(Rubirizi) – Leaders and residents of Bunyaruguru County in Rubirizi District are expressing relief as the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) completes a 14.5 kilometer solar-powered electric fence to keep wild animals from wandering into nearby villages. The fence, part of a broader initiative to protect communities around the Queen Elizabeth National Park, will serve six villages: Kyambura, Kicwamba, Kataara, Ahamukungu, Mukoroboozi, and Omukakoni.
For long time residents like Umaru Ssendagire from Kataara village, the fence brings new hope. “I’ve spent the past 30 years sleeping outside to guard my crops from wild animals. Now, we hope we can secure food and income for our families,” he shared, emphasizing the hardship villagers faced due to animal intrusions.
Local leaders say the presence of animals, particularly elephants and chimpanzees, has caused repeated destruction of crops, leading to severe financial losses and forcing some residents to abandon their land or sell it at low prices. Ssendagire noted that many people left the area, unable to bear the impact of these frequent encounters with wildlife.
Annah Nayebare, another resident, expressed her joy over the new safety measure, noting the social relief it brings to families. “Now, we can stay in peace as our husbands won’t need to sleep outside to protect our fields,” she said.
The electric fence in Rubirizi is part of a larger UWA initiative to safeguard communities near Uganda’s national parks. UWA Director Posiano Eguma explained that similar solar-powered fences have been installed in Kyenzaza (10 km), Kasese District (19 km), Kanungu District (61 km), and Kitagwenda District (25 km). Ongoing projects in Rukungiri and Mitooma districts are expected to further expand the protection network.
Table: Solar-Powered Electric Fence Installations in Uganda
Location
Fence Length
Purpose
Rubirizi
14.5 km
Wildlife containment
Kyenzaza
10 km
Wildlife containment
Kasese District
19 km
Wildlife containment
Kanungu District
61 km
Wildlife containment
Kitagwenda District
25 km
Wildlife containment
Eguma added that these fences help maintain boundaries between protected wildlife areas and human communities, reducing the risk of property damage and enhancing safety.
Bunyaruguru County’s Member of Parliament, Eng. John Twesigye Ntamuhira, spoke at the fence launch in Rubirizi, emphasizing the need for follow-up support to residents whose property has been affected by wildlife. “I’ve contacted UWA several times about compensation for losses caused by wild animals. We need more than just talk; we need action,” he urged.
When asked about the delays, UWA communications manager Bashir Hangi acknowledged that the compensation process has taken time but assured residents that UWA is committed to implementing it carefully and effectively. “We don’t want to make mistakes. We are managing the process and will act as quickly as possible,” he explained.
Rubirizi’s Resident District Commissioner, Bron Kikanshemeza, noted that the efforts to deter poaching have also seen positive results. Through awareness campaigns, local authorities have encouraged former poachers to seek alternative livelihoods. “We are determined to keep pushing for support for those who have given up poaching,” Kikanshemeza stated.
Launched in 2018 by then Minister of Tourism, Professor Ephrahim Kamuntu, the solar powered fence project was initiated following President Museveni’s promise during his 2011 election campaign to support the residents of Rubirizi and Kasese districts.
