UWA BLAMES KARAMOJA FEMINE ON WILDLIFE-HUMAN CONFLICT

GODFREY OLUKYA 
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has blamed the deadly famine in Karamoja
sub region on the conflict between humans and wildlife, revealing that between
July-August 2022, animals have destroyed crop gardens ranging between 200-
300acres.
The revelation was made by Sam Mwandha, Executive Director UWA while
appearing before Parliament’s Presidential Affairs Committee that is investigating
the latest spell of famine that is said to have claimed lives of over 900 people.
Mwandha informed the Committee that Karamoja is home to Kidepo Valley
National Park which is 1,440Kms, and until 2002, about 75% of Karamoja was
gazetted for wildlife conservation and after that, most areas in Karamoja
previously gazetted as controlled hunting areas were degazetted and land
reverted back to district local governments.
He further added that Karamoja sub-region is so massive and almost uniformly
wild that conventional problem animal infrastructure such as electric fence
trenches or stone walls may not be feasible to control animals from crossing over
to people’s gardens, thus prompting the Authority to set aside Shs350 million
from the sport hunting revenue to fund crop damages focusing on small holder
farmers and this will be starting in one month’s time.
Moroto Municipality  ,Adome while responding to the statement by UWA
described the contents as unfortunate because the wildlife destruction is
happening at the time the region is facing famine and drought yet the Authority
has not operationalised regulations in the Uganda World Life Act 2019 that
stipulates compensation to victims in case of destruction of lives and property by
wildlife.
“Why it becomes serious is when Karenga and Kabong are food basket in the
region but unfortunately elephants have destroyed all crops from there and we
have lost hope.” Adome explained
Jesca Ababiku, Chairperson Presidential Affairs Committee castigated UWA for
failing to improve on their relationship with communities neighbouring game
parks, wondering why the Authority does not  consider providing seedlings
monitor to residents .

“It creates enermity with community when animals destroy crops in the
community. Se we propose that you improve on your relationship with the
community and involve parliament because when people died they need money
for the burial expenses and when crops are destroyed people need seeds.”
Ababiku said
The Authority revealed that in 2021/2022, a total of 590 cases of human-wildlife
conflicts caused by animals were reported to UWA and in the current FY which
has gone into one and half months, 67 cases have so far been reported in
Karamoja.
Documents before the Committee indicates that six people lost their lives after
being attacked by animals and there were concerns raised in the disparities in
compensation money paid.
Joseph Adupa lost his life in March 2022 after being attacked by an elephant and
compensation fee was Shs1M, while another person recorded as Natyang was
attacked by a buffalo and died in February 2016 and the compensation was
Shs3M.
Simon Loyoo died in September 2020 after an elephant attack and compensation
was Shs2.5M, while Apalowalong Lokut was attacked by an elephant but survived
with injuries but received a compensation of Shs6.3M.