By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with
Published on 2024-01-22 13:25:03
The Taungya Program, an initiative by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to address the land dispute between the UWA and the community living around Mt Elgon National Park (MENP), has led to positive outcomes for both parties involved.
The conflict between the UWA and the community has resulted in the loss of lives, injuries, and disabilities among game rangers and residents. The park, which covers several districts, has faced encroachments attributed to rapid population growth and settlement of the Sabiny people. Enforcement operations to protect the park’s borders have often led to violent encounters with the locals.
In response to the ongoing conflict, UWA has implemented the Taungya program in troubled areas. This program allows encroachers to grow crops in restored softwood tree plantations for three to four years, fostering cooperation between farmers and the authority. This strategy has been in place for the past 40 days and focuses on registering encroachers instead of forceful evictions. Farmers who comply with the program have reported increased yields and expressed gratitude for the positive impact on their income.
However, the Benet community insists on reverting to the 1983 boundaries, claiming that UWA deliberately shifted demarcations to drive them off the land. The community has raised concerns about being labeled as encroachers on what they consider to be their land, especially with key installations like schools and health centers now designated within the park, despite recent government constructions.
The shift in strategy by UWA to coexist with locals through the Taungya program is a step towards finding a peaceful resolution to the land dispute. The program has provided an opportunity for farmers and the authority to work together and address the challenges that have arisen from the encroachments on the park. It is hoped that the positive impact of the program will lead to a reduction in the conflict and an improvement in the relationship between the UWA and the affected communities.
Read the original article on The Observer
