Residents of Karenga district in Uganda are urging the government to implement permanent solutions to address the recurring issue of wildlife raids causing destruction to crops and threatening livelihoods. Local farmers report spending nights in their fields, attempting to guard their crops and protect livestock from wild animals, with little success.
The continuous loss of crops to wildlife has severely impacted nearly half of the households in the district, which heavily rely on agriculture. Farmers, such as Julius Lobong from Kapedo Sub County, express frustration over the lack of compensation from wildlife authorities when their crops are destroyed, leading to economic losses and food insecurity.
Albert Okello, another resident, highlights the rampant invasion of wild animals, particularly elephants and hippos, posing a threat to standing crops and livestock. Despite efforts by the community to protect their fields, the wildlife menace persists, prompting residents to call for government intervention and sustainable solutions.
Richard Muhabwe, Chief Warden of Kidepo Valley National Park, acknowledges the negative perceptions arising from wildlife attacks and emphasizes the collaboration between wildlife authorities and the community to address the issue. Muhabwe reassures affected residents that efforts are underway to assess damages for compensation, including cases of injuries or fatalities caused by wild animals.
Filbert Ocailap, the Karenga Resident District Commissioner, emphasizes the need for increased community awareness and sensitization on using wildlife attractants around homes and gardens. Ocailap acknowledges the community’s concerns about delayed compensation and urges authorities to prioritize timely payments. He calls for a comprehensive approach to wildlife conflict resolution that builds trust and hope within the affected communities.
