Two people are nursing gunshot wounds after they were shot by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers for allegedly trespassing and grazing livestock inside Mt. Elgon National Park in Bukwo District.
The incident happened on Wednesday at around 10:00 a.m. in Chebinyin Village, Chesimat Parish, Kortek Sub-county.
The LCIII Chairperson of Kortek Sub-county, Michael Chebet, identified the injured persons as Dismas Kabati, 30, and Paul Mungech, both residents of Chebinyin Village. Chebet says the two were shot in the legs by UWA rangers, who later retreated into the forest.
Chebet has condemned the shooting, saying rangers should prioritize arresting suspected offenders instead of using live bullets.
He described the incident as a violation of human rights, adding that UWA works closely with communities neighboring protected areas and should promote peaceful coexistence.
Patrick Kwengu, a resident of Chebinyin Village, Kortek sub-county, and an eyewitness, says the victims were shot while taking livestock to drink water from a nearby stream commonly used by the community next to the park.
He explains that although the stream lies along the park boundary, residents have traditionally used it to water their animals.
Kwengu has condemned the actions of the rangers and called on government leaders to hold UWA accountable, noting that similar incidents have occurred in the area before.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Bukwo, Ivan James Namoma, has confirmed the incident. He says the injured persons were rushed to Bukwo Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
However, Namoma has cautioned communities living near Mt. Elgon National Park to avoid encroaching on protected areas to prevent conflicts with wildlife authorities. He emphasized that the national park is out of bounds and that no one should enter without permission.
Conflicts between communities neighboring Mt. Elgon National Park and wildlife authorities have persisted for over a decade, with repeated incidents involving allegations of encroachment and excessive use of force by rangers.
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