Studying natural hazards in the context of human-induced landscape transformation is complex, especially in regions with limited information. Elderly narratives can play a role in filling these knowledge gaps at the multi-decadal timescale. Here, we build upon a citizen-based elderly approach to understand natural hazard patterns and landscape transformation in a tropical mountainous environment, the Kigezi highlands (Uganda). We engaged 98 elderly citizens (70 years old and above) living in eight small watersheds with contrasting characteristics. Through interviews and focus group discussions, we reconstructed historical timelines and used participatory mapping to facilitate the interview process. We cross-checked the information of the elderly citizens with historical photographs, archives and field visits. Our results show that major land use/cover changes are associated with a high population increase over the last 80 years. We also evidence an increase in reported natural hazard events such as landslides and flash floods from the 1940’s until the 1980’s. Then, we notice a stabilization in the number of hazard events per decade, although the two most impacted decades (1980’s and 2000’s) stand out. Despite this new information, an increase of natural hazard frequency due to land use/cover change cannot yet be quantitatively validated, especially when the probable modulator effect of climate variability is considered. Nevertheless, the increase in exposure of vulnerable population to natural hazards is clear, and population growth together with poor landscape management practices are key culprits to explain this evolution. This study demonstrates the added value of historical narratives to understand natural hazards in the context of environmental changes.