Ugandan MPs Unite to Advance Pastoralism Agenda

Members of Parliament in Uganda have come together to advance the pastoralism agenda, prioritizing access to grazing land, water, and livestock mobility. This agreement was reached during a meeting organized by the Eastern and Southern Africa Pastoralist Network and the Coalition of Pastoralism Civil Society Organizations in Kampala. The discussion centered on policies and laws affecting pastoral communities and strengthening efforts to address the challenges they face.

Chairman of the Uganda Parliamentary Land Management Forum, Hon. Bingi Patrick Nyanzi, emphasized that land tenure remains a significant challenge for pastoral communities. He urged MPs to follow up on policy and legal reforms, pledging to champion pastoralist concerns in parliament. Secure access to land can give pastoralists the confidence to take climate action to protect natural resources, building their resilience to climate change.

Dr. Doreen Nancy Kobusingye, Facilitator for the National Land Coalition, noted that a policy to protect pastoral livelihoods requires secure access to land. She stressed the importance of including women and youth in matters concerning land and pastoralism. For pastoral households, land is essential for food, income, and livestock survival. When grazing areas are divided or enclosed, livestock may lose access to pasture and water, making communities more vulnerable during dry seasons.

The Eastern and Southern Africa Pastoralist Network Coordinator, Benjamin Beyeza-Mutambukah, called upon Parliament to use its lawmaking, budgeting, and oversight powers to address challenges facing pastoral communities. He emphasized the need for policies and laws that protect pastoralist rights and reflect African, regional, and international commitments on land governance and sustainable development. Cooperation between countries is also crucial to promote peaceful sharing of resources, improve livestock health, and support cross-border trade.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries presented findings from a Regulatory Impact Assessment, recommending a dedicated National Rangeland Management Policy supported by legislation. The proposed policy aims to improve rangeland management through clear institutional responsibilities, sustainable grazing practices, and better access to water. It also addresses livestock mobility, reliable funding, and community participation, expecting to protect rangelands, improve livestock production, and support communities that depend on pastoralism.

Dr. Gerald Nizeyimana, representing the Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation for Climate Change in Eastern Africa Project, highlighted the project's support for rangeland restoration and improved animal feed management. He urged Parliament to support reforms that improve feed security, drought preparedness, and peaceful livestock movement. Stronger cooperation between government and pastoralist organizations is necessary to increase investment in resilient livestock systems.

Simon Peter Lomoe, representing pastoralists, called for increased government funding to help pastoral households protect their livestock before droughts and floods become emergencies. He proposed investment in water facilities, veterinary services, fodder reserves, and early-warning systems ahead of expected climate shocks. The meeting concluded with a commitment to turn the agreement into action through regular parliamentary engagement, policy, and legal reforms, emphasizing the need to involve pastoral communities in decisions affecting their land and livelihoods.

Key points

• The Ugandan government has committed to addressing the challenges facing pastoral communities, including land tenure, grazing land, water, and livestock mobility.
• A proposed National Rangeland Management Policy aims to improve rangeland management, livestock production, and support communities that depend on pastoralism.
• Pastoralist communities require secure access to land to build resilience to climate change and protect natural resources.