Government plans to erect electric fences around residential communities in districts hosting or surrounding national parks, in a bid to address challenges of human-wildlife conflict.
The State Minister for Tourism, Hon. Susan Nakawuki, told MPs during a plenary sitting on Tuesday, 04 August 2026, that fencing works have commenced around Queen Elizabeth National Park, in the districts of Rukungiri and Mitooma.
She gave the update following concerns raised by Hon. Wilson Kajwengye (NRM, Nyabushozi County), who said wild animals from Lake Mburo National Park have continuously destroyed crops and water centres, and caused the death of locals.
He noted that five sub-counties in his constituency located in Kiruhura District have been incessantly attacked by wild animals, which has affected the livelihoods of the residents.
“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, hence the outrage. I pray that government supports my people with relief in form of food and planting materials,” Kajwengye said.
He also urged the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities to expedite the process to close off Lake Mburo National Park with an electric fence, as well compensate affected communities.
“If the fencing cannot be done now, then trenching can be done as an immediate measure to stop wild animals from destroying crops,” Kajwengye added.
He noted that much as the Uganda Wildlife Act Cap.15 provides for compensation, it has often been meager upon payment.
“The guidelines leading to these payments are grossly unfavourable to the communities surrounding the parks. Some animals were ridiculously excluded as if they do not destroy crops. All wild animals compete for grass and forage with domestic animals,” said Kajwengye.
Among his prayers, was also a call for an increase in revenue sharing from 20 per cent to 40 per cent, as well as digging and reconstruction of communal water centers.
Nakawuki reiterated that plans are in place to construct electric fences around national parks across the country.
“But this is a very expensive venture and we are doing it step by step. Material is available and work on the fence from Rukungiri to Mitoma started last week. For Lake Mburo National Park, the Uganda Wildlife Authority already requested government for funds to do the fencing but we have not yet received that money,” she said.
She told the House that compensation of persons affected by human-wildlife conflict is determined by the Uganda Wildlife Compensation Regulations of 2022, which she said are undergoing amendment.
The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, tasked the Committee on Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities to probe the concerns raised, in coordination with the Minister, and present a detailed report to the House on the matter within 45 days.
“This is an issue that touches very many colleagues here. The committee on Tourism will interact with Ministry on the regulations to do with compensation and increasing the percentage for compensation. These are things we need to look into,” Tayebwa said.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.