Kanungu, Uganda – Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Kinkizi West Member of Parliament, Hon. James Ruggi Kaberuka, has intensified efforts to resolve the escalating human-wildlife conflict in Kanungu District, where communities continue to suffer losses due to stray animals from Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Hon. Kaberuka, accompanied by a team from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), visited Kameme village in Kihihi Sub-county—one of the hardest-hit areas—where elephants have been ravaging crops, damaging property, and posing a deadly threat to residents. His visit comes in the wake of a tragic incident in which a farmer was killed by an elephant from the Ishasha Sector of the park.
Addressing the affected community, Hon. Kaberuka commended residents for their resilience and commitment to wildlife conservation despite the challenges. He also applauded UWA’s ongoing interventions, particularly the construction of an electric fence, designed to keep elephants from encroaching on farmlands.
The UWA delegation, led by Dr. Eric Molice Enyelu, assured residents that more surveillance measures would be put in place to minimize future encounters between humans and wild animals. Dr. Enyelu also recognized Hon. Kaberuka’s proactive role in advocating for community interests while promoting conservation efforts.
In a decisive move to escalate government intervention, Hon. Kaberuka pledged to invite the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities to commission the electric fence once completed. He emphasized that striking a balance between conservation and community safety remains a priority, as national parks are vital for Uganda’s tourism sector, yet communities must be protected from wildlife incursions.
With continued government support and community cooperation, Kanungu residents hope for a lasting solution to the persistent human-wildlife conflict that has for years disrupted livelihoods in the region.
ENDS
