This study set out to assess the extent to which the local community is involved in the conservation and the management of Lake Mburo National Park (LMNP). The specific objectives of the study included; finding out the ways in which the local community is involved in conservation and management of national parks, finding out the benefits of LMNP to the local community and assessing whether the management system integrates the local community in the management of national parks. The participants included local community leaders, local community members and Lake Mburo National Park officials. The local community population was used because of their life experiences and knowledge of the area, while Lake Mburo National Park members of staff were used because of their expertise on management and policies. The study was carried using interview schedules which were carefully prepared and pre-tested and later used to collect information from local communities. Structured questionnaires were also used to get information from Lake Mburo National Park officials because this category seemed to be literate and able to read and write.

Irene Judith Nagasha, lecturer at Kyambogo University, Faculty of Education lecturing in Development Studies with a special focus on Community Participation and Natural Resource Management. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Social Sciences from Makerere University and a Master of Science in Development Management from University of Agder, Norway.