Buliisa mourners block UWA, politicians from speaking at burial of woman trampled to death by elephants
They accused the government of making empty promises regarding the escalating human-wildlife conflict in the district.
Buliisa: Tensions ran high at the burial ceremony of an elephant attack victim as mourners denied district and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) officials the chance to address them.
Eunice Kutegeka Kyabadiri Nyajangi, 51, was trampled to death by a herd of elephants on Sunday, February 9, 2025.
Her 4-year-old grandson was critically injured in the attack and is currently receiving treatment at Buliisa General Hospital. She was laid to rest on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, in Kigoya Village, Buliisa Sub County.
Mourners refused to allow UWA representatives, Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Longino Byagagaire Bahebwa, LCV Chairman Fred Lukumu, and Members of Parliament Allan Atugonza and Norah Bigirwa Nyendwoha to speak.
They accused the government of making empty promises regarding the escalating human-wildlife conflict in the district.
Tensions escalated when Charles Ukuta, a UWA representative, was invited to speak but was met with angry outbursts from mourners, who blamed UWA for failing to prevent elephants from killing innocent residents.
Similarly, a representative for Woman MP Bigirwa was denied a chance to speak, with mourners demanding that legislators personally explain their failure to address the crisis.
Buliisa Sub County LC3 Chairperson Kamanda Kabagambe expressed deep concern over the increasing elephant attacks, revealing that six people had been killed by elephants in the last three years.
“We always see a rise in elephant attacks during the dry season, and unfortunately, we have lost six people in just three years due to these incidents,” Kabagambe stated.
In an exclusive interview after being denied a chance to address mourners, RDC Longino Bahebwa Byagagaire assured the public that the government is working on solutions to curb elephant invasions.
Nyajangi was attacked at around 5PM on Sunday while collecting firewood with her grandson in their garden.
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