Wetland-use and wetland-cover change and ecological integrity of wetlands around Kibale National Park, Kamwenge District, Western Uganda

Wetlands around Kibale National Park support biodiversity, regulate water quality and sustain livelihoods but face increasing anthropogenic pressures. This study assessed wetland-use and cover change (between 2016 and 2025), macrozoobenthos diversity and physico-chemical water quality in Bigodi, Kahunge and Businge wetland systems within a 5 km buffer of Kibale National Park, Kamwenge District, Uganda. Sentinel imagery was classified to determine cover change. Sampling sites were classified as high quality, medium quality and low quality using the wetland rapid assessment procedure (WRAP). These categories represented a disturbance gradient based on ecological and anthropogenic characteristics of the wetland sites. Macrozoobenthos were sampled in dry ( January 2025) and wet (April 2025) seasons across all quality sites a scoop net, identified to family level and analyzed for diversity indices and average score per Taxon (ASPT). Physico-chemical parameters were measured in situ and in a laboratory. Wetland-use and wetland-cover (WUWC) change varied: Bigodi wetland system gained 1.17% wetland, Kahunge wetland system lost 3.58% and Businge wetland system lost 8.47% with +7.64% grassland increase. Macrozoobenthos abundance was highest in Bigodi (1189 individuals, 22 families), moderate in Kahunge (538, 21 families) and lowest in Businge (216, 21 families). Seasonal effects were significant in Kahunge (diversity p = 0.002) and Businge (diversity p = 0.033, Average Score Per Taxon p = 0.048), while ASPT differences across disturbance gradients were significant only in Businge (p = 0.004). Physico-chemical parameters generally met National Environment Management Authority standards, with minor nitrite exceedance in isolated low-quality sites. A principal component analysis showed system- and season-specific water chemistry: Businge dry-season linked to higher nitrates (mean = 0.413 ± 0.393 mg/L) and hardness (mean = 175 ± 144.3); Bigodi wet-season to higher Total dissolved solids (mean = 142.5 ± 80.6 ppm) and nitrates (mean = 0.675 ± 0.496 mg/L). Despite acceptable water quality, significant wetland loss, especially in Businge, threatens ecological integrity, warranting targeted habitat protection and stricter wetland-use controls.