Renowned Namisindwa herbalist assaulted by UWA staff, hospitalized
“People are afraid to go near the forest for fear of being attacked or even killed. We call upon senior leaders and the government to intervene and restore safety,” he said.
Namisindwa: A respected local herbalist, Namukowa Stephen, a resident of Sibanga Village in Bunasambi Parish, Namisindwa district is reportedly nursing injuries after being assaulted by suspected Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) personnel on Tuesday evening.
Namukowa alleges that he was attacked by armed men dressed in UWA uniforms while descending from the nearby national park, where he had gone to collect mushrooms and medicinal herbs his primary source of income. He claims that the men disarmed him and subjected him to a brutal beating.
“This is not the first time I’ve faced mistreatment at the hands of UWA officers,” Namukowa told UG Reports. The incident has sparked outrage in the local community, with residents now fearing to access forest resources due to the growing tension with UWA staff.
Bwayo Bosco, the NRM chairperson for Tsekululu, confirmed the incident and raised alarm over the continued harassment of residents living near protected areas.
“People are afraid to go near the forest for fear of being attacked or even killed. We call upon senior leaders and the government to intervene and restore safety,” he said.
According to Bwayo, Namukowa is currently receiving treatment at home and remains in a stable but painful condition.
Bwayo Emma, the NRM LCV flagbearer for Namisindwa, strongly condemned the act, describing it as part of a larger pattern of intimidation and impunity by UWA staff. “This ongoing harassment must stop. Communities must be able to coexist peacefully with the national park,” he said, adding that there are several court orders in place against such acts.
Emma further noted that a main suit is set to be heard on August 24th at the Mbale High Court, where UWA has been accused of human rights violations, including crop destruction and the intimidation of local residents. He vowed to pursue legal action against individual UWA staff involved in illegal acts.
Bosco Nabboge, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC) for Namisindwa, acknowledged the incident and confirmed that investigations are underway. He said UWA management has been officially notified.
The community continues to demand justice and protection from what they describe as repeated abuse by those tasked with safeguarding Uganda’s natural resources.
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