Leaders and communities in Karenga District have unanimously endorsed the construction of electric fencing along hotspots bordering Kidepo Valley Conservation Area as part of efforts to curb the escalating human-wildlife conflict that has devastated livelihoods in the district.
The high-level stakeholder engagement, organized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), was held at Bada Sudan Hotel and chaired by the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Rt. Hon. Col. (Rtd) Tom Butime.
The meeting brought together the area’s Member of Parliament Hon. Datom Ben Koriang, Karenga District LC V Chairperson, district councilors, LC III chairpersons from sub-counties adjacent to the conservation area, technical leaders, and representatives of the local communities.
The meeting follows increasing reports of crop destruction, injuries and deaths caused by wild animals straying from Kidepo Valley Conservation Area.
The electric fencing project is being implemented following a directive from H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, with sections of Lokori already fenced.
Community members had initially expressed concerns that the fencing project could lead to land grabbing. However, after extensive consultations, representatives from all the affected sub-counties agreed to support the project and endorsed the use of different fencing approaches, including line fencing, block fencing and mobile fencing, depending on the nature of the affected areas.
Speaking at the meeting, Col. (Rtd) Tom Butime commended the district leadership and communities for embracing dialogue.
“It is very important for all stakeholders to meet, discuss and agree on solutions that benefit both people and wildlife. This fencing project is a directive from His Excellency the President, and I have pursued its implementation as Minister. I now call upon Kidepo management to implement what has been agreed upon,” he said.
The minister also revealed that the government is reviewing the wildlife compensation policy to reduce delays in processing compensation claims.
Karenga District LC V Chairperson Mr. Lopeyok described the meeting as a major milestone in addressing a long-standing challenge.
“Karenga has suffered greatly from wildlife destroying crops. Our district has been a food basket for many areas, including South Sudan, but because of continuous crop raids, farmers are losing their harvests. We fully support the construction of the electric fence,” he said.
State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Hon. Susan Nakawuki Nsambu urged residents to support the project while embracing tourism as an alternative source of income.
“Beyond protecting crops, communities should invest in tourism by producing and selling crafts. In places like Bwindi, some handcrafted items sell for as much as Shs150,000, creating sustainable incomes for local people,” she noted.
Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi assured leaders that the fencing would follow established wildlife corridors and the official park boundary to ensure both wildlife conservation and community safety.
“Electric fencing is the most practical solution for peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife. As the human population grows while land remains limited, we must protect both livelihoods and conservation. We shall guide wildlife back into the protected area while safeguarding communities,” he said.
Dr. Musinguzi also announced improvements in the compensation process.
“Compensation claims below Shs5 million will be paid through mobile money. We encourage all claimants to register mobile money numbers that are in their official names,” he added.
At the conclusion of the meeting, district leaders and community representatives unanimously resolved that construction of the electric fence should commence immediately, with implementation expected to begin as early as the following day.
