culture 22 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Bamasaba Brave Danger for "Malewa" Delicacy
Residents near Uganda's Mount Elgon National Park risk encounters with wildlife and park rangers to harvest "malewa," an edible bamboo shoot deeply ingrained in their culture. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/locals-brave-wild-animals-bullets-to-access-malewa-5604250
The quest for “malewa,” a cherished local delicacy for the Bamasaba people residing on the slopes of Mount Elgon, has become increasingly perilous. Traditionally gathered from the mountain’s abundant bamboo, locals now face not only natural hazards but also the threat of bullets from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers tasked with preventing park encroachment.
Vendors like Richard Wandeba in Mbale City lament the shift from previous dangers such as wild animals and treacherous terrain to “torture and extortion” from rangers. This heightened enforcement has consequently driven up the price of malewa, with a bundle now costing between Shs3,000 and Shs4,000, a significant increase from Shs1,000 in years past.
Malewa holds deep cultural significance, particularly during traditional ceremonies like the Imbalu (circumcision), where it is believed to aid in healing. Mathew Wasike, a resident, urged the government to find a collaborative solution, allowing controlled access for cultural purposes. Despite conservation efforts, attempts to cultivate malewa outside the forest have proven unsuccessful, underscoring its reliance on the natural Mount Elgon habitat.
Beyond the harvesting challenges, there’s a growing interest in developing malewa as a local tourism product and exploring its potential in international markets, with innovative preparations like malewa pizza already emerging. However, conflict between UWA and local communities over resource access, including bamboo and timber, has led to significant resistance, injuries, and loss of life on both sides. UWA has deployed additional Uganda People’s Defense Force soldiers to bolster ranger presence amid ongoing encroachment issues, with approximately 1,500 acres of park land reportedly encroached upon.
Local leaders are appealing to the government for a sustainable and equitable resolution to the ongoing disputes. The chief warden of Mount Elgon Conservation Area, Samuel Amanya, stressed the need for a mindset shift towards appreciating conservation, acknowledging the difficult terrain that facilitates encroachment.