Sebei Lost: Land, Livelihoods, and Justice Denied
In Kapchorwa, Kween, and Bukwo districts, thousands of families live under the constant threat of losing their land, homes, and livelihoods. While Mount Elgon National Park is protected for its ecological value, the extension of park boundaries into civilian lands by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has caused immense harm. Crops, homes, and grazing land have been destroyed, and the government has offered little support or compensation.
How this affects the youth
The youth of Sebei are disproportionately affected. Many young people are born into uncertainty, growing up on lands they may lose at any moment. Their futures are limited because:
- Families have lost farmland and livestock, cutting off traditional sources of income and food security.
- Opportunities for grazing, farming, and forest-based livelihoods are restricted, leaving youth with few alternatives.
- Travel to schools and workplaces is hazardous, as rangers patrol forests and boundaries aggressively. Some youths have been shot or harassed while performing basic tasks.
A victim of torture and shooting by UWA Officials
- The sense of injustice and neglect has fostered frustration, anger, and a feeling of abandonment among Sebei youth, many of whom feel their future is being stolen.
One youth from Tuikat said, “We grew up hearing our parents talk about our ancestral land. Now we cannot farm, we cannot graze, and when we try, we are fined or threatened. What future do we have?”
The ongoing human cost
Communities in villages such as Chekwasta, Kapkores, Tuikat, Menya, Mulungwa, Tegeres, Kapengura, Kwoti, Kapenguria, Kapkwai, and Ngasire continue to experience:
- Shootings and harassment by UWA rangers
- Unfair fines and arbitrary arrests for trying to access forest resources
- Crop destruction and eviction from lands historically used by families
- Ongoing land insecurity that undermines youth development and community cohesion
Government neglect
Despite repeated appeals, parliamentary motions, and petitions, the government has failed to provide meaningful support. Families remain in limbo, living in makeshift shelters, unable to farm or secure sustainable livelihoods. While other regions in Uganda have received compensation or support for similar issues, Sebei is left behind. The youth feel abandoned, and opportunities for education, employment, and social development are severely limited.
Even recent parliamentary interventions, such as the 2023 directive to halt evictions, have not translated into effective action on the ground. The lack of follow-through leaves youth and families vulnerable to harassment, fines, and loss of ancestral land.
Why this matters
The boundary extension is not just an environmental issue; it is a social justice crisis. The youth of Sebei are the custodians of their land, yet they are repeatedly marginalized. Their livelihoods, education, and futures are threatened, while the government continues to delay or ignore meaningful interventions.
What we demand
The youth of Sebei call for:
- A transparent, independent review of all boundary claims involving the park and civilian lands
- Immediate compensation or resettlement for families whose lands were taken or destroyed
- Clear, participatory boundary demarcation agreed upon by communities and UWA
- Protection of youth rights to access forest resources for grazing, firewood, and medicinal plants
- Youth-led monitoring of park-community interactions and a grievance mechanism for abuses and harassment
Conclusion
The mountain belongs to the people of Sebei, not just the authorities who claim it. The youth bear the heaviest burden of boundary extensions, harassment, and neglect. Their future depends on urgent government action, fair treatment, and recognition of their rights. Until the government steps up, Sebei youth will continue to organize, document abuses, and demand justice
