Abstract
Disasters and pandemics have significantly disrupted livelihoods in rural regions of southwestern Uganda. However, there remains limited understanding of the resilience processes and recovery pathways available to these communities. This study addresses that gap by applying the three capacities resilience framework, comprising absorptive, adaptive and transformative capacities, to investigate how rural communities in Isingiro and Kisoro districts respond to and recover from such shocks. Using a qualitative methodology that included 34 key informant interviews and four focus group discussions, the research explores the vulnerabilities faced by rural populations, the role of institutions and the strategies employed at household and community levels to withstand and adapt to disruptions. Findings reveal that while state and non-state actors provide critical support, much remains focused on absorptive responses, offering short-term relief without fostering sustainable change. In contrast, adaptive strategies, such as reliance on indigenous knowledge and social networks, offer more community-driven resilience. The study also highlights the need for building transformative capacity, which remains underdeveloped but is essential for long-term livelihood security and systemic resilience. CONTRIBUTION: The findings underscore the need for long-term planning that integrates institutional frameworks with community-based approaches to enhance resilience. To build transformative capacity, substantial investments in addressing economic vulnerabilities, fostering income diversification and strengthening community participation in governance are critical. This study situates its conclusions within the resilience framework, emphasising that sustainable recovery requires collaborative efforts across institutional and community levels to build systems capable of absorbing shocks, adapting to changes and transforming in the face of future challenges.