Revenue from nature-based tourism is a significant contributor to Uganda’s economy, accounting for approximately 4.7 percent of the country’s GDP. In 2023, the sector generated over $1 billion, directly and indirectly employing around 620,000 people. As Uganda joins the global community in commemorating World Wildlife Day under the theme, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,” it is clear that sustainable tourism and conservation must go hand in hand with community development.
The Batwa and Their Journey from the Forests
The Batwa, an indigenous minority group, traditionally lived in the forests of Bundibugyo, Kisoro, Kanungu, Rubanda, Kabale, and Mbarara. They relied on the forests for sustenance, consuming wild meat, fruits, and honey. Their knowledge of herbal medicine and deep spiritual connection with nature defined their way of life. However, with the establishment of conservation areas such as Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks in 1991, they were evicted, forcing them to adapt to new livelihoods.
Scola Tumwebaze, a program officer with the Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Trust (BMCT), describes the Batwa’s ancestral lifestyle as fascinating. “They wore leaves and animal hides, hunted rhinos and baboons, and buried their dead in tree hollows. The forest was their entire world,” she explains. With time, they started trading firewood for maize flour and beans, gradually integrating into the broader Ugandan society.
Community Involvement in Conservation
The eviction of the Batwa led to increased poaching, as some former hunters continued sneaking into the forests. Joseph Safari, the chairperson of the Bwindi Reformed Poachers Association, recalls hunting duikers because of their tender meat. “The Batwa love meat, and we depended on the forest. Markets were far, and buying beef was expensive,” he says.
Recognizing the need to integrate the Batwa into conservation efforts, NGOs and the government introduced alternative livelihoods. BMCT acquired 406 acres of land for the Batwa in Kabale, Rubanda, Kisoro, and Kanungu districts, supporting their transition to farming. Safari, now a coffee and banana farmer, acknowledges the change: “We were trained in agriculture and convinced our peers to stop poaching.”
The Batwa have also embraced cultural tourism. Nelson Guma, the chief warden of the Bwindi-Mgahinga Conservation Area, highlights the Batwa Forest Experience, a trail depicting their traditional life. “Visitors enjoy their songs and storytelling, providing an alternative income source and reducing reliance on forest resources,” he says.
Also Read: Why Communities Around Bwindi, Mgahinga Remain in Poverty
Wildlife Protection and Sustainable Practices
Despite progress, challenges persist. Large animals sometimes stray from the parks, damaging crops. To mitigate conflicts, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is reinforcing the stone wall separating the community and the park. Tumwebaze Kyarimpa, a conservation officer, notes that this initiative has improved relationships, as locals now report poachers.
Another emerging threat is plastic waste, which endangers wildlife. Guma warns that gorillas consuming discarded food risk health complications. BMCT has installed an incinerator for waste management, and efforts are underway to introduce more across the park. “We encourage visitors to use fiber bags instead of polythene,” he adds.
The Economic and Ecological Importance of Conservation
Uganda’s rich biodiversity, including gorillas, elephants, lions, and chimpanzees, necessitates robust conservation strategies. Edith Kabesiime, wildlife campaign manager at World Animal Protection Africa, stresses that protecting wildlife ensures healthy ecosystems. “Wildlife is not just about animals; it encompasses forests and water bodies. By investing in conservation, we protect ourselves,” she states.
Despite tourism being Uganda’s top foreign exchange earner, investment in conservation remains insufficient. Private entities like Uganda Biodiversity Trust Fund attempt to bridge funding gaps. However, Kabesiime argues that support from the government is crucial. “The focus is often on national parks and gorillas, but we must expand our scope to include forests and water conservation,” she advises.
Beyond financial gains, wildlife conservation is an ethical responsibility. Animals have a right to exist, regardless of their economic value. By intertwining cultural preservation, socioeconomic development, and conservation, Uganda can ensure a sustainable future for both its people and wildlife.
