The Ugandan government has announced major plans to construct electric fences around residential communities located near the country’s national parks, aiming to resolve the persistent and escalating issue of human-wildlife conflict.
During a parliamentary plenary sitting on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, State Minister for Tourism, Hon. Susan Nakawuki, updated MPs on the progress of these interventions. She confirmed that the highly anticipated fencing works have already commenced along sections of Queen Elizabeth National Park bordering the districts of Rukungiri and Mitooma.
The announcement followed urgent concerns raised by Hon. Wilson Kajwengye (NRM, Nyabushozi County), who highlighted the severe distress caused by wild animals straying from Lake Mburo National Park.
Food Insecurity and the Call for Urgent Action
According to Kajwengye, five sub-counties in Kiruhura District have suffered continuous wildlife invasions, resulting in devastating crop destruction, damaged communal water centers, and tragic civilian fatalities.
“These are people who have been food-secure for a long time. Because of these invasions, they have now become food-insecure and destitute. The frustration among the communities is understandable,” Kajwengye stressed to the assembly. He passionately appealed for the government to provide emergency relief in the form of food and planting materials.
Pending the full rollout of the electric fence around Lake Mburo National Park, Kajwengye urged the government to consider immediate alternative measures, such as trenching, to prevent further agricultural devastation.
He also heavily criticized the current compensation guidelines under the Uganda Wildlife Act Cap.15, arguing they are unfavorable and often exclude certain animal species that fiercely compete with domestic livestock for grazing land. As part of his comprehensive plea, he called for local revenue sharing from park tourism to increase from 20 percent to 40 percent.
Next Steps for the Electric Fencing Project to Curb Human-Wildlife Conflict
Addressing the financial realities of the project, Minister Nakawuki noted the massive scale of the undertaking. “This is a very expensive venture and we are doing it step by step. Materials are available and work on the fence from Rukungiri to Mitooma started last week,” she stated.
Regarding Lake Mburo, she confirmed that the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has officially requested funding from the government, though the capital has not yet been disbursed. She also acknowledged that the current Uganda Wildlife Compensation Regulations of 2022 are undergoing necessary amendments to better address the realities of human-wildlife conflict.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa subsequently tasked the Committee on Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities to thoroughly investigate the regulations, compensation percentages, and overall progress, directing them to present a detailed report to the House within 45 days.
As Uganda navigates this complex conservation challenge, these infrastructural developments signify a crucial step toward protecting both local livelihoods and the nation’s iconic wildlife.
Track the latest policy shifts and regional developments by exploring our daily African political news. For regional travel insights, check our comprehensive African travel guides, and explore more in-depth reporting at Afrikeye.
