By Chowoo Willy
The charismatic Nubian Flapshell Turtle, once presumed extinct, is now among the freshwater turtles being pushed closer to the brink of extinction due to rampant sand mining along Uganda’s rivers. Alongside the Nubian Flapshell Turtle (Cyclanorbis elegans), the Nile Softshell Turtle is one of the freshwater species native to Northern Uganda. These turtles depend on water and riverbank sand for nesting, hiding from predators, and resting. However, these natural habitats face unprecedented threats from unregulated sand mining in Amuru District (Acholi sub-region) and Terego and Adjumani districts (West Nile sub-region).
A Critically Endangered Species
The Nubian Flapshell Turtle is listed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List (2021). According to the IUCN, it is one of the five most threatened chelonians globally and the second most critically endangered freshwater turtle species in the world.
This rare turtle species, originally thought to have vanished over 50 years ago, was rediscovered in South Sudan and Northern Uganda by a research team led by Professor Luca Luiselli in 2017. In 2021, researchers confirmed the presence of the species along the White Nile in Uganda, near South Sudan’s border. Since then, the turtles have been spotted in locations such as: Enyau River (Terego District), Laropi and Dufile (Moyo District) and River Ayugi (Amuru District, a tributary of the White Nile)
Despite this rediscovery, the species’ survival remains precarious due to human activities like sand mining and consumption. Dr. Matthias Behangana, a Ugandan herpetologist and lecturer at Makerere University, explains that sand mining is particularly harmful to the turtles’ reproduction and safety. “If you remove all the sand, they will have no breeding areas. You are exterminating the population, leaving them no place to produce young ones,” Dr. Behangana warns.
Local Encounters and Consumption
In May 2023, fishermen in Amuru District shared alarming reports about their interactions with these rare turtles. They described capturing turtles and collecting over 200 eggs from a single specimen. One fisherman, Mr. Ocuki, explained, “They are still there, but it’s very difficult to find them. The meat is tasty, but I’ve stopped eating them this year.” Another local, Otim Daniel Bob, recalled seeing one in 2022 when a friend caught it. “It’s very difficult to find them; they hide deep in the sand. At night, you hear them making propelling sounds,” he said.
Freshwater turtles are also consumed for cultural reasons. In some communities, they are believed to have medicinal benefits and are used in witchcraft practices. This demand has compounded the pressure on already dwindling turtle populations. Beyond consumption, the turtles’ habitats are being destroyed at an alarming rate by sand miners and local communities. 
The Role of Sand Mining in Habitat Destruction
The demand for river sand, driven by infrastructure development in Northern Uganda, is the primary cause of sand mining. Large-scale construction projects—including bridges, roads, and hydroelectric dams—require vast quantities of sand, and Uganda’s riverbanks are seen as an abundant source. According to the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), much of the sand mining in Uganda is illegal and unregulated.
River Ayugi, for example, has over 10 hotspots of illegal sand mining. Each day, heavy trucks transport sand to major towns like Kitgum, Lira, and Gulu. Laboratory analysis at Gulu Regional Laboratory has revealed that the sand in these areas has a 95% purity grade, making it highly sought after for construction purposes. However, miners often ignore environmental guidelines, such as conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) or restoring sites after extraction.
NEMA’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Acidria Tony, acknowledged the challenge: “Most sand miners in Uganda are illegal, making regulation difficult. They leave sites degraded and destroy ecosystems.”
Refugee Settlements and Added Pressure
Northern Uganda hosts several large refugee settlements, including Palabek and Pagirinya, where displaced communities also engage in sand mining for income. These activities, though critical for refugees’ survival, add immense pressure to the region’s natural ecosystems. Riverbanks, wetlands, and forests are being depleted at an unsustainable rate.
Dr. Behangana stresses that the destruction of turtle habitats exposes the animals to predators and limits their chances of survival. “People leave the original use of the soil, come to the riverbank, cut trees, and remove sand. This disorganizes the ecosystem, putting these species at risk,” he explains.
Additionally, illegal sand mining has cascading effects on water quality and biodiversity. The removal of sand destabilizes riverbanks, increasing sedimentation and reducing the oxygen levels needed for aquatic species to thrive. The broader implications extend to local communities that depend on these rivers for drinking water, fishing, and agriculture.
Conservation Challenges and Community Awareness
Efforts to conserve the Nubian Flapshell Turtle and other freshwater turtles face significant hurdles. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) acknowledges the challenge of balancing conservation with human development needs. UWA’s Communications Manager, Mr. Hangi Bashir, said, “We focus on raising awareness and sensitizing communities to appreciate and protect these animals. However, our resources are limited.”
Dr. Behangana suggests that freshwater turtles have the potential to attract eco-tourism, which could generate income for local communities while protecting the species. “Conservation programs must work with communities to establish protected areas and alternative livelihoods that reduce dependency on sand mining,” he advises.
Policy and Regulatory Gaps
Although NEMA has proposed stricter regulations to manage sand mining, enforcement remains weak. Most miners operate without licenses, leaving government agencies struggling to monitor and regulate activities. There is also a lack of collaboration between local governments, environmental organizations, and law enforcement agencies to address the crisis.
To mitigate the impact of sand mining, experts recommend the following steps:
- Enforce environmental policies: Miners should be required to operate under licensed and registered companies, with mandatory EIAs before extraction.
- Community-led conservation: Local communities should be empowered to participate in conservation initiatives, such as patrolling turtle habitats and reporting illegal activities.
- Promote sustainable livelihoods: Introducing alternative sources of income, such as eco-tourism or sustainable agriculture, could reduce reliance on sand mining.
- Raise public awareness: Targeted education campaigns should highlight the ecological importance of freshwater turtles and the consequences of habitat destruction.
The Clock Is Ticking
Without immediate and concerted action, the Nubian Flapshell Turtle and its freshwater relatives face imminent extinction. As sand mining continues unabated, these rare species are being stripped of their homes, unable to lay eggs or hide from predators.
The plight of Uganda’s freshwater turtles underscores a larger environmental crisis that requires a multi-faceted approach. From stronger enforcement of environmental regulations to increased community involvement in conservation, the survival of these turtles depends on urgent action.
Preserving the Nubian Flapshell Turtle is not just about saving one species; it is about maintaining the health and balance of Uganda’s river ecosystems for future generations.
This story was originally published in 2023
