Kidepo Wildlife Incursions Leave East Acholi Communities Living in Fear

Residents and local leaders across the East Acholi sub-region are grappling with a terrifying surge of wildlife attacks stemming from Kidepo Valley National Game Park. Over the past four months, the persistent movement of wild animals out of the protected area has brought fear, injury, and tragic loss of life to farming communities.

In October alone, four people in the Agago District lost their lives in violent encounters with elephants and buffaloes. Among the recent victims is 36-year-old farmer Richard Olwoch from Akwang Village, who was fatally gored by a herd of buffaloes. These frequent attacks have left families deeply traumatized and unable to safely tend to their livelihoods.

The crisis intensified on October 12 when a large group of approximately 30 elephants swept through villages in the Lukole and Lapono sub-counties. The rampaging animals trampled three residents, left several others injured, and occupied local gardens, further threatening food security in the area.

Overall, the ongoing conflict has seen 12 residents injured, hundreds of crop fields destroyed, and numerous compensation claims filed as communities demand urgent intervention from conservation authorities to secure the park boundaries. Read more details on the Daily Monitor here.