Kitgum debates future of Lipan wilderness as hunting zone

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Local leaders in Kitgum, particularly from Chua East County, have launched a community engagement exercise to seek public input on a contentious proposal to transform the Lipan wilderness, currently a fertile agricultural area, into a sports hunting zone.

The consultation process is being carried out across several sub-counties, including Namokora, Omiya Anyima, and Kiteny.

The proposal follows a Kitgum district council meeting during which plans submitted by Uganda Wildlife Safaris, in collaboration with KKAKKA and other stakeholders, aimed at boosting wildlife conservation and tourism, were temporarily halted.

During an emergency council session held on April 17, 2025, the potential use of the Lipan, Abunai, and Tikao wilderness areas for regulated hunting was discussed in detail.

However, the council ultimately rejected the proposal and instead established a special committee to examine the potential impacts more thoroughly.

Many councillors expressed concern, urging that attention should shift from hunting harmless wildlife to addressing the escalating human-wildlife conflicts in the region.

Currently, around 50,000 residents depend on agriculture within the Lipan, Abunai, and Tikao areas, with sesame being the predominant crop.

Sports hunting—defined as the recreational or competitive pursuit of wild animals—includes practices such as trophy hunting.

Advocates argue that, when well-managed, it can help regulate animal populations and generate income for conservation initiatives.

Hunting in Uganda generally occurs between April and June, with an additional window in December.

Geoffrey Opyet, a local leader from Namokora sub-county, emphasised that the land has already been extensively converted for agricultural use and should not be designated for hunting.

Alfred Okema, another influential figure from Kiteny, voiced concerns over potential restrictions on residents accessing their gardens during hunting season, which he warned could disrupt local livelihoods.

Speaking more broadly, Richard Muhabwe, the chief warden of Kidepo Valley National Park, stressed the importance of grounding hunting practices in scientific research.

He called for comprehensive studies to assess whether sustainable hunting is viable, particularly in terms of identifying older male animals suitable for harvesting.

For the proposed hunting initiative to be successful, Muhabwe said, it must be supported by the local community, and clearly defined roles and responsibilities must be established for all parties involved.

He also pointed out potential benefits of sports hunting, including financial compensation for landowners and the provision of free meat from harvested animals, both of which could help improve community nutrition.

Uganda already has designated sports hunting areas in Nakaseke, Luwero, and Nakasongola, which serve as models for managing wildlife sustainably.

Alfred Oryem, a conservation manager, reported that a local organisation licensed to carry out hunting in designated areas has observed a wide range of wildlife in Lipan, including buffalo, monkeys, and antelopes.

Meanwhile, Noe Opoka, deputy speaker of the Kitgum district council, confirmed that the matter has been referred back to the sub-counties for further consultation.

Community feedback is expected to be presented at a follow-up meeting scheduled for August, as stakeholders seek to balance conservation, community livelihoods, and wildlife management.