Bunyoro communities warned against confronting wild animals
UWA has since stated that it is deploying additional personnel and scouts in elephant-prone areas while working on erecting the fence.
Masindi: Frederick Kiiza Kayanja, the Chief Warden of Murchison Falls National Park, has urged communities living near the park to avoid attacking or attempting to drive back stray wild animals on their own.
His appeal comes amid growing human-wildlife conflicts in the region, especially in Buliisa District, where at least five people have been killed by stray elephants over the past two years.
In an exclusive interview on Wednesday, Kiiza advised residents to report wildlife sightings to local authorities or park rangers, who are trained to handle such situations safely.
He emphasized the importance of protecting the electric fence currently being installed along the park’s borders, noting that it will be instrumental in preventing wild animals, especially elephants, from entering community areas.
Kiiza attributed the frequent wildlife incursions to elephants following traditional migratory routes to Lake Albert, which they are drawn to due to its salty water.
He also cited encroachment on protected land and the cultivation of aromatic fruit crops like watermelons and mangoes as factors attracting wild animals.
The Chief Warden revealed that plans are underway to conduct community sensitization programs aimed at mitigating human-wildlife conflicts in areas bordering the park.
Buliisa District has seen an increase in elephant attacks, with several fatal incidents recorded.
On February 9, 2025, a herd of elephants trampled 51-year-old Kutegeka Eunice Kyabadiri Nyajangi to death in Kigoya Village while she was collecting firewood. Her four-year-old grandson survived with serious injuries.
In February 2024, the decomposing body of Benon Mpairwe, a herdsman, was discovered after an elephant killed him in Waiga Village, Bugana Parish.
In March 2024, a Bridget Katulinde, 28, was killed by elephants while trying to chase them away from her garden in Kichooke Village.
In September 2024, a boda boda rider, Dancan, narrowly survived an elephant attack in Bugana-Kichooke Village, though his motorcycle was destroyed.
In May 2024, elephants ravaged the farm of Terego Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Godwin Angalia Kasigwa, causing losses worth UGX 2 million.
In October 2023, UWA announced plans to install 30 kilometers of low-voltage electric fencing around human-wildlife conflict hotspots, costing UGX 50 million per kilometer. However, delays in implementation have angered residents.
During the commissioning of Butiaba Health Centre III in April 2024, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja promised to fast-track the fencing after complaints from locals. UWA Executive Director Sam Mwandha pledged to complete the fence within three months, yet the project remains incomplete.
UWA has since stated that it is deploying additional personnel and scouts in elephant-prone areas while working on erecting the fence.
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