Country: Uganda
Administrative region: Eastern (Region)
Central co-ordinates: 1.22561 N, 34.10897 E
Area: 0.106km²
Qualifying IPA Criteria
A(i)Site contains one or more globally threatened species
IPA assessment rationale
Kachumbala Rock qualifies as an IPA under criterion A(i) as it contains a major portion of the global population of Dracaena coleana and D. bukedea, both species assessed (in press) as globally Endangered.
Site description
Kachumbala Rock IPA is a granitic rock outcrop, situated within Bukedea District, Teso sub-region of Eastern Region (U3) of Uganda. It is located ca. 20 km NNW of Mbale City, and 1.8 km NW of Kachumbala Trading Centre, just by the Mbale-Soroti Road. It lies within otherwise generally flat plains with few undulations, and isolated inselbergs, the most pronounced being Bukedea (Kocheka) and Kachumbala. The IPA rises to a maximum elevation of 1,210 m, and supports shrubland and bushland vegetation with exposed rock in places.
Botanical significance
Though unprotected, the small Kachumbala Rock outcrop is the only site in reasonably good habitat condition to support survival of two important endemic species of Dracaena. Firstly, it holds possibly the largest wild population of the Ugandan endemic Dracaena (Sansevieria) coleana. This species is also known from along the Kachumbala–Koliri road, and 10 km from the type locality in a north-easterly direction. Other than the Kachumbala site, these sites are highly modified within intensive farmland and do not appear to be suitable for conservation of this species. Elsewhere, D. coleana is known only from the Guruguru Hills and Wal in northern Uganda.
The second Dracaena species at this site is the even rarer D. bukedea (Sansevieria rosulata; Forrest 2017). These two rare species grow together with the range-restricted Aloe labworana (Forrest 2018), only known from Uganda and South Sudan, but currently assessed as LC. Dracaena coleana and D. bukedea have both been assessed as EN (H. Wheatcroft, in press; H. Miller, in press). A site visit by Shamim Adong (known to R. Kityo, zoologist at Makerere Univeristy) in November 2024 confirmed the continued presence of the two species at Kachumbala Rock, with scattered populations of both across the site, D. coleana being more abundant than D. bukedea (T. Forrest, pers. comm. 2024).
Habitat and geology
Kachumbala Rock IPA is a small inselberg with a very thin layer of soil. Like other inselbergs, Kachumbala Rock was formed through the process of erosion. Over millions of years, the surrounding softer rock and soil erode away, leaving behind the more resistant rock that made up the inselberg. The habitat is mostly shrubland and bushland which is open in some areas, with exposed rock surface in places.
The shrubland and bushland communities are mostly composed of species of Rhus, Bridelia, Acacia, Grewia and Ficus. There are areas of bare rock with only small patches of shallow soil. These support a succulent flora including Aloe labworana. The Kachumbala Rock IPA is surrounded by settlements and cultivation.
The geology of this IPA is Archean Gneissic-Granulite Complex, extensively dominated by granites of the Precambrian age (National Information Technology Authority Uganda 2019; Government of Uganda 1967). The geological systems are represented by undifferentiated gneisses with elements of partly granitised and metamorphosed formation, and granullite facies rocks (Government of Uganda 1967).
The area has a modified equatorial climate with mean annual rainfall of ca. 1,100 mm and mean annual temperature of 24°C (African Development Bank Group 2021). The rainfall pattern is characteristically bi-modal with peaks in April-May and July-August.
Conservation issues
Kachumbala Rock IPA is not formally protected at present, and it faces a number of threats, being close to a small town of Kachumbala, which is anticipated to grow bigger and put more pressure on the rock outcrop and its biodiversity. Kachumbala is one of the sub-counties of Bukedea District with the highest rate of human population growth rate. This exerts unsustainable demands on natural resources and ecological services. Environmental degradation is assessed as ‘high’ in Kachumbala (UNDP 2014). Agriculture is the mainstream economic activity of the surrounding communities. Over 84% of the households are engaged in agriculture, mainly practicing subsistence farming (UNDP 2014).
By far, the biggest threat at this IPA is artisanal and industrial rock quarrying which pose a severe threat to the two Dracaena species. Rock extraction is reported to have intensified over time (Forrest 2018). This source of habitat degradation is observable at this IPA, with active splitting of the rock to extract building materials. There is currently a threat to the site from commercial stone quarrying interest (T. Forrest, pers. comm. 2024; observation during a recent survey by the Makerere & Kew team in March 2025).
Unsustainable exploitation of plants for firewood, charcoal and brick burning and indiscriminate tree cutting at and around Kachumbala Rock are other threats to the survival of the two Dracaena species. Over-harvesting of firewood and poles continue to degrade the vegetation. In this area, Kachumbala is listed as one of the major markets for woodfuel trading along Mbale-Soroti road (Forest Department 1992). A lot of firewood is used in making the local brew "Ajono" and preparation of food.
Wildfires are also a problem as the burning is done without due consideration of their effect and how to control the spread of the fires. Unregulated grazing and goat browsing also occur at the IPA. The populations of both Dracaena species in the region have been much reduced through fragmentation and loss of habitat (Forrest 2018). Whereas the habitat at Kachumbala Rock does not seem much affected, loss of adjacent sub-populations reduces the survival likelihood of the two species at this IPA as there would be lower natural rescue effect in case the populations at this IPA decline.
Having only two Local Forest Reserves (LFRs) in Kachumbala (26 ha) and Malera (Koreng 76 ha) and one Central Forest Reserve (CFR) of 16 ha located in Bukedea Town Council, coupled with the diminishing forest cover in the district due to unsustainable utilisation activities (UNDP 2014), Kachumbala Rock IPA is one of the key sites for conservation of priority plant species in Bukedea District.
Bukedea is one of the districts which benefited from the Farm Income Enhancement and Forestry Conservation project (FIEFOC) forestry component (UNDP 2014). The project had two sub-components: watershed management and tree planting. It provided the planting materials which most of the farmers were lacking. Awareness-building by the project led to increasing numbers of people requesting tree planting support (UNDP 2014).
Ongoing interventions to reverse environmental degradation in the area include: promotion of additional and alternative sources of energy including low cost solar panels to be used for LED lighting, radios and cell phones; promotion of use of energy efficient woodstoves by making the technology readily available; promotion of bee keeping to reduce dependence on harvesting of natural resources for a livelihood; and introduction of awareness raising programmes in schools (Ministry of Water and Environment, undated).
Ecosystem services
Kachumbala Rock outcrop is an important site with potential for tourism in eastern Uganda based on geology, culture, and biodiversity. The rare species of Dracaena and rock scenery can be developed into a tourism destination, attracting nature lovers. Its proximity to Nyero rock painting (https://jewelsafaris.com/kachumbala-rock/) and Moru Apesur rock in Soroti town adds strength to this potential.
Kachumbala Rock is culturally significant for the local communities in the area. It is often associated with folklore, and has spiritual and historical value. The site is used as grounds for performing of rituals, ceremonies, and storytelling (https://www.habariugandatours.com/hiking-tours-in-teso/). A number of small-sized tree species are also harvested on the rock for a range of uses, including fuel wood.
Site assessor(s)
Assessed by:
James Kalema, Makerere University Herbarium
Samuel Ojelel, Makerere University Herbarium
Iain Darbyshire, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Date of first assessment: 9th Dec 2024
Reviewed by:Tom Forrest, Independent Botanist
IPA criterion A species
| Species | Qualifying sub-criterion | ≥ 1% of global population | ≥ 5% of national population | 1 of 5 best sites nationally | Entire global population | Socio-economically important | Abundance at site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dracaena coleana (T.G.Forrest) Takaw.-Ny. & Thiede | A(i) |  |
|
|
 |
|
Occasional |
| Dracaena bukedea Takaw.-Ny. & Mucina | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Occasional |
Dracaena coleana (T.G.Forrest) Takaw.-Ny. & Thiede
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Occasional
Dracaena bukedea Takaw.-Ny. & Mucina
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Occasional
General site habitats
| General site habitat | Percent coverage | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland - Subtropical/Tropical Dry Shrubland | |
Major |
| Rocky Areas - Rocky Areas [e.g. inland cliffs, mountain peaks] | |
Major |
Shrubland - Subtropical/Tropical Dry Shrubland
Percent coverage:
Importance:
Major
Rocky Areas - Rocky Areas [e.g. inland cliffs, mountain peaks]
Percent coverage:
Importance:
Major
Land use types
| Land use type | Percent coverage | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture (pastoral) | |
Minor |
| Residential / urban development | |
Minor |
| Extractive industry | |
Minor |
| Harvesting of wild resources | |
Minor |
| Utility & service lines | |
Minor |
Agriculture (pastoral)
Percent coverage:
Importance:
Minor
Residential / urban development
Percent coverage:
Importance:
Minor
Extractive industry
Percent coverage:
Importance:
Minor
Harvesting of wild resources
Percent coverage:
Importance:
Minor
Utility & service lines
Percent coverage:
Importance:
Minor
Threats
| Threat | Severity | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Residential & commercial development - Housing & urban areas | Low | Ongoing - increasing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture - Annual & perennial non-timber crops - Small-holder farming | Low | Ongoing - increasing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture - Livestock farming & ranching - Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Low | Ongoing - increasing |
| Energy production & mining - Mining & quarrying | Medium | Ongoing - increasing |
| Transportation & service corridors - Roads & railroads | Low | Ongoing - stable |
| Transportation & service corridors - Utility & service lines | Low | Ongoing - stable |
| Biological resource use - Gathering terrestrial plants - Intentional use (species being assessed is the target) | Low | Ongoing - stable |
| Natural system modifications - Fire & fire suppression - Increase in fire frequency/intensity | Low | Ongoing - stable |
Residential & commercial development - Housing & urban areas
Severity:
Low
Timing:
Ongoing - increasing
Agriculture & aquaculture - Annual & perennial non-timber crops - Small-holder farming
Severity:
Low
Timing:
Ongoing - increasing
Agriculture & aquaculture - Livestock farming & ranching - Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming
Severity:
Low
Timing:
Ongoing - increasing
Energy production & mining - Mining & quarrying
Severity:
Medium
Timing:
Ongoing - increasing
Transportation & service corridors - Roads & railroads
Severity:
Low
Timing:
Ongoing - stable
Transportation & service corridors - Utility & service lines
Severity:
Low
Timing:
Ongoing - stable
Biological resource use - Gathering terrestrial plants - Intentional use (species being assessed is the target)
Severity:
Low
Timing:
Ongoing - stable
Natural system modifications - Fire & fire suppression - Increase in fire frequency/intensity
Severity:
Low
Timing:
Ongoing - stable
Management type
| Management type | Description | Year started | Year finished |
|---|---|---|---|
| No management plan in place | |
|
No management plan in place
Year started:
Year finished:
Bibliography
Atlas of Uganda
Sansevieria rosulata (Asparagaceae), a new species in Uganda.
Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol 89(6), page(s) 289-292
Sansevieria coleana (Asparagaceae): a new species in Uganda.
Cactus World, Vol 36(4), page(s) 261-265 Available online
Strengthening the Adaptive Capacity and Resilience of Communities in Uganda's watersheds - Awoja Catchment (SACRiAC) - Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF).
The National Biomass Study, Phase I. Technical Report.
Awoja Catchment Management Plan.
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the proposed extension of the Government Network (Last Mile) to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Local Governments (LGs) and other Target User Groups (TUGs).
Teso Bukedea district hazard, risk and vulnerability profile.
Recommended citation
James Kalema, Samuel Ojelel, Iain Darbyshire (2025) Tropical Important Plant Areas Explorer: Kachumbala Rock (Uganda). https://tipas.kew.org/site/kachumbala-rock/ (Accessed on 14/05/2025)