Agency
Nwoya District Authorities have called for the deployment of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers to back Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers in driving stray elephants out from human settlements.
The call came amidst an incursion of about 30 elephants that strayed from the Murchison Falls National Park into the villages of Got Okwara and Arana in Nyamokino Parish, Lungulu sub-county.
Denis Atube, the Lungulu Sub-County Chairperson says the herds of elephants have been in the community land for more than a week with no intervention from UWA despite being informed.
Wilson Kagoro, the Warden Community Conservation at Murchison Falls National Park acknowledged the recent elephant invasion but offered no comment citing he was on leave.
Maj Gen Felix Busizoori, the Fourth Infantry Division Commander says he has already requested a Helicopter from the Uganda People’s Defence Airforce to help in driving away the stray elephants back into the conservation area.
Gen Busizoori also notes that the army will deploy some soldiers on the ground to back up UWA rangers in their operations to drive away stray elephants and avert further incursions. He however says the use of an aircraft and deployment of foot soldiers can’t be a lasting solution to the invasion and urged UWA to expedite the installation of electric fences around Murchison Falls National Park.
