Hunting Starts In L. Mburo

By Ebenezer Bifubyeka UGANDA Wildlife Authority has introduced spot hunting quotas in Lake Mburo National Park in a bid to control over population of animals. The public will now be allowed to hunt in the park areas of Mbarara and Rakai districts for buffaloes, impala, warthogs, bush pigs and bush backs among others. The Chief Park Warden, John-Bosco Nuwe, said, “People will consume animal meat and some of the money made shall be sent to the district.” Nuwe told about 30 officers and political leaders from Mbarara on Wednesday, that this sport hunting will enable the public appreciate the value of animals. The officials were attending a stakeholders consultation workshop for Lake Mburo National Park at Lake View Regency Hotel, Mbarara. Nuwe said under this system, hunters will kill animals according to quotas set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The first group of hunters will be sent to the park on October 3, 2001, he said. Nuwe said big blocks containing many animals (kraals) had been constructed at various points to impound cattle encroaching on the park. “When the owners come to rescue their cattle, they are fined sh50,000 - cash,” he said. Nuwe said because of this, intruders had been reduced to almost zero. Ends