Evaluating the effectiveness of a national environmental and social impact assessment system: lessons from Uganda

We consider the adequacy of legislative and administrative provisions for environmental social impact assessment (ESIA) in Uganda. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) legislation was enacted Uganda 1995. Although it intended that impacts would also be considered, nomenclature, organizational culture practice EIA has given an over-emphasis to biophysical issues, with issues being under considered. Lack explicit instructions about how assess positioning ESIA too late project cycle limit ability properly From document analysis, on-line survey, in-depth interviews, reflexive practice, a literature review, we found there inadequate public participation, poor follow-up, low levels capacity all stakeholders, political interference approval process. To improve effectiveness other developing countries, make recommendations address challenges facing practice.