Karamojong warriors, residents resort to poaching as hunger bites harder
Oryem noted that their intelligence has established that bush meat is circulating among the household, saying the animals are being killed by illegal poachers and warriors.
By Christopher Nyeko
Karenga: The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has decried increasing cases of illegal poaching of wild animals in the conservation area by both members of the community neighboring the game park and Karamojong warriors who are hunting wild animals for food.
They are poaching wild animals from Kidepo Valley National Park and the Karenga conservation area. In addition, they are in the wilderness for fear of being arrested by the government.
Martin Oryem, the assistant warden of community conservation attached to the Kidepo Valley conservation area, told this news portal that due to the increase in the animal population, animals are straying from the protected area into the community, prompting locals to take advantage of that.
Meanwhile, on the other hand, Oryem revealed that Karamojong warriors who have reportedly abandoned their homes in refusal to surrender their guns to the UPDF soldiers who are currently carrying out disarmament in the Karamoja sub-region are said to have resorted to hunting wild animals to sustain them in their hideouts.
He disclosed that last week, rangers in Abim district apprehended one man who was in possession of bush meat. The arrested man, whose identity was concealed, is believed to be masterminding hunting in the park at night by using a torch.
Oryem noted that their intelligence has established that bush meat is circulating among the household, saying the animals are being killed by illegal poachers and warriors.
However, Abach Peter, the Karenga town council LC3 chairperson, confirmed that the warriors are hiding in the vast Karenga conservation area to hunt the animals for their survival as they continue to hide from soldiers who are conducting disarmament operations.
He revealed that, as local leaders, they are trying to sensitize the community to stop poaching; however, he also encouraged UWA to continue with patrol operations.
The animal census conducted in 2022 in Kidepo Valley Conservation has established that Kidepo Valley Conservation has an estimated number of 700 elephants, 8000 buffalo, 110 eland, 87 giraffes, 2500 H-beest, 150 Oribo, 100 Ostriches, 300 Warthog, 300 W-buck, 250 Zebra, 15 Lions, and 250 Kob.
Do you have a story about your community or an opinion to share with us? Email us at theugreports@gmail.com.
