Ubuntu as a Framework for Environmental Protection in Uganda: Examining its Potential to Strengthen Environmental Protection.

The word Ubuntu is of Nguni Bantu origin meaning humanity, and translated to mean, 'I am because we are'. The Ubuntu philosophy was popularized by the South African case of S v 1 Makwanyane and it has since spread globally. The philosophy has been used to advance inter alia, the ideas of interconnectedness, collective good, and social harmony. Under its Chapter 4, famously the Bill of Rights, the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995 inter alia guarantees the right to a clean and health environment to all persons. In further advancement of the said right, the Constitution seeks to protect the environment and ensure environmental justice. Resultantly, several legislations have been enacted, and more practically, Courts of law have on several occasions pronounced themselves on matters regarding environmental protection. Not to forget, the different government policies, initiatives and works of numerous civil society groups. However it's of no doubt that Uganda's approach towards environmental protection is more westernized, individualistic and reduces the environment to an economic asset, protected solely for its economic benefits. This article argues that the environment ought to be recognised as worthy of inherent protection for the collective good, given the interconnectedness between man and nature. The article employs doctrinal research approach to evaluate the strength of Ubuntu in achieving such protection, and finds that incorporating the principles of Ubuntu in environmental protection would alter the human view of the environment as merely a source of income, but rather an integral part of life worth of safeguarding, not just for its own existence but for the past, present, future and continued existence of the human race as well.