Encroachers stall electric fencing of Queen Elizabeth National Park

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The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has revealed that encroachers on land belonging to Queen Elizabeth National Park have hindered the process of erecting an electric fence in some areas.

Michael Murungi, the UWA community conservation ranger for Queen Elizabeth National Park, disclosed this to New Vision on August 27, 2025, during a community visit to Railway ward in Kasese Municipality, where residents were sensitised about the benefits of protecting the park.

He explained that although most of the fencing work has been completed, challenges remain in Kikonzo and Kidodo cells of Kasese Municipality, where some people who constructed on park land have refused to vacate.

"We have held several meetings with all the stakeholders especially the resident district commissioner (RDC) and local leaders, about the same matter, but people don't want to leave," Murungi said.

Murungi added that government has provided all the necessary materials for the fence, but wild animals, especially elephants, continue to exploit the open gaps, straying into nearby communities where they destroy crops and occasionally injure residents.

"At the end of the day, they come seeking for compensation, yet they are the ones failing the programme of fencing the entire national park," he said.

During the same event, UWA, under its revenue-sharing initiative and other community engagement programmes, donated a 10,000-litre water tank to help residents harvest rainwater, particularly during dry spells.

Some of the demarcations indicating clearly how people encroached on the Queen Elizabeth National Park land in areas of Kikonzo and Kidodo cells of Kasese Municipality. (Credit: Samuel Amanyire)

"Looking at all the good things you are benefiting from the National Park, try to be compliant in matters that intend to protect the wild animals but above all, embrace a peaceful co-existence," Murungi said.

Local leaders speak out

Jimmy Bwambale, the councillor representing Railway ward in Central division, said they have repeatedly urged residents to vacate park land, but many demand compensation, insisting they have nowhere else to settle with their families.

Sisilia Biira, the female councillor for the same area, urged government to support affected families with funds to help them relocate. She also called on UWA to expedite compensation for those who have lost property to wild animals.