Nwoya Farmer Trampled by Elephant Near Murchison Park

(Nwoya) – A 53 year old farmer in Nwoya District has been killed by a stray elephant, marking the fifth such fatality in the area this year.

Sam Opiyo, a peasant farmer from Pakawera village, Langele parish, Koch-Lii sub-county, was trampled to death on Thursday while working in his garden. According to eyewitnesses, the elephant ventured into Opiyo’s maize garden, which is located near Murchison Falls National Park. When Opiyo attempted to chase the elephant away while sounding an alarm, it charged at him, killing him instantly.

The Local Council III chairperson of Koch-Lii sub-county, Justine Odong Ajajii, confirmed the incident. “His lifeless body was still in the garden, awaiting transfer to the hospital for an autopsy,” he told The Ankole Times.

A report from sub-county authorities revealed that this is the fifth fatality caused by stray elephants in Koch-Lii this year. These incidents have heightened fears among residents, who live in villages near the national park.

Efforts to obtain a comment from Wilson Kagoro, the warden in charge of community conservation at Murchison Falls National Park, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to repeated calls.

The local community is now urging the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to expedite the installation of electric wire fencing to prevent further wildlife incursions. Residents have long requested this measure to address the recurring problem of stray elephants invading their farms, destroying crops, and endangering lives.

Murchison Falls National Park, known for its diverse wildlife, has seen increased human-wildlife conflict in recent years as farming activities expand closer to park boundaries. Local leaders emphasize the need for swift intervention to protect both human life and the animals’ habitat.