Climate change and environmental degradation in Uganda’s Bugisu sub-region have pushed communities living along the slopes of Mount Elgon National Park to shift from forest encroachment to active conservation, local residents and officials say.
For years, communities in sub-counties bordering the park engaged in illegal activities including tree cutting, charcoal burning, hunting and cultivation inside protected areas, often in conflict with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
But recurring climate shocks, including landslides, flooding and erratic rainfall, have increasingly forced a rethink, according to residents and conservation groups.
Sub-counties such as Bumugibole and Masira in Bulambuli District are among the most affected, with residents reporting declining crop yields and more frequent disasters during heavy rains.
Mr James Paul Gimuyi from Masira Sub-county said he previously depended on the forest for charcoal burning and firewood but has since changed his livelihood practices after receiving conservation training.
‘I have now transformed myself from an encroacher into an agent of conservation,’ he said.
He said he has planted more than 300 trees on his land and diversified into poultry and livestock farming under zero-grazing systems introduced through training programmes supported by UWA and Mount Elgon Tree Growing Enterprise (METGE).
‘I now earn income from poultry and livestock farming instead of going to the park to cut trees,’ he said.
Other residents say deforestation in previous years contributed to worsening climate conditions, including reduced rainfall and prolonged dry spells.
Mr Moses Gimadu from Bumugibole Sub-county said the loss of tree cover had disrupted rainfall patterns and agricultural production.
‘In the past, prolonged droughts affected our crops because of extensive deforestation around the park,’ he said.
He added that community-led tree planting has helped restore ecological balance, with some wildlife species gradually returning to the park.
Residents also say conservation projects have introduced alternative livelihoods such as beekeeping, savings groups and agroforestry, reducing dependence on forest exploitation.
Ms Rose Namataka from Masira Sub-county said she abandoned firewood collection from the park and adopted energy-saving cooking methods.
‘I now use energy-saving stoves made from local materials, which require less firewood,’ she said.
Uganda Wildlife Authority officials say wildlife populations in Mount Elgon remain under pressure despite ongoing restoration efforts.
UWA Commissioner for Community Conservation Mr David Musingo has previously warned about declining wildlife species in the park, attributing the trend to human activity and habitat loss.
Local conservation groups say sensitisation programmes have played a key role in changing attitudes.
Mr Thomas Namusoso from the Gazo Youth Beekeepers and Dairy Group said community savings groups and environmental education have helped reduce illegal activity.
Masira Sub-county LCIII Chairperson Mr Ambrose Nabende said communities are increasingly embracing tree planting and alternative income-generating activities.
‘The community has embraced tree planting on private land and is earning income through group activities,’ he said on Monday. .
Mount Elgon Tree Growing Enterprise Programme Manager Mr Sunday Michael Atwooki said more than 26 million trees have been planted under agroforestry and reforestation programmes in partnership with communities.
He said tree survival rates have improved due to the introduction of indigenous species and better community involvement in restoration efforts.
Despite progress, leaders have called for expansion of conservation programmes to neighbouring sub-counties bordering the park, warning that pressure on remaining forest cover remains high.