Nwoya, Uganda: Leaders in Nwoya District have renewed calls for the urgent completion of electric fencing around Murchison Falls National Park following the death of a 30-year-old farmer who was reportedly killed by an elephant while tending his garden near the park boundary.
The deceased, identified as Opiyo Innocent, was attacked in Latoro Central, Nwoya District, in what local leaders describe as yet another tragic reminder of the escalating human-wildlife conflict affecting communities living near Uganda’s largest national park.
The incident has reignited concerns over the safety of residents whose livelihoods depend on farming in areas bordering the protected conservation area.
Nwoya County Member of Parliament Denis Geoffrey Opiyo said communities around the park have endured years of destruction caused by wild animals, particularly elephants, with residents continuing to suffer loss of life, crop destruction and economic setbacks.
“The continued human-animal conflict shows government has not done enough to protect communities,” Opiyo said.
“When animals invade villages and gardens, productive activities are disrupted and government poverty alleviation programmes are affected.”
The legislator urged the government and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to prioritise funding for the completion of electric fencing along the park boundary to prevent elephants and other animals from straying into human settlements.
He also called for faster deployment of wildlife rangers whenever residents report sightings of dangerous animals near homes and gardens.
“We need quicker response mechanisms whenever communities raise alarms. People should not have to wait until lives are lost before action is taken,” Opiyo added.
The MP further appealed to government to streamline and expedite compensation processes for families affected by wildlife attacks, saying many victims wait for years without receiving support.
Nwoya District Woman Member of Parliament Christine Lanyero echoed the concerns, noting that local mitigation measures such as digging trenches have not adequately stopped animals from crossing into villages.
She argued that comprehensive electric fencing remains the most sustainable solution to protecting communities and reducing recurring conflicts.
“Our people have tried different interventions, but the challenge persists. The complete fencing of the park should be fast-tracked to safeguard lives and property,” Lanyero said.
Meanwhile, Nwoya Resident District Commissioner Christopher Omara confirmed that construction of the electric fence is ongoing, with approximately 56 kilometres already completed within the district.
Omara acknowledged that staffing shortages among wildlife rangers have affected response times but revealed that additional personnel are currently undergoing training to strengthen wildlife management operations.
He advised residents living near elephant corridors to remain vigilant, move in groups where possible and avoid approaching elephants, especially those accompanied by calves.
“People should exercise caution and immediately alert authorities whenever they spot elephants near settlements. Avoid provoking the animals because they can become aggressive, particularly when protecting their young,” Omara said.
Murchison Falls National Park shares boundaries with several districts, including Nwoya, Masindi, Buliisa, Kiryandongo and Oyam. The protected area stretches across more than 430 kilometres of boundary, with Nwoya hosting one of the largest sections due to its location within the park’s northern sector.
The electric fencing project was launched in January 2020 as part of efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict, protect communities and minimise crop destruction. However, implementation was slowed by environmental assessment requirements and other logistical challenges before resuming in phases.
Despite progress made so far, local leaders say the pace of construction remains too slow compared to the growing risks faced by communities living alongside the park.
Human-wildlife conflict remains one of the biggest conservation challenges around Murchison Falls National Park, with elephants frequently raiding gardens, destroying crops and occasionally attacking residents.
Authorities and local leaders warn that unless fencing and other mitigation measures are accelerated, communities bordering the park will continue to face threats to both livelihoods and lives.
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