news 14 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Stray Buffaloes Kill One in Katakwi, Residents Demand UWA Intervention
A herd of buffaloes strayed from Kidepo Valley National Game Park has caused the death of a resident in Katakwi District, raising safety concerns among the local population. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/worries-as-stray-buffaloes-kill-man-in-katakwi-5631452
Tragedy has struck Katakwi District following the death of Isaac Malinga, a local resident, who was reportedly trampled by a herd of stray buffaloes. The animals are believed to have migrated from Kidepo Valley National Game Park in search of water and greener pastures due to the intensifying heat in the Karamoja region.
Residents and local leaders are now expressing serious concerns about their safety and are urging the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to take immediate action to relocate the animals. Former Ongongoja Sub-county chairperson, William Omeke, identified the deceased and noted that this is not the first time buffaloes have strayed into the Teso region, particularly Katakwi, during periods of drought.
The affected areas, according to Katakwi LC5 Chairperson Geoffrey Omol, include Ongongoja, Magoro, Palam, Ngariam, Guyaguya, and Okulonyo. Omol advised the community against provoking the animals and urged parents to keep children indoors while reporting any sightings to the authorities.
In response, Mark Golandinho Tiyan, the Community Educationist Officer for Pian Upe Game Reserve, confirmed that UWA is actively working on the issue. A team of rangers and UPDF soldiers has been deployed to track the buffaloes, and drones are being utilized to assess their exact locations and numbers. Tiyan acknowledged that such migrations are common for buffaloes during times of environmental stress.