Residents of Miirya sub-county in Masindi district are living in fear following an invasion of Hippopotamuses in the area.
The affected villages are Katagurukwa, Kinuuma, Kibaali, Balyegomba, Kijenga, Kyarukunya, and Kigezi. The hippos are originating from a nearby stream in the area.
The residents say they are fearing for their livelihoods and food security following an ongoing invasion by the hippopotamuses. The hippos have destroyed crops including banana plantations, maize, cassava, beans and sweet potatoes, among others.
This, the residents say, could result in an outbreak of famine. The residents say that despite numerous pleas to have the stray animals relocated to gazetted areas, no action has been taken.
The continuous destruction of crops by the hippos has left many people unable to feed their families or afford school fees for their children.
Joyce Kisembo, a farmer in Kinuuma village, has tasked Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to immediately intervene and relocate the hippos and also compensate them for the losses incurred.
Vincent Ahumuza, a farmer from Kijenga village, expressed frustration with UWA for keeping a deaf ear, noting that they have repeatedly asked UWA to drive the animals away in vain. Ahumuza says the hippos have destroyed several acres of his maize, beans, and sugarcane.
Joan Birungi, a farmer in Katagurukwa village, explained that since 2023, she has been losing her crops to hippos, noting that they have reported the incident to UWA and an evaluation was carried out, but nothing has been done since.
Gilbert Byarufu, a farmer in Kibaale, explains that their survival is at risk due to repeated crop destruction, noting that some people have given up farming entirely because they are not harvesting anything, given the persistent invasion by the hippos.
Livingston Kyotamanya, the LCIII Chairperson for Miirya Sub-County, confirmed that leaders have also tried, without success, to secure a solution, adding that farmers in his area have lost crops and animals.
Wilson Kagoro, the Conservation Education Officer at Murchison Falls National Park, acknowledged the hippo problem in the area, noting that three hippos had been identified as dangerous, and one had already been eliminated after posing a serious threat to area residents.
He says they are considering getting rid of the remaining ones, stating that they will liaise with local leaders of the affected villages to survey the area and, once permission is granted, they will proceed with action and assess the situation for possible compensation.