UWA Offers Apologies to Kitgum Communities Amidst Wildlife Conflict and Compensation Delays

Communities in Chua East County, Kitgum District, have been grappling with severe challenges due to persistent elephant incursions, leading to extensive crop and property damage, alongside a frustrating backlog in compensation claims. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has now formally apologized for these issues.

The apology was delivered during a fact-finding mission by Parliament’s Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industry. Residents shared their plight, revealing that approximately 4,300 individuals are still awaiting compensation for assessed damages.

The human toll has also been significant, with a two-year-old girl injured by an elephant in July and a mother of six tragically killed by an elephant on July 30th. Compounding these issues is a land dispute in Tikao over the Karenga Community Conservation Area boundary, which residents claim includes their land without proper consultation, hindering compensation for some.

UWA Commissioner David Musingo acknowledged the grievances and pledged to expedite compensation for wildlife-related injuries, promising processed claims within two weeks. Over a thousand crop-damage claims are also being processed at UWA headquarters.

UWA noted an increase in the government’s compensation budget, from two billion to over three billion shillings. Proposals are also in motion to raise compensation for wildlife-related deaths and burial facilitation.

As a long-term solution, the government is actively pursuing electric fencing. Following presidential directives, 27 kilometers of fencing have been completed in Karenga, with plans to expand this measure across the broader Kidepo landscape to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.

The parliamentary committee is set to present its findings and recommendations, emphasizing that conservation efforts must also safeguard the lives and livelihoods of those living alongside wildlife.

Source: Nile Post