Residents of Kahendero Cell II in Muhokya Town Council, Kasese District, are demanding urgent intervention and compensation from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) following a series of destructive wild animal incursions from Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The latest incident occurred on Wednesday night when elephants reportedly stormed the community, destroying several buildings and leaving families counting losses. The attacks follow the recent killing of a resident, Francis Kabunga, who was trampled by elephants two weeks ago.
Local leaders and residents say UWA has been slow in responding to the escalating crisis, despite repeated reports.
Mr. Dan Katongole, the area LCI chairperson, said the continued animal invasions threaten development in the community, noting that property destruction is pushing families deeper into poverty.
Katongole urged government to consider constructing an electric fence along the park boundary to prevent future wildlife incursions.
“These elephants come at any time, destroying buildings and crops. Without a fence, the community will continue to suffer,” he said.
Several residents, including Resty Nanteza, Magret Masembo, and William Mwesigwa, accused UWA of neglect, saying the authority has neither compensated them for their losses nor provided timely explanations.
“We have reported these attacks many times. UWA remains silent while our homes and lives are in danger,” they lamented.
Beyond wildlife concerns, some community members such as Janet Kabugho and Isaac Kato appealed for broader government support, including improved access to clean water and better health services, arguing that their challenges extend beyond animal attacks.
In response, UWA spokesperson Bashir Hangi noted that some residents contribute to the problem by planting flower species inside their compounds that attract elephants.
“Our teams have sensitized communities in Kahendero several times. It is difficult to erect an electric fence in this area because it is a fishing village located inside the park,” Hangi explained.
Hangi said UWA remains committed to community sensitization and urged residents to avoid practices that lure wildlife into their homes.
Residents, however, insist that without timely compensation and stronger protection measures, their safety and livelihoods remain at serious risk.