EDITOR
Several poachers have been arrested for allegedly scaling an electric fence and trespassing into a national park, a matter that surfaced during a meeting between leaders and locals from communities bordering the park at Kyenyabutongo Cell, Kibimbiri Parish, Kihihi Sub-County in Kanungu District.
Deus Owoyesigyire, the LC 1 chairperson for Kyenyabutongo Cell, expressed his surprise that poachers continue to breach the park’s defenses despite extensive security measures. He called on the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to investigate any possible collusion among park wardens, suggesting the need for thorough scrutiny to maintain park integrity.
Gad Buregyeya, LC 1 chairperson for Kameme Cell in the same parish, highlighted the persistent struggle with elephants that continue to damage crops, including rice, maize, millet, sorghum, and banana plantations, despite the construction of protective fences. He emphasized that these human-wildlife conflicts remain a significant challenge for the local community.
Natukunda Nelson, the LC 3 chairperson for Kihihi Sub-County, praised UWA for its ongoing fencing projects, noting the improved security for both wildlife and the surrounding communities. Twinomugisha Deusdedet, UWA’s community conservation warden for Queen Elizabeth National Park, announced plans to extend the fence by an additional 15 kilometers, supplementing the 25 kilometers already in place. He warned residents to stay away from areas with wild animals and urged poachers to come forward, repent, and take responsibility for their actions.
Deusdedet also revealed that poachers from neighboring districts, including Rukungiri and Mitooma, are infiltrating the park. To combat this, he announced that the government plans to deploy drones and helicopters to enhance monitoring and apprehend offenders. He encouraged the community to remain alert and report suspicious activity, urging them not to shield poachers.
The warden also emphasized the importance of education, appealing to parents to keep their children in school and prevent idleness that could lead to poaching-related activities.
In related developments, a U.S. official assured residents that revenue-sharing funds would soon be released, benefiting those living near the park. Deus Owoyesigyire emphasized the importance of the community adopting and enforcing bylaws to prevent further encroachment, underscoring the need to safeguard the progress made in protecting the park.
Local council leaders also raised concerns about compensation for workers involved in the fencing project. They pointed out that while UWA pays contractors and associations, these groups should ensure fair compensation for all laborers.
