Kagadi Residents Decry 'Unfair' Chimpanzee Attack Compensation

Residents of Kyamajaka Cell in Kagadi District are expressing discontent over the compensation offered by the government following numerous chimpanzee attacks. They argue that the current valuation process, aimed at relocating communities away from human-wildlife conflict zones, is not adequately reflecting the true market value of their land and property.

The ongoing government-backed relocation programme seeks to mitigate frequent incursions by chimpanzees from Katyobona and Kangombe forests into local settlements. These attacks have tragically resulted in several deaths and numerous injuries in the Kyamajaka area alone.

Local leaders, such as Mr Godfrey Nangonza, the LC3 chairperson for Muhoro Town Council, have voiced concerns about the transparency and fairness of the exercise. He stated that local authorities were largely excluded from the assessment process and that the criteria used for valuation have not been clearly communicated to the affected families.

Residents claim that valuers are using outdated land rates, leading to offers significantly lower than current market prices. For instance, Ms Scolah Nagawa reported receiving Shs13 million for 1.5 acres of land with fruit trees, while she estimates its market value to be around Shs50 million. Similarly, Mr Sharaff Abdul received Shs41 million for a three-acre property with valuable crops, which he believes is worth approximately Shs70 million.

Accusations of a lack of consultation and pressure to accept the offered sums have also surfaced. Residents are appealing for a thorough review of the valuation methods and greater transparency from the officials involved.

However, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) spokesperson, Mr Hangi Bashir, has defended the process, stating that assessments were conducted by the chief government valuer and that payments have been made to those who accepted the valuations. He assured that outstanding payments are being processed and confirmed that the government has allocated Shs2 billion for the compensation initiative so far.

This dispute highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing wildlife conservation efforts with the rights and livelihoods of local communities impacted by human-wildlife conflict.