The Mosopisiek Woman, Bamboo, and the Trail
Meet the Mosopisiek—a small tribe of about 15,000 former hunter-gatherers. They live on the lush slopes of Mount Elgon at altitudes between 2,100 and 2,700 meters. This unique community resides on the edge of the rainforest, but their story hasn’t always been easy. Once fully reliant on the forest, they were forced to leave their ancestral home when Mount Elgon National Park was established. They were given new land on the lower parts of the mountain—but without clear land rights and with minimal infrastructure.
How Bamboo Helps the Mosopisiek Thrive
Mosopisiek families are large—an average of 12 children per household—and life for women in this patriarchal society is challenging. Climate change and deforestation have made farming increasingly difficult, resulting in unpredictable harvests and soil erosion. But bamboo is changing the story.
How does bamboo help the Mosopisiek? Some of its key benefits include:
- Preventing erosion and improving soil fertility
- Providing nutrition—bamboo porridge is a local favorite on the mountain
- Enabling women to weave beautiful baskets that they trade for food or sell in lowland markets, offering them vital extra income
Experience the Mosopisiek through the Mosopisiek Trail
If you want to experience this unique culture up close, there’s no better way than the Mosopisiek Trail! In 2020, a group of Sipi Falls guides, together with Mosopisiek leader David, launched this 2- or 3-day trek through the scenic hills of the Kween District. It offers visitors a chance to truly connect with the Mosopisiek way of life—and even lend a helping hand.
During the trek, you can take part in a bamboo basket weaving workshop led by Mosopisiek women. Every basket you buy means extra income for the women and direct support for the community. How special is that?
More Highlights Along the Mosopisiek Trail
The trail offers many more unforgettable moments:
- Learn how to make local honey wine—a community favorite
- Hear traditional stories around the campfire told by village elders
- Visit a historic cultural cave and explore the area’s deep-rooted heritage
- Marvel at waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints along the route
- Discover edible plants, herbs, and vegetables that grow in the region
The Future of the Mosopisiek Bamboo Project
Where do the proceeds from the trail go? 20% is directly reinvested in the bamboo project. These funds have already helped buy seeds that women now plant around their homes. The next step includes training workshops in advanced weaving—especially for smaller basket designs that are easy to pack. A study tour to a successful bamboo initiative elsewhere in Uganda is also planned. This project is growing fast!
The Mosopisiek people are truly remarkable—not only for their bamboo efforts. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our upcoming blog posts!
This blog was written by Daan from Home of Friends Guesthouse
