Wildlife Authority intervenes after hippos invade villages in Luuka

Luuka, Uganda: The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has deployed a specialized team to Luuka District following growing concern over stray hippopotamuses that have been terrorizing residents and destroying crops in several villages.

The intervention follows repeated complaints from communities in Kisege village, Naigobya A in Bukoma Sub-county, and Nabitama village in Bulongo Sub-county, where locals say the animals have become a serious threat to both lives and livelihoods.

Local leaders, including Taitika Hussein and Ngobi Benon Tibakula, escalated the matter to Faruk Kirunda during a meeting on Sunday, prompting immediate government attention.

Kirunda subsequently engaged Uganda Wildlife Authority, triggering a rapid response that saw a wildlife intervention team dispatched to the affected areas.

The team was flagged off by Resident District Commissioner Kibwika Michael, with Assistant RDC Ntogona Umar leading operations on the ground alongside District Environment Officer Musenero Benard.

Speaking during a community engagement, Ntogona praised the swift escalation of the issue, noting that effective leadership plays a key role in addressing urgent public concerns.

“We commend the quick response that has enabled this intervention. Communities must continue to channel such issues through the right leaders for timely action,” he said.

Authorities cautioned residents against harming wildlife, emphasizing that such actions are illegal under Ugandan law. Communities were also sensitized on proper wetland use, with officials warning against settlement and destructive activities in protected ecosystems.

UWA clarified that the mission is to safely capture and relocate the hippopotamuses, not kill them, despite some residents expressing interest in harvesting the animals for meat. “These animals will be relocated to safer habitats. Our priority is to protect both human life and wildlife,” a member of the team explained.

Residents were advised to avoid known animal pathways and wetland buffer zones, as hippopotamuses are highly territorial and can become aggressive when disturbed.

Officials referenced a previous fatal incident in Bugambo village, Ikumbya Sub-county, where a resident lost their life after entering a hippopotamus habitat.

Preliminary findings indicate that more than one hippopotamus could be roaming the area, with multiple footprints and extensive crop destruction reported across gardens.

To mitigate further losses, the team provided guidance on protective measures, including the construction of local fencing to keep the animals away from farmland.

Leaders expressed optimism that the planned relocation will restore calm in the affected communities, which have lived in fear of sudden encounters with the animals.

During the same engagement, local leaders also raised concerns over delayed road works on the Bugembe–Kakira–Busiiro–Bumanha–Bulongo route, with assurances given that the matter would be followed up with the Ministry of Works.