Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has intensified its efforts to address human-wildlife conflict through a community engagement meeting held yesterday 29^th.July. 2026 in Minekye Village, Sanga Sub-county. The meeting formed part of UWA’s ongoing interventions aimed at strengthening peaceful coexistence between wildlife and communities living adjacent to protected areas.

The engagement followed recent incidents in which buffaloes crossed into community land and destroyed crops, particularly banana plantations, prompting residents to seek government intervention. During the meeting, community members expressed concern over the lengthy compensation process and reported that some district agricultural officials allegedly demand payment to assess crop damage, a cost many affected households cannot afford. Several residents said they had lost hope of ever receiving compensation.

UWA field team was headed by Chief Warden Mr. Fred Wanyama, accompanied by the Assistant Commissioner Human-Wildlife Conflict, Mr. Geoffrey Mwedde, and the Senior Human-Wildlife Conflict Officer, Ms. Sharon Kamuganga, used the meeting, to explain the wildlife compensation process and clarify how eligible claims are verified and handled.

UWA management also updated residents on ongoing mitigation measures, including the excavation of a trench intended and the planned construction of an electric fence to prevent buffaloes from crossing into community land

The community appreciated the intervention and expressed renewed confidence that their concerns are being heard and addressed. They are very hopeful that the intervention put in place will help reduce crop destruction.

Following the meeting, UWA officials and community leaders visited the trench works and inspected gardens that had recently been damaged by buffaloes. The visit reaffirmed UWA’s commitment to working closely with neighboring communities to protect livelihoods while conserving Uganda’s wildlife heritage.

The meeting was attended by the LC I Chairperson of Minekye Village, the NRM Chairperson, the LC III Chairperson of Sanga Sub-county, the Councilor representing Sanga Sub-county, the Chairperson of the Nshara Community Collaborative Committee, other local leaders, and members of the community.