News
Elephant relocation disrupts lessons in Kitgum schools
Community leaders in Namokora subcounty told Radio Rupiny that since the UPDF Air Force began using helicopters on September 14, 2026, to drive the elephants towards the conservation area, the animals have scattered into smaller groups across the community and are now being seen in several locations.
(Courtesy)
By: Christopher Nyeko, Journalist @New Vision
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An ongoing operation dubbed “Save Corridors” to relocate stray elephants from community land in Kitgum district back to Kidepo Valley National Game Park using helicopters is reportedly disrupting lessons at several schools in the affected areas.
Community leaders in Namokora subcounty told Radio Rupiny that since the UPDF Air Force began using helicopters on September 14, 2026, to drive the elephants towards the conservation area, the animals have scattered into smaller groups across the community and are now being seen in several locations.
Patrick Oyet, the Namokora subcounty LC3 vice-chairperson, said the situation is affecting school attendance, as children travelling to Deite Hill and Guda Primary Schools are arriving late because of fears of encountering or being attacked by elephants along the way.
On September 16, at about 9:00 am, only a few learners had reported to the two affected schools.
Patrick Oyet, the Namokora subcounty LC3 vice-chairperson, said the situation is affecting school attendance, as children travelling to Deite Hill and Guda Primary Schools are arriving late because of fears of encountering or being attacked by elephants along the way.
On September 16, at about 9:00 am, only a few learners had reported to the two affected schools.
Geoffry Oguti, the assistant resident district commissioner in charge of Chua East, said UWA’s tracking system is currently showing two groups of elephants in the Namokora area.
Oguti expressed hope that the ongoing operation would succeed, adding that ground troops, supported by aerial operations, are continuing efforts to drive the elephants back towards the conservation area and protect wildlife corridors.
He called on residents living in the affected area to exercise caution, saying the elephants become aggressive due to the sound of hovering helicopters.
Oguti expressed hope that the ongoing operation would succeed, adding that ground troops, supported by aerial operations, are continuing efforts to drive the elephants back towards the conservation area and protect wildlife corridors.
He called on residents living in the affected area to exercise caution, saying the elephants become aggressive due to the sound of hovering helicopters.