The trees at Lochengenge village serve as the gathering place where the community holds its meetings
Amudat District, located in the Karamoja Sub-region of northeastern Uganda, is a bastion of environmental conservation in a region where deforestation has become a growing crisis. Unlike the neighboring districts of Moroto, Nakapiripirit, Nabilatuk, and Napak, where forests have been extensively cleared for charcoal burning, timber harvesting, and agricultural activities, Pokot land has maintained a remarkable tree cover.
This conservation success is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of the Pokot people, the predominant community in the district. For generations, they have upheld strict cultural and traditional laws that prohibit the indiscriminate cutting of trees, ensuring that their landscapes remain lush. Joseph Loboot Nangole, the district’s LC5 chairperson, says for the Pokot, trees are more than natural resources; they are sacred, deeply intertwined with their spiritual beliefs, security, and pastoral way of life. "People who do not cherish their cultures are slaves.
The Pokot have their own way of life, norms, cultures, and beliefs. Our culture provides that once someone cuts down a tree, the elders will summon him and make sure he sacrifices a bull to appease the spirits in the tree. A tree has life. A tree cries. When you cut down a tree, you have taken a life,” he says. Thomas Aremok, an elder and resident of Lochengenge Village in Amudat Town Council, says even if the tree cutter comes from another district, he will be punished the same way. “Our ancestors have held meetings under these trees for many years, so if anyone cuts them down they will die because the curse was already laid down.
The only people who can cleanse the offender are the elders, with a bull and alcoholic brew. That is why you will never hear the sound of a machete in this community,” he says. Traditionally, the Pokot have relied on trees as security cover, especially during the raiding season. “When you are attacked, it is easy to manoeuvre between the thick bushes to hide from your enemy. The only disadvantage is that we were not gifted with big trees but with many shrubs,” Nangole adds. The dense tree canopy has also ensured the survival of livestock, which forms the backbone of their livelihood.
The trees, especially those along riverbanks, are preserved at all costs. “During seasons of insecurity, we agree on which trees to cut so that we can fence the kraals. But even then, we do not cut down the trees completely; only a few branches are broken off. The women and girls are only allowed to pick firewood from the dry trees,” Aremok says. Newton Amutale, Amudat District’s environment officer, says the trees are preserved because they provide a natural protective barrier for women and children. “Most people in our community do not live along the main roads.
These trees help safeguard families, children, the elderly, and livestock from potential raids.
They also offer shelter and shade during the day. At night, men who guard the livestock often sleep under trees. Even when the moon is bright, the shade from trees makes it harder for enemies to spot them,” he says. Another important reason for tree preservation is its role in initiation ceremonies when a boy becomes a man.
Elders conduct a ritual, where a bull is speared, and its blood is poured under the tree to appease the spirits before it is cut. “Once that happens, the tree becomes the property of that particular initiated man.
He is responsible for caring for it for the rest of his life. No one else can be initiated under that tree. This is how we honour the sacred bond between man and trees, transitioning from one generation to another,” Amutale adds.
The Threat of charcoal burning
Despite the strong conservation ethic, Amudat is now facing increasing pressure as economic demands and modernisation reshape the region.
While much of the Karamoja Sub-region has embraced commercial charcoal production and large-scale land clearing, Amudat has largely resisted these trends. However, with limited arable land, population growth, and the introduction of new farming practices, the district is at a crossroads.
This is threatening the ecosystem and the traditional way of life. “Sometimes, development causes environmental challenges. With mechanised agriculture, large areas of land are being cleared. However, we are encouraging the community to preserve the large trees. Only the small shrubs will be cut down,” Nangole says. Amudat has limited arable land, with much of it designated as conservation areas by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
As a result, most cultivation occurs along riverbanks. This shift has raised concern among conservationists, who worry that the increased demand for agricultural land will lead to unchecked deforestation. “Some two or three years ago, when the Pokot opened up to people from the neighbouring districts, such as Mbale, Moroto, Bukwo, and Kween, they came with their culture of burning trees for charcoal.
When we tried to intervene, these people resisted us, reporting to the police that we were fighting them,” Nangole says. Among the Pokot, the culture of administering mob ‘justice’ through caning is predominant and is supported by the elders to discipline those who offend the societal norms.
“However, the President’s executive order against the cutting down of trees for charcoal has given us the mandate to protect our environment. Now, our youth can enforce the order. Previously, even the police and army were lax in protecting the environment, saying that was the work of the forestry officers. But now, everyone has a role to play,” Nangole says.
Striking a balance
As agricultural expansion continues to reshape the landscape of Amudat, local leaders and environmentalists emphasise the need for sustainable practices. The district has begun promoting agroforestry to integrate tree conservation into farming activities.
“We encourage farmers to plant trees around or within their gardens to maintain tree cover. However, this initiative remains an unfunded priority due to limited resources. Climate change is a growing concern, with Amudat experiencing varying levels of rainfall. Historically, even-numbered years tend to have more rain, while odd-numbered years receive less,” Amutale says.
In 2024, the district received heavy rainfall, but in 2025, the expectation is that there will be minimal amounts. Some sub-counties are more affected by drought than others, which influences farming activities.
“However, despite these challenges, the Pokot remain steadfast in their commitment to conservation. Deforestation has affected us so much, especially those who keep livestock. Our livestock do not have enough to eat, and they rely on the leaves from those trees," Amutale says. One of the intentions of the harsh punishment for felling the trees is for the younger generation to know that it is wrong to cut them. For the Pokot, environmental conservation is not just a policy; it is a way of life.
As modernisation brings new challenges, their ability to maintain a delicate balance between agricultural growth and environmental preservation will be crucial in ensuring the sustainability of their land and heritage for generations to come.
The challenge now is to balance economic progress with environmental preservation. As the Pokot navigate this new reality, the question remains: can Amudat continue to stand as a beacon of conservation in Karamoja, or will it succumb to the environmental pressures that have transformed its neighbours?
