People

The forests that shelter Uganda’s mountain gorillas also border densely populated rural communities whose livelihoods depend on the land. These communities include the Batwa, Bakiga, and Bafumbira people, each with distinct histories, traditions, and economic structures. Their proximity to protected areas presents opportunities and challenges, as conservation policies impact land use, resource access, and traditional practices.

The Batwa

The Batwa, often called the original inhabitants of these forests, lived as hunter-gatherers for centuries before conservation policies led to their displacement. When Bwindi and Mgahinga were designated national parks in the early 1990s, the Batwa were evicted without alternative land or resources, severing their direct connection to the forests. Traditionally, they relied on hunting small animals, gathering wild plants, and utilising medicinal herbs in the forest. Their forced resettlement into agricultural communities disrupted their way of life, leading to economic hardship and cultural erosion.

Today, some Batwa participate in tourism programs that showcase their heritage, but they remain one of Uganda’s most marginalised groups. Conservation organisations’ efforts to integrate them into the modern economy include education programs, alternative livelihoods, and initiatives that provide land ownership opportunities. However, the long-term viability of these programs remains a subject of debate, as cultural preservation and economic survival do not always align.

The Bakiga and Bafumbira

The Bakiga and Bafumbira, who migrated to these highlands for fertile land, practice subsistence farming as their primary economic activity. They cultivate crops such as bananas, potatoes, beans, and maize on steep slopes that border gorilla habitats. The high population density in these areas places pressure on available land, often resulting in encroachment on protected areas or reliance on forest resources for firewood, grazing, and hunting.

To address these challenges, conservation authorities have introduced revenue-sharing programs that allocate a portion of gorilla tourism earnings to local development projects. Schools, healthcare centres, and water access initiatives funded through tourism revenue directly benefit these communities. Employment opportunities in conservation and tourism, including roles as park rangers, guides, and porters, offer alternative income sources.

However, tensions persist between conservation goals and community needs. Restrictions on forest access have led to conflicts, as some residents feel excluded from resources they historically depended on. Sustainable development projects that balance conservation with human well-being remain critical to Uganda’s approach to managing these complex relationships.