Kitgum leaders demand removal of game rangers
He also announced that a team of surveyors would begin the process of demarcating the park boundary.
Kitgum: Local leaders in Kitgum District are pressing for the removal of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) game rangers and KAKA (Kidepo Area Community Association) leaders from the greater Orom and Namokora areas, accusing them of incompetence and a lack of commitment to addressing the persistent wildlife-related security threats in the region.
This call for action came to the forefront during the burial of Ms. Atoo Mary, a victim of a fatal elephant attack.
Ms. Atoo, aged 48 and the PTA Chairperson of Oryebo Primary School, tragically lost her life on October 30, 2024, when a stray elephant from Kidepo Valley National Park struck her as she was returning home from a meeting.
The attack, which has deeply shaken the community, prompted local leaders to publicly question the effectiveness of the measures put in place to safeguard the area.
Hon. Opyet Geoffrey, the LCIII Chairperson of Namokora Subcounty, raised concerns during the burial service on November 9, 2024. He criticized the UWA for failing to provide adequate resources and support to the 25 trained Community Wildlife Scouts in the subcounty.
He went further to suggest that the scouts be temporarily stood down until the necessary equipment and training resources were provided to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
Additionally, Mr. Opyet called for the immediate removal of the game rangers assigned to the Namokora Subcounty, citing their ineffectiveness in preventing such incidents.
He expressed frustration with the lack of proactive measures from both UWA and KAKA, urging that the security situation be urgently addressed to prevent further attacks by wildlife.
In response to these grievances, Mr. Muhambe Richard, the Chief Warden of Kidepo Valley National Game Park, acknowledged the challenges in the area and committed to working closely with local leaders to address security gaps along the park’s borders.
He also announced that a team of surveyors would begin the process of demarcating the park boundary, with plans to construct an electric fence to improve safety and prevent further conflicts between wildlife and communities.
The tragic death of Ms. Atoo Mary highlights the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the region, and the demands from local leaders reflect growing frustration over the perceived lack of adequate response and support from both UWA and local authorities.
The planned fence and the collaboration between park management and local leadership are steps toward mitigating the risks, but the community remains on edge, calling for more immediate and effective action.
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