Grazing in national park illegal
Mar 19, 2010
I read with dismay the misinformation in an article by Ben Mugisa regarding a meeting we held with land owners of Kiruhura district at Sanga on March 12.
I read with dismay the misinformation in an article by Ben Mugisa regarding a meeting we held with land owners of Kiruhura district at Sanga on March 12. The article, entitled “UWA denies torture chambersâ€, was written on March 17.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) does not allow grazing in any of its National Parks. I told Mugisa that any cattle grazing in the park was illegal and the owners would be subjected to a fine discussed and agreed on with the communities. There is obviously a difference between a fee and the fine that we charge. I also challenged Mugisa to visit Lake Mburo (or any area under our management) at any time with those alleging we have torture chambers. The landowners did form an association intended to help coordinate the handling of wildlife issues between UWA and themselves.
The draft constitution for the Association was also discussed. At no time did UWA accuse Rtd Col. Dick Bugingo of fuelling conflict between UWA and the communities. President Yoweri Museveni has never given any directive about fencing off the park though this is one of the demands of the landowners.
Sam Mwandha
Director for Conservation
Uganda Wildlife Authority
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) does not allow grazing in any of its National Parks. I told Mugisa that any cattle grazing in the park was illegal and the owners would be subjected to a fine discussed and agreed on with the communities. There is obviously a difference between a fee and the fine that we charge. I also challenged Mugisa to visit Lake Mburo (or any area under our management) at any time with those alleging we have torture chambers. The landowners did form an association intended to help coordinate the handling of wildlife issues between UWA and themselves.
The draft constitution for the Association was also discussed. At no time did UWA accuse Rtd Col. Dick Bugingo of fuelling conflict between UWA and the communities. President Yoweri Museveni has never given any directive about fencing off the park though this is one of the demands of the landowners.
Sam Mwandha
Director for Conservation
Uganda Wildlife Authority