NAJUNA PATIENCE2025-02-102025-02-102024http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12284/760This study examines local people's right to public engagement in Ugandan natural resource conservation using Kabale District as a case study. The need for public participation in sustainable natural resource management is increasingly recognized. This helps to ensure that conservation activities are aligned with local goals and needs. Doctrinal research strategy was used, thoroughly reviewing policy documents, legal frameworks, and past research on public engagement and natural resource management. This method allows for a full examination of the institutional frameworks and statutory requirements designed to encourage community participation in conservation. The research examines Uganda's legal framework for public engagement, especially the Wildlife Act of 2019 and the National Environment Act of 1995, which demand community involvement and input in conservation decisions. The success with which institutions such as the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) safeguard local interests and promote sustainable practices is being reviewed. The findings reveal that, while Uganda's legal frameworks accept the right to public participation, actual implementation typically falls short of expectations. According to the study, barriers to effective involvement include a lack of community knowledge, slack policy enforcement, and a lack of opportunity for genuine connection. As a result, residents in Kabale District are frequently excluded from conservation decisions. Enhancing legal and policy frameworks is recommended to ensure that participatory methods are more successfully implemented. Specific proposals include increasing community participation and rights education, strengthening policy enforcement, and encouraging tighter cooperation between conservation authorities and local communities. Enhancements in these areas have the potential to significantly boost community participation and result in more equitable and sustainable conservation outcomes.en-USThesis