Parliament Urges Swift Action on Mt. Elgon Evictions

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has pressed the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Susan Nakawuki, to accelerate the enforcement of a parliamentary directive that suspends evictions by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) around Mt. Elgon National Park. Tayebwa voiced concerns that continued delays in resolving the conflict would leave communities vulnerable to further violence, as complaints from the region remain persistent.

“If you could sort out the boundaries of Mt Elgon National Park, that will be a great achievement for this ministry; it has been a burning issue. I can tell you every month, we have issues related to Mt Elgon National Park boundaries,” Tayebwa stated during a parliamentary session.

This intervention followed reports from Bungokho North MP, Hon. Shafiga Wanyenya, who indicated that UWA activities had persisted despite an earlier directive from Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth on October 15, 2026, to cease all evictions. The Speaker’s original order came in response to accounts of unrest, loss of life, and property destruction attributed to disputed park boundaries.

Wanyenya highlighted the ongoing challenges, alleging that four individuals had been shot in Wanale Sub-county, with one fatality and three injuries, since the directive was issued. She urged the minister to investigate the circumstances of the death in Wanale.

Minister Nakawuki acknowledged the long-standing nature of the disputes and confirmed that the ministry is consulting various stakeholders, including the Prime Minister, who is expected to seek guidance from the President. “The Prime Minister is going to engage the President on the matter to guide UWA to halt any operations for one month until we complete the matter,” Nakawuki explained, indicating a need for a month to collaborate with the Ministry of Lands for boundary demarcation and community engagement.

Source: Parliament of Uganda