Karamoja’s Green Gold: A call to save Uganda’s vanishing sandalwood

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OPINION

By Teddy Martina Omongo

Karamoja’s sandalwood tree (Osyris lanceolata), famously known as “green gold” for its sweet aroma and multiple uses, is facing extinction due to rampant illegal harvesting and environmental degradation.

This “green gold” thrives in the rocky, mountainous terrain of north-eastern Uganda, particularly in the Karamoja districts of Moroto, Nakapiripirit, Amudat, Kaabong, Kotido, and along the slopes of Mt. Elgon.

Its oils are used in perfumes, cosmetics, and traditional medicine, while its wood is carved into walking sticks and burned for charcoal. Demand is soaring in Europe and Asia. But back home, sandalwood is disappearing quietly and quickly.

A recent survey by the National Forestry Resources Research Institute (NaFORRI) found only 16 to 22 trees per hectare in key districts. That is not just a statistic—it is a warning. Without urgent action, this species could vanish from Uganda’s landscape entirely.

The threats are many. Traders have moved into remote areas, cutting trees illegally. Wildfires, cross-border smuggling into Kenya, and expanding agriculture are accelerating the decline. Meanwhile, local governments remain under-resourced and under-informed. Enforcement is weak. Awareness is low. In some areas, sandalwood is being harvested before it even reaches maturity, leaving behind barren slopes and broken ecosystems.

Sandalwood’s natural resilience is remarkable—it grows in poor soils, on rocky slopes, and in harsh climatic conditions. But even this hardiness cannot withstand the current rate of exploitation. Its regeneration is slow, and once mature trees are cut, recovery can take decades. Without intervention, the species could become functionally extinct in Uganda within a generation.

Yet sandalwood is more than a commodity. For generations, communities in Karamoja have used it to treat diarrhoea, prevent miscarriages, and build homes. It is deeply woven into the region’s cultural and ecological identity. Losing it would not only harm biodiversity but also erode traditional knowledge and livelihoods.

The tree also plays a vital ecological role. As a semi-parasitic species, sandalwood forms symbiotic relationships with other plants, contributing to soil health and biodiversity. Its presence supports a range of flora and fauna, making it a keystone species in the fragile ecosystems of north-eastern Uganda. Its loss would trigger cascading effects on the environment, including soil erosion, reduced vegetation cover, and declining water retention in already arid landscapes.

But there is hope—if we act now. First, we need stronger laws and better enforcement. Uganda and Kenya have both banned the trade in sandalwood, but implementation is patchy at best. Illegal traders continue to exploit loopholes and weak border controls. Joint patrols between the two countries, especially in hotspot areas, could help curb smuggling. Equipping local enforcement teams with motorbikes, GPS tools, and training would improve surveillance in hard-to-reach zones.

Second, we must empower communities. Village councils, sub-county leaders, and the private sector should collaborate to raise awareness and promote sustainable harvesting. Community-led conservation models have worked in other parts of Uganda—why not in Karamoja? When people understand the long-term value of sandalwood, they are more likely to protect it. Training programs, school outreach, and local radio campaigns could all play a role.

Community nurseries and agroforestry projects—like those supported by the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO)—can help restore degraded land and provide alternative income sources. NARO’s work with fruit and bioenergy trees, including Macadamia, Cashew, Shea, Melia species, Clonal Eucalyptus such as GC-796, and Jatropha, among others, shows that it is possible to combine conservation with economic development. Integrating sandalwood into these efforts would not only protect the species but also enhance community resilience to climate change.

Third, we must treat sandalwood as a livelihood opportunity, not just a conservation issue. With proper regulation and investment, it could lift families out of poverty in a region where over 70% live below the poverty line. Its roots have medicinal value. Its wood can be used for incense, furniture, and even livestock feed. A well-regulated sandalwood sector could transform Karamoja’s economy, creating jobs in cultivation, processing, and trade. To achieve this, government agencies must work hand-in-hand with research institutions, NGOs, and the private sector.

A national sandalwood strategy—backed by data, funding, and political will—could guide sustainable development. This strategy should include clear guidelines on harvesting, incentives for cultivation, and penalties for illegal trade.

We must also invest in research. There is still much we don’t know about sandalwood’s growth patterns, ecological role, and potential uses. Expanding scientific studies through institutions like NaFORRI and Makerere University could unlock new opportunities for conservation and commercialisation. Research into propagation techniques, pest resistance, and climate adaptability would be especially valuable.

Moreover, Uganda can learn from regional and global best practices. In India and Australia, sandalwood is cultivated commercially under strict regulation, generating significant revenue while protecting wild populations. Uganda could adopt similar models, tailored to local contexts, to ensure both conservation and economic benefit.

Public-private partnerships could also play a transformative role. Companies involved in cosmetics, herbal medicine, and essential oils could invest in sustainable sandalwood farming, offering contracts to local farmers and supporting value addition at the community level. This would not only create jobs but also ensure traceability and compliance with international standards.

This is not just about saving a tree. It’s about protecting the future. A future where communities thrive, ecosystems recover, and Uganda leads the way in sustainable development. Sandalwood could become a flagship species for conservation in Karamoja—symbolising resilience, renewal, and responsible stewardship.

The time to act is now. Karamoja’s green gold is too precious to lose. If we fail to protect it, we risk not only environmental degradation but also the loss of a vital economic and cultural resource. But if we succeed, we can turn a looming crisis into a model of sustainable development—one rooted in local knowledge, national commitment, and global relevance.

The writer is the Development Communications Officer of the National Agricultural Research Organisation, National Forestry Resources Research Institute