Murchison Falls: UWA To Complete Electric Fence By October As MPs Assess Human-Wildlife Conflicts

By Frank Kamuntu 

The Parliamentary Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industry has visited Murchison Falls Conservation Area to assess the impact of human-wildlife conflicts and evaluate measures being implemented to protect communities living alongside wildlife.

The committee, led by its Chairperson, Hon. Okot Boniface, was received by Mr. David Musingo, Commissioner for Community Conservation and Ex-situ Services at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), together with Mr. Kiiza Fred, Chief Warden of Murchison Falls Conservation Area.

During the visit, the committee was briefed on conservation efforts in the area, with particular attention to measures aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflicts and the ongoing verification and compensation process for affected communities.

Mr. Kiiza explained the procedures involved in compensating victims of wildlife-related incidents, highlighting progress made and the implementation of relevant regulations.

The committee later engaged residents of Waiga Village, where community members shared their experiences with human-wildlife conflicts, including crop destruction, injuries and loss of lives, particularly as a result of elephant incursions.

Residents also raised concerns about delays in compensation and the incomplete section of an electric fence, which they said continues to provide a passage for elephants into community areas.

Responding to the concerns, Mr. Musingo acknowledged that previous delays in the compensation process had partly been caused by staffing challenges. He said UWA has since strengthened its technical team to improve conservation education, human-wildlife conflict mitigation and compensation processes.

On the incomplete electric fence, Chief Warden Kiiza assured residents that arrangements were underway to complete the remaining section, with the works expected to be finished before October 2026.

The engagement highlighted the need to strengthen preventive measures rather than relying primarily on interventions after wildlife incidents occur. These measures include completing protective infrastructure, improving the efficiency of compensation processes and strengthening cooperation between communities, UWA and other responsible institutions.

The parliamentary assessment is expected to help identify gaps in existing interventions and strengthen accountability and support for communities living alongside wildlife.

The visit also underscored the importance of balancing wildlife conservation with the safety and livelihoods of communities surrounding protected areas, as long-term conservation success depends on both protecting wildlife and ensuring that local communities benefit from and safely coexist with conservation efforts.

The committee is scheduled to proceed to Kidepo Valley Conservation Area on Sunday, where it will continue assessing human-wildlife conflict mitigation measures and engage with communities.