UWA to fence corridors, protect crops in Kidepo region

23 April 2025, 1:40 pm

By Otim Moses

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has assured residents of reduced incidents of wildlife destroying crops in the six districts bordering Kidepo Valley National Park.

This assurance was made by Mr. Martin Oryem, the Assistant Community Warden for Conservation in the Kidepo Valley Conservation Area, during a Karenga, Kaabong, Abim, Kotido, Kitgum and Agago (KKAKKA) Kitgum District Council engagement meeting on the sport hunting initiative. The meeting was held at the Kitgum District Council Hall.

Oryem stated that UWA has adopted mitigation strategies from countries like Kenya to manage wildlife that stray from the park and damage crops.

He added that more wardens will be deployed in the wildlife corridors areas through which animals typically move to monitor and control animal movement.

Oryem revealed that UWA, in partnership with KKAKKA CWA Uganda Limited, will hold meetings in the six affected districts Karenga, Agago, Kitgum, Kotido, Kaabong, and Abim to identify wildlife corridors. Once identified, these corridors will be fenced to prevent animals from straying into farmlands.

He further mentioned that UWA is working closely with the relevant ministry to ensure the fencing of these corridors is implemented effectively, thereby protecting both crops and human lives.

Oryem confirmed that UWA will compensate affected families in cases of wildlife-related harm Shs20 million for deaths, Shs15 million for major injuries and Shs7 million for minor injuries.