Herds of elephants that had occupied three sub-counties in Kitgum have been driven back to the wildlife corridor by the rumbling engines of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) helicopters. Over 50 elephants had established habitats around Kiteny, Orom, and Namukora sub-counties for nearly two years, feeding on the locals’ gardens.
According to sources close to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the joint operation with the Uganda People’s Defence – Air Force (UPD-AF) will continue until the estimated 200 stray elephants are returned to Kidepo Valley National Game Park. The Chief Warden of Kidepo Valley National Game Park, Richard Muhabwe, reported that strategic interventions, including increased deployments along hotspots, are in place to prevent future invasions.
Muhabwe encouraged the community to plant repellent crops like hot pepper, which can deter elephants from entering settlements. He also advised on block farming, where gardens are established in single areas that can be easily guarded by Uganda Wildlife Rangers. Muhabwe urged the community to provide timely updates on elephant sightings for immediate response.
The Resident District Commissioner of Kitgum, Jimmy Ssegawa Ebil, said the intervention was prompted by several unsuccessful efforts to remove the elephants, including using community wildlife scouts. He now expects the Uganda Wildlife Authority to deploy along the wildlife corridors to prevent the elephants from returning to the community.
Two weeks ago, Sam Mwandha, the Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority, visited Namukora sub-county in Kitgum district in response to community complaints about wildlife conflict. This visit was also part of the response to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s directive to erect an electric fence around Kidepo Valley National Game Park.
During the visit, the affected communities called for the immediate removal of elephants from their settlements, compensation for damages caused by the elephants, and the fencing of the game park.
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Last Two Years | Elephant Occupation | Elephants established habitats in Kitgum |
| Two Weeks Ago | UWA Executive Director’s Visit | Community outcry over wildlife conflict |
| Ongoing | UPDF Helicopter Operation | Driving elephants back to Kidepo Valley |
| Future Measures | Deployment of Wildlife Rangers & Electric Fence Plans | To prevent future invasions |
