National parks and social tensions – Case study Ugandan Rwenzori National Park

Establishing the Rwenzori Mountains National Park (RMNP) in 1992 displaced indigenous populations, leading to significant social tensions. The displacement of the Konzo, Amba, and Toro peoples from their mountain habitats into the foothills created population pressure, exacerbating conflicts with other ethnic groups who migrated to the area. Economic activities such as cement, cobalt, tea, and cotton production in the foothills further intensified these tensions. Additionally, the creation of a new Rwenzori Kingdom for the Bakonzo in 2009 has triggered widespread social unrest, particularly concerning their expectations of labor market privileges.

Steinicke, E., & Kabananukye, K. I. B. (2014). National parks and social tensions – Case study Ugandan Rwenzori National Park. Eco.Mont (Journal on Protected Mountain Areas Research), 6(2), 29–36. https://doi.org/10.1553/ecomont-6-2s29