By Tolit Ivan
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in collaboration with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), has on Monday, deployed a helicopter to help drive out more than 300 elephants that have invaded communities in Kitgum District.
The decision to deploy a helicopter follows the persistent destruction of food crops by the elephants, escalating tensions among farmers whose crops have already been destroyed as well as reports of people being killed and injured.
The elephants, which reportedly invaded Kitgum in March, have been roaming and destroying crops in the sub counties of Namukora, Mucwini and Orom.
Captain Ibrahim Kasule Sekitto, the UPDF Fifth Infantry Division Public Information Officer, confirmed the deployment, saying the army is jointly working with UWA to address the situation.
This is the second time the UPDF has deployed a helicopter to help drive elephants back to Kidepo Valley National Park and protect communities.
In July 2024, the UPDF and UWA deployed a helicopter for one week to drive away more than 100 elephants.
However, the operation was not sustainable, and shortly after it ended, the elephants returned in greater numbers.
