news 5 August 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Parliament to Investigate Mt. Elgon Boundary Dispute and UWA Conduct
Uganda's Parliament has directed the Committee on Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities to probe the long-standing boundary dispute surrounding Mt. Elgon National Park. The investigation follows serious allegations of human rights abuses, arbitrary arrests, and unclear park boundaries involving the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4533/house-committee-probe-mt-elgon-boundary-dispute
The Parliament of Uganda has initiated a probe into the protracted boundary dispute between communities living near Mt. Elgon National Park and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). This decision comes in response to recent accusations of human rights violations, unlawful detentions, and confusion regarding the park’s official boundaries.
Hon. Muhamood Masaba, representing Bungokho Central County, brought the issue to the forefront during a plenary session. He highlighted the ongoing suffering of residents in Busaano, Wanale, and Budware sub-counties in Mbale District, citing the confiscation of livestock, physical assaults, and arbitrary arrests by officials during boundary enforcement.
Masaba reminded the House that the matter had previously been brought before President Yoweri Museveni, who assigned the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) the task of finding a resolution. However, he noted the lack of a progress report from the OPM and requested an update.
The core of the dispute lies in decades of recurring disagreements over the park’s boundaries, leading to frequent confrontations between UWA and local populations over land access, grazing, and cultivation rights. Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa clarified that the primary entity involved is UWA, not the National Forestry Authority (NFA).
Minister of State for Tourism, Hon. Susan Nakawuki, stated that assaulting residents during boundary operations is a criminal offense that should be reported to the police for accountability. However, Manjiya County MP, Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe, challenged this, presenting testimonies of loss of life in confrontations with UWA rangers and allegations of corruption involving park officials extorting money from residents.
Nakawuki pledged a thorough investigation into all allegations by the ministry and UWA, promising disciplinary action against any culpable officers. She also mentioned a presidential directive for capacity-building training in Switzerland for community leaders to foster peaceful coexistence with wildlife and minimize human-wildlife conflict.
The committee’s findings are expected to guide future government actions on this complex issue.
Source: Parliament of Uganda