KAMPALA — The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has commenced the construction of electric fences around selected national parks in a major government intervention aimed at reducing escalating human-wildlife conflict and protecting communities living adjacent to protected areas.
The development was announced by the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Susan Nakawuki, while responding to concerns raised by Members of Parliament during Tuesday’s parliamentary sitting.
Nakawuki revealed that construction of the first section of the electric fence has already started along the Queen Elizabeth National Park boundary covering Rukungiri and Mitooma districts.
She explained that although electric fencing remains one of the most effective long-term solutions to human-wildlife conflict, the project is capital-intensive and will therefore be implemented in phases depending on the availability of government funding.
“The materials are available, and work on the fence from Rukungiri to Mitooma started last week. However, this is a very expensive venture and we are implementing it step by step,” Nakawuki told Parliament.
The minister’s statement followed concerns raised by Nyabushozi County Member of Parliament Wilson Kajwengye, who highlighted the worsening situation around Lake Mburo National Park in Kiruhura District.
Kajwengye said residents in five sub-counties continue to suffer repeated invasions by wild animals that have destroyed crops, damaged water sources and endangered lives, leaving many households struggling to sustain their livelihoods.
According to the legislator, the continued destruction has undermined food security in communities that were previously self-reliant.
“These are people who have been food-secure for some time. But because of this, they have now been rendered food-insecure and are now destitute,” Kajwengye told Parliament.
He appealed to the government to provide emergency relief food and planting materials to help affected families recover while permanent interventions are being implemented.
Kajwengye also urged the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities and UWA to fast-track the installation of an electric fence around Lake Mburo National Park. As an interim measure, he proposed trenching around the park to reduce wildlife incursions should funding delays persist.
Beyond infrastructure, the MP questioned the fairness of the current wildlife compensation framework, arguing that the Uganda Wildlife Compensation Regulations, 2022 do not adequately compensate communities for losses caused by wild animals.
He noted that several destructive animal species are excluded from the compensation schedule, leaving many victims without any form of government support.
Kajwengye further called for an increase in tourism revenue shared with host communities from the current 20 per cent to 40 per cent, arguing that communities living alongside protected areas deserve greater economic benefits from wildlife conservation.
He also appealed for government investment in communal water infrastructure in areas frequently affected by wildlife incursions.
Responding to the concerns, Nakawuki confirmed that UWA has already submitted a funding request to extend electric fencing to Lake Mburo National Park, although the required funds have not yet been released.
She reiterated that the national electric fencing programme will continue to be rolled out in phases as resources become available.
On compensation, the minister said payments are currently guided by the Uganda Wildlife Compensation Regulations, 2022, adding that the regulations are under review to address concerns raised by affected communities and improve the compensation framework.
Following the debate, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa directed the Parliamentary Committee on Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities to investigate the issues raised and engage the ministry on compensation regulations, wildlife conflict management and the proposal to increase tourism revenue sharing with neighbouring communities.
The committee was given 45 days to present its findings and recommendations to Parliament.
The electric fencing initiative forms part of broader government efforts to promote peaceful coexistence between wildlife and neighbouring communities while safeguarding livelihoods and strengthening conservation across Uganda’s protected areas.