Distributive Equity around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda: Benefits, Accessibility, Perceptions, and Realities among Adjacent Communities

A study on Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, reveals significant distributive inequities in benefit-sharing around the site, despite economic gains primarily driven by tourism and conservation efforts. While adjacent communities in Kisoro, Rubanda, and Kanungu districts report accessing benefits through tourism businesses, NGOs, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority, widespread perceptions of inequality persist due to governance shortcomings. The research, employing mixed-methods including interviews, workshops, and questionnaires with 120 households and 30 key informants, highlights the need for transparent, inclusive decision-making frameworks to ensure fair distribution of benefits. These findings underscore critical gaps in equitable conservation governance, offering actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to balance sustainability with social equity.

Ainomujuni, J., Twinamatsiko, M., Smis, S., & Nuwagira, U. (2025). Distributive Equity around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda: Benefits, Accessibility, Perceptions, and Realities among Adjacent Communities. East African Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 8(2), 143–160. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajis.8.2.3449