Crest elevation m asl 1365.2
Spillway crest elevation m asl 1362.7
Crest length m 350
Top width (7-12 m depending on dam height) m 7

4.1.7.3 Construction materials

A full investigation of the availability of good quality construction materials will be carried
out at the feasibility stage. From the reconnaissance it was established that there is plenty
of good red earth soil within the dam environs which could be used to construct the dam.
Investigations may reveal that there may be other locations with better material quality and
economic haul distances.
Random fill for the cofferdams will be obtained from foundation stripping operations.

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4.1.7.4 Spillway
The spillway will be of the side channel type. It will be located on the right side of the dam.
Table 4.1-8 shows the main design parameters of the spillway. The spillway will discharge
via a flared ski-jump into an existing an existing pond below the dam.
Table 4.1-8: Spillway design parameters
Variable Units Value

Return period years 10,000

Spillway crest elevation m asl 1,528
Design flood cumecs 26
Discharge coefficient, Cd (assumed) 1.7
Spillway crest length, L m 20.0
Head on spillway, H m 1.0
Spillway discharge, Q=Cd*L*H^(3/2) cumecs 34.0

4.1.7.5 Hydropower
The proposed hydropower station at the Kabuyanda site has the potential to produce 1.0
GWh of energy per year which is enough to supply about 1,000 houses and over 6,000
people.

4.1.8 Project costs

The estimated costs for the Kabuyanda project total to 13.2 million US dollars as broken
down in Table 4.1-9 below. It is interesting to note that despite the site being primarily
being motivated by irrigation and water supply needs, some hydropower can be produced
at the site as well.

Table 4.1-9 Kabuyanda Project costs

No Item Units Quantity Rate (USD) Amount
(USD)
1.0 PREPARATORY WORKS
Mobilisation and demobilisation Lumpsum 1 800,000 800000
Permanent access km 10 100,000 1000000
Temporary access Lumpsum 1 100,000 100000
River diversion during construction Lumpsum 1 500,000 500000
Resettlement and compensation ha 118 2,500 295000
Subtotal 2695000

2.0 MAIN DAM

Excavation, loose m3 48000 15 720000
Excavation, rock m3 12000 22 264000
Foundation preparation Lumpsum 1 300,000 300000
Dam earthworks - random fill m3 120000 15 1800000
Dam earthworks - impermeable core m3 80000 20 1600000
Subtotal 4684000

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3.0 SPILLWAY, INTAKE

Excavation, loose m3 1000 15 15000
Excavation, rock m3 3500 22 77000
Concrete Spillway m3 4200 200 840000
Concrete intake Lumpsum 1 250,000 250000
Penstocks, 2No @ 0.2 m2 steel m 100 500 50000
Other civil structures Lumpsum 1 200,000 200000
Subtotal 1432000

4.0 POWER STATION

Excavation, loose m3 3000 15 45000
Excavation, rock m3 2000 22 44000
Reinforced concrete power station m3 2500 350 875000
Other civil works Lumpsum 1 100,000 100000
Subtotal 1064000

5.0 MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL

WORKS
Turbines and miscellaneous mechanical Lumpsum 1 350,000 350000
equipment
Generators, transformers and miscellaneous Lumpsum 1 200,000 200000
electrical equipment
Gates for intake, outlet Lumpsum 1 75,000 75000
Switchyard Lumpsum 1 100,000 100000
Subtotal 725000

TOTAL, CONSTRUCTION COST 10600000

ADMINISTRATION AND ENGINEERING 0.1 1060000
CONTINGENCIES 0.15 1590000
CAPITAL COST (WITHOUT VAT) 13250000

4.1.9 Anticipated Impacts and Mitigation Measures for the Kabuyanda Project
4.1.9.1 Positive Impacts
The following are some of the anticipated positive impacts of the dam project. They are:
o The dam will likely facilitate cultivation of crops to be done throughout the year and
that will guarantee household income for the communities and also food security;
o Proposed watershed management practices once instituted will likely improve the
settings around the project;
o There will be improvement of access roads easier transportation of machinery and
epuipment to the site and such roads will benefit the communities;
o The dam project can generate some indirect benefits such as induced
developments such restaurants and accommodation facilities to serve the workers
thereby leading to the development of the area;
o Adajecnt communities especially the women are likely to start some businesses
such as sale of food to the workers thereby earning some additional income to
supplement their domestic needs;
o Apart from irrigation needs, if well managed, the dam can be used for aquaculture
by the community;
o There will be improved supply of water for both domestic and livestock purpose

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o It will also support cattle production and associated dairy products through
improved water supply
o During construction phase, the communities will get benefits in terms of
employment.

4.1.9.2 Negative Impacts

At this stage of the study, the preliminary potential impact examination has identified the
following impacts:
o The entire catchment of the dam as well as the planned reservoir lie in the Rwoho
Central Forest Reserve. It is advantageous to have a catchment that is a forest
reserve; however, the idea that the water reservoir is within the Forest reserve as
well may be seen to be consuming the original gazetted function of the land.
o The project will take up 118 ha (out of the 9100 ha of the entire NFA CDM site or
1.29 of the total gazetted land). Although this is a small percentage, it might have a
negative impact on the communities who are already participating and anticipating
to benefit from the CDM project;
o Impacts on the papyrus stand on the river thereby affecting communities who are
benefiting from the local crafts out of papyrus reeds;
o The dam will take up access road that passes through the planned site thereby
denying communities access route to the neighbouring villages;
o The dam construction will interfere with the community water sources downstream.
In addition, social issues regarding land availability and sharing will be crucial for
the success of the project;
o Loss of vegetation through clearances of the sites and access roads;
o Sedimentation transport could be an issue as the annual sedimentation is quite
important, leading the site likely exposed to siltation. Thus, it should be taken into
consideration during the ESIA as the area is highly cultivated;
o Noise and vibrations from equipment operations as well as air quality concerns;
o Loss of water resources through evaporation will be a minor impact as the net
losses due to evaporation could likely be low as compared to annual inflow;
o Due to the change of the hydrology of the River, the aquatic environment as well
as the wetlands near the Project area should be taken in consideration during the
ESIA;
o Pollution of water sources from loose soils, and agro-chemical residual impacts;
o HIV/AIDS from the workforce and the communities is likely to be an issue during
construction phase of the dam;
o Potential equipment related concerns in terms of oil spillages, used batteries and
oil filters as well as used tyres all these are anticipated to occur in the camp site;
and
o Water diseases through establishment of the dam could increase such as malaria;
bilharzia should be studied during the ESIA.

One of the tasks of this assignment is preliminary identification of potential environmental

and social impacts of the project and proposing mitigation measures. At this point, the
consultant has identified some key impacts as well as proposing mitigation measures to
address such concerns and have been summarized in Table 4.1-10 below:

Table 4.1-10 Key impacts and mitigation measures for the planned Kabuyanda site

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No. Project Impact Mitigation measures

01. Potential conflict with CDM site Details of the project to be shared with NFA so as
to work out the optimal site for the dam and
associated reservoir to minimize impacts on the
CDM project site.
02. Impact on banana and coffee shambas Compensation of the Project Affected Persons be
thereby impacting on livelihoods and undertaken by the project
sources of incomes for the communities
03. Impact on community water source Alternate source of water for the communities need
downstream of the site to be located during dam construction.
04. The dam site will take up a community road Alternate route for the community will be set up by
that passes through the site the project.
05. Land uptake through construction of the Compensation for land uptake after Resettlement
dam and access roads, camp sites, etc Action Plan (RAP) studies.
06. Concerns relating to management of cut to Disposal sites for cut to spoil have to be approved
spoil materials by the Supervising consultant.
07. Loss of marsh and cropland areas due to Compensation for loss of crop and issuing early
inundation where rice fields are in place. notice to farmers to harvest crops
08. Loss of vegetation through clearances of the Restrict clearances to work/designated portions or
sites and access roads. areas.
Compensatory planting of trees by the projects.
09. Conflicts in water use due to a multiplicity of Put in place site-based sectoral committees to
users (power generation, water supply and handle equitable and rational use of water in the
irrigations needs including local domestic project.
uses). Some sections of the river have a
There is need to plan the development of this dam
number of dams and the planned ones will
sites while ensuring that the needs of other users
add to such existing dams along the same
are taken care of.
river system there by putting stress on water
supply process.
10. Impacts on water quality through upgrading Provide alternate site rather than disrupt this
of existing facilities and where communities existing and functioning facility already in place.
draw water for their needs
11. Soil erosion concerns which will likely arise Soil control measures have to be instituted during
through loose soil materials causing works implementation.
sedimentation
12. Pollution of water sources from loose soils, Impacts of water quality from agro-chemicals have
and agro-chemical residual impacts. to be mitigated through monitoring water quality
parameters during the project phases.
13. Equipment related concerns in terms of oil Preparing decommissioning plan and site
spillages, used batteries and oil filters as restoration and re-grassing.
well as used tyres.
14. Human waste management especially in Measures for human waste management to be
irrigation fields and workers camp sites. instituted on the sites.
15. Noise and vibrations Noise from equipment and the workforce

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No. Project Impact Mitigation measures

16. HIV/AIDS from the workforce and the Contractors to work with HIV/AIDS service
communities providers to sensitize communities on HIV/AIDS.
Furthermore, the project should work out HIV/AIDS
mitigation measures with the district leadership
and the health department so that there should be
an HIV/AIDS programme dedicated to the project.
This is important in that, the project will affect
social dynamic of the areas, hence there will be
induced developments and population influx which
all will have impacts on the communities with
reference to HIV/AIDS prevalence.
In all, the detailed ESIA should investigate this
issue and propose appropriate mitigation
measures.
17. Air Quality concerns Dust suppression measures will be instituted to
ensure air quality levels are kept appropriate.
18. Crime rate possible increase Working together with the police and law
enforcement agencies in the areas of the project to
control crime in the areas.
19. Impacts on socio-cultural sites During the IESE studies, there were no site of
socio-culturak values in the project proximity. It is
proposed that, detailed ESIa should further
investigate this aspect and come up responsive
mitigation measures to mitigate this concern.
20. Impacts on biodiversity areas of high Working with NFA to work out appropriate
conservation concerns (Important Bird
Areas-IBAs, national and central forest
reserves etc).

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4.2 Kagitumba-Maziba Dam Site

4.2.1 Physical Environment Profile
The site for the proposed Kagitumba dam is located on River Nyakizumba near Maziba
Town in Kabale District, Southwestern Uganda. The coordinates of the proposed dam site
are -1° 18’ 54.36” (South) and 30° 5’ 25.26” (East.) as shown in Figure 4.2-1. Upstream of
the dam site, Kagitumba River flows in a south-easterly direction. At Maziba Town, the
river makes a 90 degree turn and flows in a north-easterly direction to the proposed dam
site. At the 90 degree bend, the river is joined by two smaller tributaries and flows for about
1.2 km to the proposed dam site. The river continues in north-easterly direction for a further
9 km before turning sharply to flow in a southerly direction. The slope of the river upstream
of the dam is about 1% while the slope downstream is about 10% and contains some
rapids.
The primary purpose of the dam is hydropower production while a secondary purpose
would be irrigation. Owing to the many settlements in the river valley including major
Towns like Maziba, Kanjobe and even Kabale Town, the site presents challenges to any
plan that involves a large reservoir, However, the terrain of the area allows for a significant
head of over 240 m if the power station is located at Kahondo close to the Rwanda border.
Irrigation potential on the Uganda’s side is quite limited because of the steep terrain while
increasing the command area into Rwanda would result in complications related to
managing trans-national irrigation schemes.

4.2.1.1 Topography
The topography of the project area can be described as mostly rolling (57%) and flat (39%)
with mountainous terrain. The deep valleys between the hills occasionally have a
combination of seasonal and permanent streams most of these drain eastwards towards
the L. Victoria system.

4.2.1.2 Geology
The geology of the project area is similar to that of the Kabuyanda site which is discussed
to some length in section 4.1.1.3 above. From 1:100,000 maps, it can be inferred that the
geology of the area consists of the Southern Ankole geological system which is entirely
dominated by ancient (Precambrian) metamorphic rocks of the Toro and Karagwe-
Ankolean Systems, which are intruded by slightly younger granitic rocks

4.2.1.3 Soils
Most of the soils in the project areas are a mix both clay sandy loams with little
differentiation into clearly defined horizons. The soils, especially those found in the valleys
occur in clay sediments and dominantly darkish in colour. On tops of the some ridges, the
soils are red loams. In some areas, the soils are of ferralitic type and at a final stage of
weathering with little or no mineral reserve left. Other types include lithosols, alluvial and
lacustrine sands and alluvial clays. Lithosols and humus loams are the dominant uplands
while the grey sandy soils derived from hill wash or river alluvium, grey clays of the valley
bottoms and lacustrine sands dominate the lowlands.

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Figure 4.2-1 Kagitumba Maziba Catchment

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4.2.1.4 Climate
The climate of the project area falls under Kabale climatic zone which once Sir Winston
Churchill described Kabale as “The Switzerland of Africa” due to the great diversity of
topography, landscape and vegetation. The scenery before Kabale progressively becomes
dramatic with deep steep slopes. These physical features have a role in the modification of
Kabale climate which is generally cool. Kabale climate is generally considered to be semi-
temperate i.e. neither hot nor cold. It’s neither hot nor cold. Its Annual maximum
temperature is 24.2°C while the annual mean minimum temperature is 12.1°C. The climate
of Kabale can be classified as cool and humid which is primarily due to the altitude.
However, there are reports from the area that show temperatures have arisen in recent
years. This is possibly attributable to deforestation and extensive swamp reclamation. The
region shows a bimodal rainfall pattern with rains coming from March to June and
September to December. The rainfall amounts vary a great deal in space and time ranging
from annual means of 1,000 to 1,500 mm. Kagitumba
Rainfall
200 Potential Evapotranspiration
Mean Monthly Rainfall, PET (mm)

150

100

50

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

Figure 4.2-2 Kagitumba catchment mean monthly rainfall and potential evaporation

Available data indicates that the basin receives a mean annual rainfall of 1054 mm. The
mean monthly rainfall distribution is bimodal with two rainy seasons. The long rains occur
from March to May while the short rains occur between September and November but can
sometimes extend to December. The maximum rainfall is received in April and averages
147 mm while maximum rainfall in the short rainy season is received in November and
averages 130 mm. July is the driest month, receiving only 20 mm of rainfall. The mean
annual potential evaporation is 1016 mm and varies over a narrow range between 95 mm
in March and 70 mm in May. The temperature ranges between 15°C in July and 19°C in
April.

4.2.1.5 Vegetation
On the site there are trees and general vegetation which are not of conservation
significance. The site is largely dominated by grass communities and agro-biodiversity in
terms of crops such as bananas, beans, and sorghum. However, downstream of River is
dominated by Acacia gerrardii (Plate 4.2-1) which at some sections forms closed canopy.
Along the river are sections paddocked farmlands for cattle grazing (Plate 4.2-2). It is

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important to note that, there are no forests or protected areas within the immediate the
vicinity of the project.

Plate 4.2-1 Sections of the River Nyakizumba with some relic riverine forest patches of
Acacia and Elephant grass

Plate 4.2-2 Grazing lands along sections of the River Nyakizumba

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4.2.2 Social Environment Profile

This section presents preliminary socio-economic assessment, and the current project
socio-economic baseline which is a summary of the situation formed through a
combination of secondary data and stakeholder consultations.

4.2.2.1 Population and Demography

The population increase in the Kabale district is the result of natural increases due to high
fertility levels and fairly high annual growth rates. Between the 1980 and 1991 intercensal
period, the growth rate was 2.1 % per annum against the national average of 2.5%. There
has been a tremendous increase in the districts' population density. According to the 1991
census, the population density for Kabale was 250 persons per sq. kilometre, compared to
199 persons per sq. kilometre in 1980. However, population densities in Kabale are
actually higher than the figures quoted above if one considers the population figures and
the available arable land. It is assumed now that, the rural population density per sq.
kilometer of cultivated land was estimated to be 620 inhabitants. High densities have
resulted in a drastic decrease in farm size, or land per capita, and as a consequence land
shortage has resulted.

4.2.2.2 Age Distribution

A large number of young population combined with high illiteracy levels make available
unskilled labour. From Figure 4.4 it is clear that almost half 49% of the population are
youth, while young children aged below 9 years also take up 28% of the population in the
project area. This may imply that the contractor may not have to import manual labour from
elsewhere.

Figure 4.2-3 Age Distribution in the Kagitumba project area

4.2.2.3 Religion
In matters concerning religion in the area study, there are notably four main religions that
the people subscribe to i.e. Islam, catholic, protestants and the Pentecostals/evangelicals.
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The Protestants and the Catholics share up 83% of the population; the 19% comprise the
evangelicals (Pentecostals) and the Muslims (Figure 4.2-4).

Figure 4.2-4 Religious groups in the Kagitumba project area

4.2.2.4 Land tenure and land use

Different land tenure systems operate in Uganda namely customary, freehold, mailo land
and leasehold. The 2002 census classified land tenure as; customary, free hold, mailo
land, leasehold and others (Figure 4.2-5).

Figure 4.2-5 Land tenure modes in the Kagitumba project area

4.2.2.5 Economic activities

Subsistence farming is the major source of livelihood employing 82% of the population in
Kabale. In the project area 68% of the population reported that agriculture was their main
source of income. Agriculture is followed and supplemented by employment income, family
support and other family enterprises most of which are undertaken near and along the road

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especially in the merging trading centres. Owing to the poor conditions of the main and
feeder roads, farmers and traders are facing increasing costs of bringing agriculture inputs
to farmers and outputs to the markets.
Livestock such as goats, cows, and poultry is sold to earn income. Communities are also
engaged in retail and wholesale businesses majorly in items like: alcohol, garments,
building materials, cosmetics, beverages and food items. Others earn through rentals, bars
and restaurants, money exchange, charcoal sales and bricks. Fishing is also undertaken
in some sections of R. Nyakizumba basically for domestic needs.
However, there are few government employment opportunities in the area and so many of
the people are self-employed some with shops (retail and wholesalers), others deal in
produce like beans, maize that they sell in Rwanda. Tailoring is also another job that is
mostly done by the women.

4.2.2.6 Health
The health scenario in the project area is characterized by high prevalence of
communicable diseases, emergence of diseases due to lifestyle, inadequate availability of
drugs and dilapidated health infrastructure. Data from Kabale District Five Year District
Development Plan for 2010-2015 shows malaria as the leading cause of morbidity and
mortality in the district. HIV/AIDS has remained a big threat to the district despite the
interventions used to reduce its spread and effects. Understaffing and under funding of the
department have continued to affect the quality of health care due to heavy workloads,
inadequate equipment and frequent stock outs of essential drugs and supplies. Poor
community health seeking behaviour and practices due to negative cultural beliefs and
practices, limited access of health services more especially in hard to reach areas are the
major cause of poor health care in Kabale areas.

Table 4.2-1 Disease Burden for Ten Top Diseases Reported in 2010/11
Diagnosis 0-4 Years 5 Years and over
(%) (%)
Malaria 69 60
RTI No- Pneumonia-Cough or Cold 42 31
Intestinal worms 9 5
Diarrhoea Acute 6 2.1
Skin diseases 5 3
Pneumonia 4 1.6
Eye Conditions 4 2.0
ENT Conditions 2
Diarrhoea Persistent 0.4
Urinary Tract Infections 0.2 2.2
Sexually Transmitted Infections 3
HIV/AIDS 2.4
Total’s

Source: DDP, Kabale District 2008-12

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4.2.2.7 Prevalent diseases

Similar to the district statistics, malaria is the commonest disease in the planned dam
project area with 58% of the respondents reporting so. Other diseases include: diarrhea,
RTIs, intestinal warms and measles (Figure 4.2-6)

Figure 4.2-6 Common Diseases in the Kagitumba project area

4.2.2.8 Water and sanitation

Access to safe water and good sanitation are very crucial to the health of the population.
Use of unsafe water sources coupled with poor sanitation poses one of the greatest threats
to health. Hence universal access to safe water and sanitation is a key priority of the
Government of Uganda. The 2002 Census showed that 61% of the households had access
to safe water sources compared to 26% in 1991, representing a 35% point increase.
Despite the improvement, the current levels are still below the PEAP targets of 100% and
90% for urban and rural areas respectively by 2007/08 and the MDG target of 80% for all
areas by the year 2015.
The main water sources in the area are largely supplied through gravity water schemes
which are only available to few people near the road where the water pipe is located, there
are few people who are able to connect water to their homes but the majority of them just
buy at a cost of 50 shillings per 20 litre jerrican in the villages and trading centres and
those who cannot afford simply fetch water from the nearby R. Nyakizumba. Others collect
pond water which is sometimes shared with livestock.

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Figure 4.2-7 Summaries of water information in the Kagitumba project area

Plate 4.2-3 Some of the water sources shared by communities and livestock

4.2.2.9 Energy
It is estimated that, about 77% of the population in the project area use fuel wood as their
major source of energy. Fuel-wood collection, like is the case of water, women and
children are responsible for fuel wood collection from an average distance of 2 kilometres.
Because of the dangers involved in fuel wood collection, coping mechanisms in some
communities include consumption of one meal a day, which has negative implications for
the nutritional status of households. Clearing of vegetation for purposes of improving the
main road may aggravate the existing fuel wood shortage with serious implication on
school attendance and gender poverty.

Figure 4.2-8 Main sources of energy for cooking, Kagitumba project area

4.2.2.10 Gender Analysis

Both male and female were seen to be participating in economic activities however,
discrepancies were observed in the different jobs done by each group. The male tend to
dominate the transport business of drivers, riding motor cycles (boda-bodas), bicycles, and
money changing. The females are mainly involved in tailoring, shop keeping and working in
restaurants. At household level, the male take the lead in decision making and the women
are responsible for the household chores as reported by participants in the focus group
discussions. But in terms of leadership and office jobs both were seen to participate. The
contractor of the OSPB project need to take maximum care when recruiting at the time of
construction by making sure that the females get jobs in their area such cooking for the
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workers. The community also requested that the project takes into account the different
needs of men and female in terms of provision for facilities.

4.2.2.11 Archaeology and physical cultural resources of the area

From preliminary consultations with the communities, the proposed project site does not
have any cultural sites. However, the communities bury their relatives in their homesteads
not in clan burial grounds as in central Uganda. The implication of this is, the homesteads
have graveyards which are scattered out. Therefore, implications of the project on the
physical cultural environment will be minimal and incidental and is to be reported to the
relevant departments at the district.

o Proposed integrated watershed management measures will likely bring about

improved environmental management in and around the wider watershed areas of
the project;
o Some local can benefit from sale of local construction materials to the project such
as sand and other fill materials;
o It is expected that, delivery of social serives will likely improve once electricity is in
place. Immuization, eductation and security will likly improve in the areas;
o The electricity to be generated will likely induce other developments in the area in
the long run;
o Access rooutes for transportation of equipment and, project machinery will be
improved thereby benefitting the locals;
o ;
o Social issues regarding land availability and subsequent compensation aspects
will likely be crucial for the success of the project in view of scarse land in the
areas of the project; and

4.2.3 Alternative developments for the Kagitumba site

The two alternatives to exploiting the hydropower potential of Kagitumba site are
(i) Construction of the power station 600 m downstream of the proposed dam location.
This would provide for an additional head for power generation of about 40 m.
(ii) Construction of the power station 9 km downstream at Kahondo, 2 km from the
Rwanda-Uganda border. This would provide for an additional head for power
generation of about 240 m.
The topography between the dam site and Kahondo is conducive as it would provide a
head of over 240 m which would result in a significant increase in the amount of power that
can be generated. Therefore, the viability of the second alternative of constructing the
power station 9 km downstream of the proposed dam site has been assessed in this study

4.2.4 Previous studies

While carrying out the current assignment, the following related studies were reviewed
 Nile Basin Initiative, (2010). - Development of Kagera Integrated River Basin
Management and Development Strategy (KIRBMDS) by SWECO international
carried out on behalf of NELSAP. The primary objective of the consultancy is to

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develop an integrated river basin management and development strategy for the
Kagera basin.
 Feasibility study for the rehabilitation of SHPP Maziba, Efficient and Sustainable
Energy Supply in Uganda, a report by Lahmeyer International GmbH, 2010
 Nyagatare Water Resources Assessment Project by M&E Associates in
association with Real Contractors S.a.r.l on behalf of Government of Rwanda. The
objective of the study was to carry out a prefeasibility study on the development of
storage for various water uses along River Muvumba/ Kagitumba.

4.2.5 Hydrology
4.2.5.1 The catchment
The catchment area of the basin upstream of the dam site is 712 km 2 and is shared
between Uganda (62%) and Rwanda (38%). The topography of the catchment is shown in
Figure 4.2-1. The elevation of the riverbed at the dam site is about 1700 m asl. The river
valley cross-section is bowl-shaped. On the right bank of the river, the flanks rise at a slope
of about 11% for a distance of about 61 m before rising more sharply at a slope of 49%. A
similar variation is seen on the left bank with the flanks rising at a slope of about 12% for a
distance of 66 m before rising more sharply at a slope of 52%.
The catchment has a length of 57 km and an average width of about 13 km (Figure 4.2-1).
The mean catchment slope is about 31% but the steepest slopes may be higher than 80%.
The catchment elevation ranges between 1770 m asl at the dam site to over 2400 m asl
while the mean is 2002 m a.s.l.

4.2.5.2 Alternative developments for the Kagitumba site

The two alternatives to exploiting the hydropower potential of Kagitumba site are
(iii) Construction of the power station 600 m downstream of the proposed dam location.
This would provide for an additional head for power generation of about 40 m.
(iv) Construction of the power station 9 km downstream at Kahondo, 2 km from the
Rwanda-Uganda border. This would provide for an additional head for power
generation of about 240 m.
The topography between the dam site and Kahondo is conducive as it would provide a
head of over 240 m which would result in a significant increase in the amount of power that
can be generated. Therefore, the viability of the second alternative of constructing the
power station 9 km downstream of the proposed dam site has been assessed in this study

4.2.5.3 Runoff
Data from the nearby Nyakizumba gauging station shows that, between years 1956 and
2000, the daily flow at the dam site ranged between 0.8 m 3/s on 15-July-1999 and 44 m3/s
on 14-May-1979 and averaged 4.5 m3/s (Figure 4.2-9). The mean flow has an exceedance
probability of 27% while the median flow is 3.7m3/s.

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The mean monthly total flows vary between 26.4 Million m3 (Mm3) in May and 7.5 Mm3 in
August (Figure 4.2-9). A secondary peak flow of 13.3 Mm3 occurs in November. The total
annual flow averages about 150 Mm3.
45

40

35

30
Daily flow (m /s)
3

25

20

15

10

0
1957 1971 1984 1998

Figure 4.2-9: Daily flow variation, River Nyakizumba

26

24

22
Mean Monthly (Million m )
3

20

18

16

14

12

10

6
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Month
Figure 4.2-10 Mean monthly flow variation, R. Nyakizumba

4.2.5.4 Reservoir
Using a 30m digital elevation model (DEM) of the area, reservoir elevation-area and
elevation-volume curves were prepared and are shown in Figure 4.2-11 and Figure 4.2-12
respectively. Figure 4.2-11 shows that the inundation area increases sharply with
elevation up to an elevation of 1801 m asl. After this, the curve is much flatter meaning that
small increases in elevation result in large increases in inundated area and maybe
unviable. From this point of view, therefore, the maximum viable elevation to which the
reservoir can be raised is 1801 m asl. However, an elevation of 1801 m would inundate
some densely populated areas close to Kabale Town. The KIRBMDS report gives a
maximum elevation of the Kagitumba reservoir as 1793 m asl. This is probably based on
the rationale that the lowest elevations in and around Kabale Town are around 1795 m asl.

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However, the numerous settlements are located within the areas that would be inundated
by a reservoir at elevation of 1793 m asl. Setting the required reservoir volume can be
based on the required storage to offset the deficit between inflow and outflow during the
driest months. Dry months in the area range between 3 and 4 months during which river
flows can drop to 20-30% of the mean flow. A total of two months storage was set as the
minimum that should be met by the reservoir by the Kagitumba reservoir. Taking dead
storage into consideration, a reservoir elevation of 1787 m asl would be sufficient to meet
this requirement at the proposed dam site. Detailed socioeconomic assessments at the
feasibility and detailed design stages will be necessary to assess the relative costs of
different possible reservoir maximum elevations in terms of displacement of people.
A reservoir elevation of 1787 m asl will inundate 224 ha of land and will have a total
volume of 25 million cubic meters of water. The reservoir fetch will be 9 km along the main
river while the fetch along the two tributaries will be about 2.5 km upstream of their
confluence with the main river at Maziba Town (Figure 4.2-13). The average width of the
reservoir will be about 200 m. The Kagitumba-Maziba reservoir would result in resettlement
of about 751 people (Table 4.2-2)

Figure 4.2-11: Plot of reservoir surface elevation versus reservoir surface area, Kagitumba
project

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Figure 4.2-12: Plot of reservoir surface elevation versus reservoir volume, Kagitumba project
Table 4.2-2: Land area to be inundated by the Kagitumba-Maziba reservoir and the affected population
County Sub-county Land area Population
(km2) (2012)
Ndorwa Buhara 1.6 425
Kyanamira 0.9 272
Maziba 0.4 54
Total (reservoir inundation) 2.8 751

4.2.5.5 Reservoir evaporation

Being an open water body, the reservoir evaporation rates would be expected to be close
to the potential evapotranspiration rates. Table 4.2-3 shows the daily and monthly potential
evaporation rates estimated from data at 2 meteorological stations located close to the
Kagitumba dam site.
Table 4.2-3 Daily and monthly potential evaporation rates, Kagitumba project
Month Daily Evaporation Monthly Evaporation (mm)
Jan 2.8 86
Feb 3.0 83
Mar 3.0 95
Apr 2.5 75
May 2.3 70
Jun 2.6 79
Jul 2.8 87
Aug 2.9 91
Sep 3.0 90
Oct 3.0 94
Nov 2.7 81
Dec 2.8 86
Annual 2.8 1016

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