By Johannah Nantongo
The Government of Uganda, through the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), has rolled out targeted interventions to rehabilitate degraded areas on the slopes of Mount Elgon following recurring deadly landslides in eastern Uganda.
The initiative is part of a five-year project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through UN Environment. The programme, titled “Promoting an Integrated Landscape Management Approach for Conservation of the Mount Elgon Ecosystem in Eastern Uganda,” seeks to strengthen environmental conservation while improving food security for communities living within the Mt. Elgon landscape.
The project focuses on restoring fragile ecosystems that provide essential goods and services to rural populations whose livelihoods depend largely on agriculture. It is being implemented by NEMA in partnership with national and district-level stakeholders.
A total of 38 sub-counties across nine districts—Bududa, Bukwo, Bulambuli, Kapchorwa, Kween, Manafwa, Mbale, Namisindwa and Sironko—are set to benefit from the interventions.
According to NEMA’s Executive Director, the government’s goal is to promote sustainable management of natural resources while safeguarding rural livelihoods and boosting food production in the region.
During a site visit to Bududa District by the NEMA Board, Chairperson Prof. James Okot-Okumu emphasized the authority’s commitment to transforming the Mt. Elgon landscape into a sustainable, biodiverse and climate-resilient ecosystem. He noted that the project will also support efficient value and supply chains for key crops such as coffee, maize, beans, bananas and Irish potatoes.
The restoration efforts are expected to reduce the risk of landslides while enhancing environmental protection and economic resilience for communities in the region.