By Javier Silas Omagor
On the border between Uganda and Kenya, Mt. Elgon is a breathtaking natural wonder and water source for the surrounding communities.
As climate change and population growth put increasing pressure on water resources, local indigenous practices for groundwater conservation are gaining recognition for their sustainability and effectiveness.
For centuries, the Indigenous communities around Mt. Elgon, including the Sabiny and Bugisu on the Ugandan side, have developed a deep understanding of their environment, particularly regarding water management.
These practices passed down through generations, are rooted in a profound respect for nature and a commitment to preserving the land for future generations.
Community members, especially elders, possess a deep understanding of their local ecosystems, passed down through generations. This knowledge helps them use the land and water without damaging it.
For instance, they often engage in agroforestry techniques that keep the soil healthy and the water clean, ensuring that the groundwater remains protected.
According to the Nile Basin Initiative, agroforestry is common in the Mt Elgon area, with trees such as Sesbania (Sesbania grandiflora), Calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus), and certain timber and fruit trees planted together with crops or along the farm borders.
Help our soil retain as much water as possible
One of the most notable practices is constructing traditional water catchment systems.
These systems, often made from locally sourced materials, are designed to capture and store rainwater, allowing it to seep into the ground and replenish aquifers.
“The idea is to ensure that we help our soil retain as much water as possible and to also secure the fertile soil of our lands itself from being washed away by running water,” Simon Butsatsa, a resident of Bubulo village in Namisindwa district, says.
Community members work together to maintain these catchments, ensuring they remain functional and effective.
“We have made several community groups which have within them the common goal of conserving the environment, especially the natural resources such as water, in the best manner possible,” Butsatsa reveals.
In addition to catchment systems, the indigenous people of Mt. Elgon employs agroforestry techniques that enhance groundwater recharge.
Planting trees and maintaining diverse crops create a natural barrier that reduces soil erosion and increases water retention in the soil.
Immaculate Nelima is a member of the Butiru tree growing community group, which champions “growing of trees both for conservation and commercial purposes in Manafwa district.
“The idea is paying off already since we can see an increasing amount of soil being retained and the groundwater quality and quantity as well,” Nelima says.
Nelima also knows that tree canopies catch rainwater, reducing runoff and allowing more water to soak into the ground. She says this helps “replenish aquifers,” particularly in areas with heavy rainfall.
The trees grown in the region do not only help in groundwater recharge, they are vital to ecosystems. They improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They also provide habitat and food for a diverse range of wildlife, which contributes to biodiversity.
According to the NBI, the Mt the Elgon area features diverse vegetation, transitioning from grass savanna in the lowlands to montane forest and bamboo on the mountain’s slopes.
How groundwater recharge happens
According to the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), groundwater recharge happens when rainwater seeps into the ground.
This can occur through rainfall soaking into the soil or during floods in the wet season. After some water is lost to evaporation and plants, the remaining water goes down to the aquifer, a natural underground water storage.
How much water replenishes the groundwater depends on the type of rain. Heavy downpours lead to more surface runoff (water flowing over the ground), while lighter rains might let more water soak in.
Elders and locals commended
Experts such as John Osenda of Uganda Christian University commend the rural groups for using indigenous knowledge to conserve groundwater.
“Water scarcity is a big problem within the counties that are sharing the Mt. Elgon aquifer, so any initiatives that are aimed at improving the situation must be welcomed,” Osenda notes.
The indigenous technique used by the people of the Elgon Aquifer supports biodiversity and ensures that water is available during dry seasons.

The elders in the community play a big role in educating younger generations about these practices.
“Our ancestors taught us to live in harmony with nature,” Oscar Wambede, 65, says.
Wambede, a respected leader in the community in Sironko district, continues to stress that elders “must continue to share this knowledge, as it is vital for our survival and the health of our land.”
The importance of these indigenous practices has not gone unnoticed.
Environmental organizations and researchers increasingly collaborate with local communities to document and promote these methods.

Initiatives aimed at integrating traditional knowledge with modern conservation strategies are being implemented, highlighting the value of indigenous wisdom in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
However, the communities face challenges from external pressures, including land degradation, deforestation, and climate change. As urbanization encroaches on their lands, protecting these traditional practices becomes even more urgent.
Advocacy for land rights and sustainable development is crucial to ensure these communities can continue their vital work in groundwater conservation.
This story was produced with support from NBI Secretariat (Nile-Sec), which, in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented a program across the Nile Basin focused on shared groundwater aquifers. The project’s goal was to improve water resource management at both the national and basin levels.
The first phase concentrated on building knowledge and capacity for the sustainable use and management of significant transboundary aquifers within the Nile Basin. Three aquifer areas were selected for intervention: the Kagera aquifer shared by Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi; the Mt Elgon aquifer shared by Uganda and Kenya; and the Gedaref-Adigrat aquifer shared by Sudan and Ethiopia. These aquifers are located in various climates, including arid, semi-arid, and tropical regions.
Initially, the phase involved gathering existing data and creating a Shared Aquifer Diagnostic Report (SADA) for the three selected aquifers. The subsequent phase engaged in groundwater modeling to enhance understanding of the aquifers and analyze scenarios based on changes in climate and groundwater use.