LEONARD MUKOOLI
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry has been among the hardest-hit sectors. However, in the Mount Elgon Conservation Area in In Uganda, there has been a silver lining amidst the crisis. Sustainable tourism has gained momentum and is helping to boost local economies and conservation efforts.
According to Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), officials in Mbale say the pandemic has led to an increase in domestic tourism, with more Ugandans seeking to explore their country’s natural beauty.
This trend has been particularly noticeable in the Mount Elgon Conservation Area, which spans through the nine districts 9 districts in Sebei and Bugisu as well as the entire Karamoja sub-region.
The area is home to diverse wildlife, stunning waterfalls, and the fourth-highest peak in East Africa, making it a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
“We have seen an increase in the number of visitors to the Mount Elgon Conservation Area since the pandemic began. This is mainly because many Ugandans are unable to travel abroad and are looking for local destinations to explore,” said Kizza Fredrick, the Conservation Area Manager.
The rise in domestic tourism has also had a positive impact on local communities around the conservation area. “We have seen an increase in the number of visitors coming to our village, especially during weekends. This has created employment opportunities for our youth, who work as guides, porters, and in hospitality,” said Seth Gidongo, a resident living on Wanale Ridge looking onto Mbale which is located on the slopes of Mount Elgon.
Tourism players in the region also embrace sustainable practices to ensure that the influx of visitors does not harm the environment. “We are working closely with the local communities to promote sustainable tourism practices. This includes waste management, energy conservation, and promoting eco-friendly activities,” added Kizza.
The Mount Elgon Conservation Area has also seen an increase in international visitors who are looking for off-the-beaten-track destinations that offer authentic cultural experiences. “We have seen an increase in the number of international visitors who are interested in our cultural heritage. They want to experience traditional dance, and food, and learn about our history,” said Sam Cheptegei, a local cultural leader in Kapchorwa.
Looking ahead, the future of sustainable tourism in the Mount Elgon Conservation Area and Uganda as a whole look bright. With more people becoming aware of the importance of responsible travel, the demand for eco-friendly and socially responsible tourism experiences is only set to increase.
Kizza noted UWA to be investing in the development of tourism infrastructure and facilities in the Mount Elgon Conservation Area, such as building new trails, improving signage, and renovating lodges. This will not only enhance the visitor experience but, also create employment opportunities for the local community.
“We are committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices in the Mount Elgon Conservation Area and ensuring our natural heritage is preserved for future generations. We believe that tourism can be a force for good and contribute to the development of the area,” said Kizza.
Local communities are also playing an active role in the conservation and promotion of their cultural heritage. They are working with tourism players to create authentic and immersive experiences for visitors, such as cultural tours, cooking classes, and handicraft workshops.
“We are proud of our culture and want to share it with the world. By promoting sustainable tourism, we can create a better future for ourselves and our children,” said Cheptegei.
New campaigns and products
Recently, Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) launched new campaigns to promote sustainable tourism in the country, with a focus on the Mount Elgon Conservation Area. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the area’s unique natural and cultural heritage and encourage visitors to adopt responsible travel practices.
“We want to showcase the best of Uganda’s sustainable tourism and highlight the positive impact it can have on the local community and environment. By working together, we can create a brighter future for everyone,” said Lilly Ajarova, CEO of the UTB.
Tour operators in the country have also reported increased demand for sustainable tourism activities. “People are more interested in sustainable tourism activities and want to make sure that their travel is not only enjoyable but also has a positive impact on the environment and local communities,” says Denis Mukungu, CEO of eastern travel lounge.
The shift towards sustainable tourism is expected to continue, and industry experts predict that sustainable tourism practices will become even more important in the post-pandemic era.
“The pandemic has shown us how fragile our planet is and how indispensable it is to prioritize sustainability,” says Ajarova. “We must continue to promote sustainable tourism practices and work together to protect our natural and cultural heritage for future generations.”
According to UWA officials, the conservation area has recently been designated as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International, due to the presence of several endangered and endemic bird species. This has attracted bird watchers from around the world, who are eager to spot these rare birds in their natural habitat.
“We are excited to share that the Mount Elgon Conservation Area has been recognized as an Important Bird Area. This is a testament to the rich biodiversity of the region and the efforts we are making to protect it,” said Kizza.
Local tourism activation
Local tourism is also picking up in the region, with more visitors coming to explore the lesser-known areas around Mount Elgon. The Sipi Falls, located in the Kapchorwa district, has become a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers, offering stunning views of the waterfalls and the surrounding landscapes.
“We have seen a significant increase in the number of visitors to Sipi Falls in the past year. This is due to the rise in domestic tourism and the growing interest in sustainable tourism experiences,” said Denis Bwayo, a local tour guide.
In addition to the new developments and discoveries in the Mount Elgon Conservation Area, there have been recent additions to the tourism infrastructure in the Bududa district, located on the slopes of Mount Elgon.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority has opened new hiking trails in the district, which offer visitors an opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes and biodiversity of the region. The trails take visitors through the lush forests and grasslands of Mount Elgon, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding areas.
“We are thrilled to announce the opening of the new hiking Bushiyi trail in the Bududa district. This trail is the shortest to conquer Wagayi Peak and I will allow visitors to experience the beauty and diversity of the region and connect with nature greatly,” said Kizza.
Local-tourists-celebrate-after-conquering-Nakasti-hill-along-the-slopes-of-mount-Elgon-on-as-they-trekked-to-Masaba-ss-in-honor-of-John-Wandas-journey-to-school.-Photo-by-Leonard-Mukooli-scaled
Furthermore, there have been recent discoveries that have of new waterfalls, and caves in the district, which are attracting visitors and generating interest in the region. The Walanyi and Buraba waterfalls, located in the foothills of Mount Elgon, offer visitors a refreshing and tranquil experience amid nature.
“We are excited to share the news of the discovery of new waterfalls in the district. These waterfalls offer a unique experience for visitors and add to the natural beauty of the region,” said Bwayo.
“The development of new hiking trails and the discovery of new waterfalls in the district are contributing to the growth of sustainable tourism in the region. Visitors are increasingly interested in exploring lesser-known areas and connecting with nature in a responsible and meaningful way” David Mafabi CEO of Elgon Treasure Magazine.
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Saleh Namiya CEO of Casa Safari Sipi Lodges Said the COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the tourism industry, but it has also provided an opportunity to rethink the way we approach travel and tourism.
“As the world slowly recovers from the pandemic, the Mount Elgon Conservation Area offers a ray of hope for the tourism industry. By embracing sustainable practices and working closely with local communities, tourism players in the region are not only protecting the environment but also, contributing to the economic growth of the area.” Namiya said.
Culture
The Mount Elgon conservation is home to several ethnic groups with unique cultures. The Bagisu, Karamojong, and Sebei people are three such groups, each with a rich and diverse cultural heritage.
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The Bagisu people are known for their traditional circumcision ritual, Imbalu, which is a rite of passage for boys into manhood. They also have a unique cuisine and wear colourful traditional clothing made from bark cloth and animal skins. Music and dance are integral to their culture, with the Kadodi dance being a highlight of the circumcision ceremony.
The sport of bullfighting is an old practice in the Bugisu community that has recently gained a lot of attraction both locally and nationally as several revealers come to enjoy the sport every fortnight.
The Sebei people are renowned for their skill in agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of coffee, beans, and maize. They also have a unique cuisine known for its spiciness and wear brightly coloured clothes made from local materials. Music and dance are an important part of their culture, with the Nalufuka dance being a famous traditional dance.
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While the Karamojong people have a rich pastoralist culture, with cattle being central to their way of life. They have a unique style of dress, with colourful beaded jewellery and animal skins. Music and dance play a significant role in their culture, with the Ekiloto dance being a popular traditional dance.
The cultures of these three ethnic groups in the Mount Elgon conservation area are rich and diverse, with a strong emphasis on traditional practices, such as music, dance, and traditional clothing. They also have unique beliefs and practices, such as the circumcision ritual among the Bagisu people and the pastoralist lifestyle among the Karamojong people.
The Mount Elgon Conservation Area is a shining example of how sustainable tourism can help to promote economic growth, protect the environment, and provide authentic cultural experiences. With the continued efforts of UWA, local communities, and tourism players, the future of sustainable tourism in the Mount Elgon Conservation Area and Uganda as a whole look bright.
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This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Leonard Mukooli and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.