Frontline communities bordering Murchison Falls National Park in Pakwach District are calling for faster and simpler compensation processes from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) following a rise in human–wildlife incidents.
A district status report on human–wildlife conflicts, ending October 31, 2025, recorded 125 cases. These included 60 crop-raiding incidents, a 15 percent increase from the previous year, 30 human injuries, 10 fatal animal attacks, 10 unauthorized wildlife encounters, and one case of wildlife entering urban areas. No property damage was reported.
Residents say the compensation procedures are long, complicated, and difficult to navigate. Pastore Okumu, an opinion leader from Pakwach Town Council, said many affected families struggle to claim compensation for lost lives, injuries, and destroyed crops. He called on Parliament to amend the UWA Act and streamline legal procedures.
However, some residents who have successfully completed the process emphasize proper documentation as key. Nestore Owiny Jalobo, a resident of Pakwach Sub-County and owner of Windsor Hotel, said keeping two copies of required documents helped him avoid delays and loss of files during the process.
Pakwach District Secretary for Finance, Administration, and Planning, Jessica Okori, identified the most affected areas as Pakwach Town Council, Panyimur, Wadlai, Pokwero, Ragem, and Pakwach Sub-County. She urged communities to report incidents promptly and maintain clear evidence.
Section 84 of the Uganda Wildlife Act 2019 provides that where a person suffers bodily injury, death, or property damage caused by a wild animal listed in the Third Schedule, they or their legal representative may submit a claim to the Wildlife Compensation Verification Committee. The Committee then verifies claims and submits recommendations to the UWA Board. Lavinah Mbambu Marule, Sociologist at Murchison Falls National Game Park, advised affected communities to remain patient after submitting complete documentation, noting that UWA operates a single committee responsible for assessing all claims.
Communities hope that with improved processes and consistent communication, victims of human–wildlife conflicts will receive timely compensation and support, reducing the long-term impacts of wildlife-related losses.
***URN***