Vice President Honorable Jessica Alupo has assured communities in Katakwi District that government is taking comprehensive measures to address the increasing movement of wild animals into human settlements following a prolonged drought.
Hon.Alupo said more than 30 buffaloes have been reported in Katakwi, while over 100 elephants have been sighted in Agago District and lions in other parts of the country.
According to the Vice President, the prolonged drought has dried up water sources inside and around wildlife habitats, forcing animals to move long distances in search of water and food.
She said government has constructed dams and other water facilities to provide water for wildlife, but many of them have dried up because of the prolonged dry spell.
Alupo made the remarks following the recent death of 26-year-old Isaac Malinga in Ongongoja Village, Ongongoja Sub-county, Katakwi District, after he was attacked and killed by a stray buffalo.
"I am personally grieved with the family for the loss of a young man," Alupo said, adding that she had already presented the matter before Cabinet.
She said she had asked the minister responsible for wildlife to provide a detailed list of people who have been killed or injured by wild animals, together with the property and livestock destroyed during the attacks.
Alupo said Malinga's family will be compensated by the Ministry of Wildlife and further revealed that the President has sent her to deliver 5 million shillings condolence to support the family.
Alupo also expressed optimism that the return of rains will help ease the situation by restoring water and food sources in wildlife habitats, noting that wildlife authorities will also be able to track the animals and guide them back to protected game parks.
The government, she explained, is implementing several measures to reduce human-wildlife conflict, including construction of dams, installation of electric fences and planting food sources within game parks to keep animals inside protected areas.
The government is also opening security roads that connect to economic roads, a move she said will facilitate motorised patrols by the Uganda People's Defence Force and Uganda Wildlife Authority to reduce human-animal conflicts.
Alupo asked locals to utilise the current rains since they are naturally farmers in livestock and plant production.
Meanwhile, Ongimu Michael, a family member of the late Malinga, said the family received a phone call informing them that Malinga had been attacked by an animal. He was rushed to a health facility for treatment but later died.
Ongimu said Malinga left behind a wife and two children and had also been supporting the family of his late brother, who left behind five children which he says is a hard task to the family.
However, Jorem Akileng, the Ongongoja area parish councillor, said the presence of stray wild animals has also affected education in the area where enrolment of school going children is dropping every time since these animals appeared in the community.
Akileng said some parents are reluctant to send their children to school, while teachers and pupils fear for their safety because of the animals moving within the community.
He called on government to train local vigilantes on how to safely handle and respond to stray wild animals which are currently within the community.
Alupo however said wildlife remains an important national resource because animals attract tourists whose activities generate revenue for government and support businesses, including hotels and other enterprises, adding that government will continue working to protect both wildlife and communities living near game parks and wildlife corridors.
DO YOU HAVE STORY IN YOUR COMMUNITY PLEASE CONTACT OUR EDITORIAL TEAM 0784600360.EMAIL:voiceonemediaupdates@gmail.com.
