By A 45-year-old man, Albert Nagaba, was fatally attacked by a stray elephant from Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kihihi Sub County, Kanungu District. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning, February 19, 2025, while Nagaba was tending to his tomato garden in Kyenyabutongo village, Kibimbiri parish. Upon encountering the elephant damaging his crops, Nagaba attempted to drive it away, leading to the fatal attack.
Local authorities, including Kihihi Sub County LCIII Chairman Nelson Natukunda, suggest that the elephant may have wandered from the park due to gaps in the recently installed electric fence, especially near roads and bordering areas like Rukungiri District. Natukunda has urged the government to establish ranger posts in these vulnerable zones and to extend the electric fence along the park’s boundary with Rukungiri to prevent further wildlife incursions.
This tragic event is part of a concerning pattern; over the past two years, three individuals have been killed by elephants straying from Queen Elizabeth National Park, and numerous others have sustained injuries. Additionally, crop fields worth millions have been destroyed by these wandering animals, raising fears that affected communities might resort to harming the wildlife if no intervention occurs.
Bashir Hangi, the communications manager for the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), cautioned against such retaliatory actions, emphasizing that harming wildlife is a serious offense with severe penalties. “We sympathize with those who have lost property and loved ones, but trapping and killing wild animals is a serious offense with harsh consequences,” Hangi stated. He also reassured the public that the government is committed to completing the electric fence to fully address the issue. Regarding compensation, Hangi noted that the UWA will verify each incident and compile reports before any compensation is provided.
The implementation of electric fences has been recognized as an effective measure to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts in areas surrounding Queen Elizabeth National Park. These fences serve as a deterrent, preventing elephants and other wildlife from encroaching onto farmland and residential areas, thereby reducing the risk of such tragic encounters. However, the effectiveness of these fences depends on their proper maintenance and the closure of any gaps that may allow animals to pass through. Continuous monitoring and prompt repairs are essential to ensure the safety of both the local communities and the wildlife.
