Date of Award
1997
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Master of Science in Maritime Affairs
Specialization
General Maritime Administration & Environment Protection
Campus
Malmö, Sweden
Country
Uganda
First Advisor
Sampson, Theodore.
Abstract
The dissertation focuses on the legal and institutional framework governing inland water transport (hereinafier referred to as IWT) on Lake Victoria based on a historical, geopolitical and economic perspective. It encompasses the inadequacies manifested in said framework. Reference is made to relevant national and regional policies. Diverse issues are addressed. They include, inter alia, environment degradation and protection; economic viability of international transport on the Lake; commercialisation or privatisation of the fleet and port infrastructure; prioritisation of regional co-operation: emergency/disaster preparedness: comprehensive regional contingency plans; certification of seafarers and ship surveys; management processes; institutional and legal reform. This list is by no means exhaustive, it is merely indicative. Wherever applicable, comparisons and resultant analyses will be made to existing examples of successful management of IWT and how such successes can be incorporated in the case of Uganda. Initiatives undertaken by Government both at the local and regional level to address existing problems will be analysed. Those undertaken by the East African Cooperation Secretariat will be emphasised. The latter has brought a glimmer of hope towards the realisation of the sustainable development of IWT on Lake Victoria. No doubt an efficient and sustainable system shall reap great economic dividends, not only for Uganda, but also the.entire Lake Victoria Basin, since it will not only provide the cheapest means for transporting goods within the Basin, but will also act as an incentive or stimulant for increased production. Hence, the author endeavours to proffer pragmatic recommendations that will be easy to implement and enforce despite the fiscal constraints faced by Uganda. These emphasise the need to have proactive rather than reactive approaches whilst striking a balance between environment protection and development.