The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) hosted the Parliamentary Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industry on a tour of key conservation areas to assess efforts to address human-wildlife conflict.
The committee, led by Vice Chairperson Hon. Patrick Aeku, engaged communities in Kiruhura District, where residents raised concerns over crop destruction, livestock losses and other challenges caused by wildlife.
In Sanga Sub-county, residents called for the installation of more electric fences in areas frequently affected by wildlife incursions, saying compensation alone could not adequately address repeated losses.
UWA Commissioner for Field Operations Charles Tumwesigye explained that compensation claims were verified by a national verification committee under the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities. He also noted that efforts were underway to review the Uganda Wildlife Act to address delays in the compensation process.
The committee also visited the Rwamuhuku Youth Beekeeping Development Association, a UWA-supported initiative aimed at promoting alternative livelihoods while helping reduce human-wildlife conflict.
At Murchison Falls Conservation Area, residents of Waiga Village reported challenges linked to elephant invasions, including crop destruction and other serious losses. UWA officials said they were strengthening community conservation programmes and implementing measures such as electric fencing to mitigate the conflicts.
The committee later proceeded to Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo conservation areas, where members inspected electric fencing projects and interacted with communities affected by human-wildlife conflict.
The engagements highlighted the need for stronger legislation, increased funding, community participation and sustainable conservation measures to promote peaceful coexistence between communities and wildlife.