Forest Products, Livelihoods and Conservation

Chapter 10

Carved wooden drums and trade

in Mpigi district, Uganda

Patrick Omeja^1 , Joseph Obua^2 and Anthony B. Cunningham^3

ABSTRACT

In contrast to commercial woodcarving in Fiji, India, Kenya and Vietnam, where

hardwood species are favoured, the Ugandan carving industry uses softwood

species, primarily trees in the fig family (Moraceae). The major items made

are traditional musical instruments such as drums, harps, tube-fiddles and

xylophones. These are exported and sold to tourists as well as being sold

locally to schools, churches and musical groups, which keep Uganda’s vibrant

music tradition alive.

This chapter is based on studies undertaken in Mpanga, Degeya and Lufuka

forest reserves and the drum making stalls in Mpigi district in central Uganda.

A specific focus of the study was the importance of drum making, the impact

of drum making on the population structure of species used, their regeneration

rates and the current demand for the wood of these species.

It was found that the reliance on woodcarving in Mpigi district is significant.

Drums in particular had great significance in alerting people to meetings,

weddings, funerals, dancing competitions, and as gifts during give-away

ceremonies. Despite all the potential benefits, carvers do not have associations

through which to act quickly and effectively at the national level. The results

also showed that the intensity of use and concentration on only a limited

number of most favoured tree species have led to overexploitation. To guarantee

future supply of wood, a move to on-farm production of the desired species

such as Polyscias fulva is recommended.

Common names Part of the Management Degree of Scale of Geographic

resource used transformation trade range

Mutati, Parasol tree, Wood Wild Medium International Medium

Setaala

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