Uganda Wildlife Authority is hosting the Parliamentary Committee on Tourism, Trade, and Industry at various conservation areas to evaluate efforts addressing human-wildlife conflicts.

Human-wildlife conflict is a major issue for communities living near conservation areas. As human activities reduce wildlife habitats, animals are coming closer to human settlements, leading to conflicts over shared resources such as water and grazing land. In Lake Mburo Conservation Area, where the committee led by the Vice Chairperson Hon. Patrick Aeku were received by UWA Commissioner Field Operations, Mr. Charles Tumwesigye, and Chief Warden Mr. Fred Wanyama, wildlife and livestock at some points graze together, which intensifies the problem of human-wildlife conflict.

The discussions are therefore geared towards assessing and finding solutions to mitigating the human-wildlife conflicts, which also involves understanding the compensation claim process where damages are caused.

Commissioner Tumwesigye explained that the verification of compensation claims that involves identifying affected individuals and enforcing relevant regulations is conducted by a national verification committee under the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, rather than by UWA alone. He also noted ongoing efforts to review the Uganda Wildlife Act to resolve issues causing delays in the compensation process.

The committee has had engagements with communities in Rwamuhuku and Mihekye villages in Kiruhura District, Sanga Sub-county, where residents are requesting for the installation of electric fences in areas frequently affected by human-wildlife conflicts, emphasizing that compensation alone may not adequately address repeated losses.

They also visited the Rwamuhuku Youth Beekeeping Development Association, supported by UWA, which helps mitigate human-wildlife conflicts while promoting livelihood development through resource access.

Today 29^th.August, the committee has set off to Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area, where the will Inspect the Kyambura Gorge, Nyamwamba and Rwehingo electric fences and also meet residents affected by human-wildlife conflict.

At Murchison Falls Conservation Area, the Committee, led by Chairperson Hon. Okot Boniface, was received by UWA’s Commissioner Community Conservation and Ex-situ Services, Mr. David Musingo, along with Chief Warden Mr. Kiiza Fred.

Residents of Waiga Village shared challenges related to elephant invasions causing crop damage, injuries, and sometimes loss of life. Mr. Musingo assured them that these issues, including delays in compensation, are being addressed by strengthening UWA’s human resources, conducting community conservation education programs, and implementing conflict mitigation strategies such as electric fencing.

As the committee sets off to Kidepo Conservation Area, it will conduct an inspection of the Tangi Valley electric fence in Nwoya district and also interact with the communities of Tikao village in Oram Kitgum, who are at risk of human-wildlife conflicts.

The engagement underscores the importance of a collaborative approach to conservation challenges through legislative and budgetary support. Members of Parliament have recognized gaps in wildlife conservation laws and committed to backing necessary policy reforms to enhance conservation governance.