Speaking during a high-level meeting with the Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) alongside local leaders from Agago District, Hon. Akello Beatrice Akori expressed gratitude for UWA’s rapid response following recent tragic encounters that left two residents dead and two injured.

“I want to thank you, the Executive Director, for giving the leadership of Agago District the opportunity to interface with you. The swift action taken when elephants killed two of our people and injured two helped cool down a situation that was getting out of hand.”

— Hon. Akello Beatrice Akori

Double Threat: Wildlife Conflict and Cattle Raiders

Hon. Akori highlighted the compounding challenges facing residents in Agago District. The belt severely affected by straying wildlife—such as elephants and buffaloes—is the exact same region hit hard by persistent cattle raids and border incursions.

She pointed out that just a day prior to the meeting, cattle raiders killed one person, while a buffalo claimed another life in the very same zone. Combined with prolonged droughts affecting crop yields, local communities have been pushed to the brink of survival.

Key Demands and Recommendations to UWA

During the interface, the Minister and Agago leaders presented critical issues and proposed concrete steps to mitigate the crisis:

  • Expedite Fencing of Kidepo National Park: Hon. Akori recalled that in 2020, President Yoweri Museveni directed the Ministry of Finance to release UGX 10 billion for fencing Kidepo Valley National Park to stop problem animals from entering human settlements. She urged UWA to expedite this initiative.
  • Increase UWA Rangers on the Ground: Agago currently relies on only four rangers—a number insufficient to survey and map the extensive agricultural fields destroyed by stray animals.
  • Relocate Permanent Stray Herds: Issues were raised regarding permanent herds of buffaloes and tracked elephants lingering in community areas like Lachiakoto sub-county (Adidam) for months without being driven back to the national park.
  • Speed Up Compensation Process: Following amendments to wildlife laws permitting compensation for crop damage, injuries, and loss of life, Hon. Akori urged UWA to process letters of administration rapidly so affected families receive timely financial relief.
  • Community Sensitization & Revenue Sharing: Call for education on how communities—especially youth—can safely live alongside wildlife, alongside requests to review revenue-sharing structures so that affected border districts benefit directly through infrastructure development like schools, roads, and health centers.

Call for Unity and Immediate Action

Concluding her address, Hon. Akello Beatrice Akori commended the district chairperson and local leaders (LC3s and district councilors) for coming together as a unified delegation to present a formal petition to UWA.

She expressed confidence that the resolutions made during the interface will yield practical, long-term relief for the people of Agago District.