By Omony Denis
In a rare occurrence, the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) on Monday shot and killed a stray elephant in Ceke village, Lii sub-county, Nwoya District.
The elephant is reported to have strayed from Murchison Falls National Park into the community at around 9pm.
According to Opiyo Simon, the local leader in the area, the incident occurred when the animal reportedly failed to respond to efforts by UPDF officers to divert it.
Opiyo explained that the elephant became aggressive as it moved toward the UPDF residential area, prompting the soldiers to act to protect lives and property.
When contacted, Wilson Kagoro, the Conservation Warden at Murchison Falls National Park admitted adding that UWA was yet to report to the scene to find out the circumstances under which the elephant was shot and killed.
In December 2026, UPDF agreed to station soldiers in Lii Sub-county to assist the Uganda Wildlife Authority in managing problem animals.
The decision follows persistent calls from local communities for military support to help wildlife rangers contain problem animals.
