VANESSA A
Residents of Rwengwe and Nyakabungo cells in Bushura Parish, Kirima Subcounty, Kanungu District are decrying continued attacks by wild animals from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
It is reported that chimpanzees and monkeys frequently destroy people’s crops, leaving families without food. In the past, residents say these animals also attacked and ate their domestic animals, including goats and pigs.
Speaking to our reporter, Polycap Byamukama, the LC1 chairperson of Rwengwe cell, said that in 2022 families whose animals were killed by wild animals were instructed to write to officials for compensation. However, up to now, nothing has been done. He appealed to the government to either trap the animals or establish barriers to prevent them from encroaching into the community.
Levi Byamukama, a resident of Nyakabungo cell, said the two cells—Rwengwe and Nyakabungo—are the most affected because they directly border the park. He explained that chimpanzees and monkeys not only destroy their plantations but also deprive families of enough food to sustain them through hard times.
He added that although residents are always promised compensation, what they receive—such as a single home per household—does not reflect the magnitude of their losses year after year.
Another resident, Amos Akatuhurira of Rwengwe cell, also confirmed that wild animals heavily affect their livelihoods by destroying crops and killing domestic animals. He noted that in the past there used to be barriers (“emizitiro”) established by responsible authorities using funds from the Uganda Revenue Authority to protect communities neighboring the park. However, these barriers no longer exist, and animals now move freely in and out of the park.
Speaking on the matter, Kanungu District LC5 Chairperson, Sam Kajojo, acknowledged the challenge. He explained that government had initially proposed providing tea to farmers living near the park as an alternative livelihood, since chimpanzees and monkeys do not trespass in tea plantations due to their thorny nature. Unfortunately, the collapse in tea prices discouraged residents from growing tea.
Kajojo added that as the district heads into the habituation process of chimpanzees in the same location, they are going to engage the relevant authorities to come up with a new strategy to support the affected communities.
