Derrick A
Residents living near Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kihihi Subcounty, Kanungu District, have expressed concern over the delayed compensation from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Despite the Ugandan Parliament passing a bill to compensate individuals whose gardens are destroyed by wild animals, the people of Kihihi have not received any compensation for almost a year, prompting them to voice their grievances.
Nelson Natukunda, the chairperson of Kihihi Subcounty, stated that residents are frustrated with the prolonged process of seeking compensation from UWA. Even those who have submitted their compensation claims have not received any payments. Wild animals continue to wreak havoc in parishes such as Kibimbiri, Rushoroza, and Kameme, posing a threat of food shortages in the coming months due to the destruction of gardens.
Bwire Isaiah, the warden in charge of Queen Elizabeth’s Ishasha sector, confirmed the residents’ claims, acknowledging that while some people in other districts like Rukungiri and Mitooma have received compensation, no one in Kanungu District has been compensated. He urged patience, emphasizing that compensation is a nationwide process for people living near game parks and reserves.
Isaiah explained that compensation is granted through a meticulous process involving the verification of destroyed gardens, which determines the amount for compensation based on the submitted claim reports. He advised claimants to understand that the process takes time and that UWA is diligently working on their compensation claims.
John Makombi, the Director in charge of Conservation at UWA, affirmed the organization’s commitment to compensating every valid case to foster a positive attitude toward wildlife management. However, he acknowledged challenges faced by the verification committee, including poorly presented cases lacking sufficient evidence. Makombi announced that UWA is initiating awareness campaigns on the new law to address these issues.
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