Napak, Uganda –– The Napak District Security Committee has responded to growing community concerns over wildlife-related conflicts and illegal activities following a public engagement forum held at Lomorucban Village in Lolet Parish, Lorengecora Sub-county, on Thursday, 13th March 2026.
The community baraza, a traditional public assembly, brought together local leaders, security officials, and residents to discuss conservation challenges and strengthen community understanding of Uganda’s wildlife policies. The meeting was convened in response to rising incidents of poaching and encroachment into protected conservation areas managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Representing the government, Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Milton Odongo delivered a firm yet educative message, cautioning community members against engaging in illegal activities such as poaching, encroachment, and deforestation within gazetted UWA conservation zones. He emphasized that such actions not only violate national laws but also threaten biodiversity and the long-term sustainability of natural resources.
“Wildlife is an important part of our economy through tourism,” RDC Odongo said. “We must protect it for future generations. Communities around protected areas have a responsibility to participate in conservation, not destruction.”
The RDC urged the public to appreciate the economic and ecological benefits of wildlife, including employment opportunities in conservation and tourism, revenue sharing from park earnings, and environmental stability supported by protected ecosystems.
The security forum was attended by high-ranking officials, including the Commander of the UPDF 3rd Infantry Division, the Regional Police Commander (RPC) for South Karamoja Region, the Commandant of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), the Napak District LCV Chairman, the District Internal Security Officer (DISO), and the Chief Warden of Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve. Also present were Hon. Peter Ken, Area Member of Parliament for Bokora East Constituency, local council leaders, and a large cross-section of residents from Lorengecora and Iriri sub-counties.
Participants raised concerns over human-wildlife conflicts, including crop destruction by wild animals and predators threatening livestock. In response, officials assured the community of ongoing efforts to address the problem.
The Chief Warden of Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve, speaking during the session, highlighted recent successes in wildlife population recovery but warned that poaching and habitat loss remain serious threats. He called for stronger collaboration between communities and UWA, including the recruitment of local rangers and the promotion of eco-tourism initiatives.
“The solution lies in coexistence,” RDC Odongo said, adding that, “When communities benefit directly from conservation, they become the first line of defense against illegal activities.” He also commended the government for progress made in the area.
The meeting concluded with a resolution to increase regular awareness campaigns and establish a joint task force comprising local leaders, security agencies, and UWA to monitor and respond to wildlife crimes.
The Napak District Security Committee’s proactive engagement marks a positive step toward fostering a culture of conservation in Karamoja, a move that district officials and residents hope will ensure both human and wildlife prosperity in the region.
