MPs Probe Human-Wildlife Conflict at Lake Mburo National Park

A delegation of Members of Parliament, part of the Parliamentary Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industry’s Sub-Committee, has embarked on a four-day visit to the Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Parks region. The primary objective of this visit, running from August 28th to 31st, 2026, is to directly engage with communities living adjacent to these protected areas and assess the ongoing human-wildlife conflict.

During their visit to Lake Mburo, the MPs were briefed by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) officials on conservation efforts, focusing on strategies to manage interactions between humans and wildlife, and the current status of compensation claims for damages caused by animals. UWA Commissioner for Field Operations, Charles Tumwesigye, clarified that compensation verification is handled by a national committee under the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, not solely by UWA.

Tumwesigye also indicated that the government is considering amendments to the Uganda Wildlife Act to streamline the compensation process and address delays. Residents of Rwamuhuku and Mihekye villages in Kiruhura District shared their daily struggles, highlighting delayed compensation, competition for resources like water and pasture, and the risk of disease transmission as major concerns.

Community members emphasized that compensation alone is insufficient and called for proactive measures like electric fencing in high-conflict zones. They also pointed out a need for improved communication between UWA and local residents. UWA officials acknowledged these concerns and pledged to enhance engagement with the communities.

The visit also touched upon the importance of alternative livelihoods to reduce community reliance on resources that might lead to conflict. An example was the Rwamuhuku Youth Bee Keeping Development Association, showcasing how conservation-linked initiatives can benefit locals. The committee acknowledged legislative gaps and committed to exploring reforms to improve conservation governance and community support.

The parliamentary team is scheduled to continue their assessment at the Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area to further evaluate mitigation strategies and community relations.

Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/367428/mps-visit-lake-mburo-to-assess-human-wildlife-conflict