Government Pushes for Sustainable Land Management in Mt. Elgon Region

The Mt. Elgon region of Uganda, made up of the districts of Bududa, Bukwo, Bulambuli, Kapchorwa, Kween, Manafwa, Mbale, Namisindwa, and Sironko, faces severe environmental challenges. Landslides and mudslides, exacerbated by the terrain and climatic conditions, have claimed hundreds of lives over the past decades.

The local population must collaborate with the government and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to ensure the success of land restoration projects designed to mitigate these disasters and promote sustainable living.

The region is significantly impacted by landslides, particularly during the rainy seasons. Beatrice Anywar, the state minister for Environment, reported that from 1989 to 2023, over 500 lives have been lost due to landslides and flash floods. These tragedies are largely attributed to unsustainable agricultural practices on steep slopes, which destabilize the soil.

During World Environment Day celebrations in Sironko District, held under the theme “Land Restoration for Climate Resilience,” Anywar emphasized the ministry’s efforts, such as distributing bamboo seedlings to stabilize hillsides and resettling individuals from high-risk areas. “In Mt Elgon region, land degradation is having a devastating impact on all the local communities. Between 1989 and 2023, the region is estimated to have lost over 500 lives to landslides and flashfloods. This is mainly due to cultivation on the steep slopes which weakens the soils and when heavy rains come, landslides and flashfloods is inevitable,” said minister Anywar.

However, political challenges persist, with some local leaders, like MP Nandala Mafabi, advocating for continued deforestation for firewood and charcoal.

Anywar highlighted alternatives such as LPG gas, which is being made more affordable due to Uganda’s burgeoning oil production. This initiative is already in trial phases in Kitgum District and could be extended to the Elgon Region.

LCV Chairman for Sironko District, Giruli David Livingstone, stressed the urgent need for adequate funding for environmental initiatives and integration of climate change issues into national and district development plans.

Bugisu cultural leader, Umukhukha Jude Mike Mudoma, advocated for resettling landslide victims within the region to preserve their cultural ties and praised ongoing efforts to protect wetlands and restore biodiversity. “We should guard wetlands jealously. All swamps should be gazetted and on secure maps,” said the Umukhukha.

One significant initiative is the Elgon Project, launched in 2023 by NEMA. This project aims to enhance ecosystem conservation and support rural livelihoods and food security through sustainable farming practices. NEMA Executive Director, Akankwasah Barirega, highlighted the importance of stakeholder collaboration to ensure the project’s success and emphasized the need for responsible utilization of funds and community engagement.

“We believe that with the right set of stakeholder mapping that we have for this project, it should be a success. I want to call upon district leadership to help us ensure that the project delivers the intended objectives through ensuring that the money you receive is appropriately utilized, and that there is positive impact in the communities. You the communities who are the direct beneficiaries make use of this project to improve livelihoods and our farming methods, adding value to the products we are producing.’

The Mt. Elgon region, supporting approximately four million people, is vital for its biodiversity, watersheds, and socio-economic development. The Elgon Project aims to address extensive land management challenges and improve resilience against landslides and other environmental threats. The Mt. Elgon region’s future hinges on effective collaboration between the government, local communities, and stakeholders to implement sustainable land management practices. President Museveni, in his World Environment Day address, underscored the importance of environmental conservation to maintain Uganda’s natural beauty and wealth.

With projected increased rainfall, as forecasted by the Uganda National Meteorological Authority, proactive measures are critical to safeguard the region’s socio-economic stability and food security. “It is also worth noting that localized episodic flash flood events may occur in areas that are expected to receive near-normal rainfall as a result of isolated heavy downpours.”

By fully supporting projects like the Elgon Project, Uganda can mitigate the impacts of landslides, protect lives, and foster sustainable development