By Flavia Ajok
Communities neighboring Murchison Falls National Park in Buliisa District have received a sigh of relief after Uganda Wildlife Authority-UWA resumed the installation of a solar-powered fence along the park boundaries.
Recently, local leaders including residents expressed frustration over the delay, urging UWA to expedite the installation process.
Speaking to our reporter, Charles Ukumu the LC1 Chairperson Waiga village in Bugana Parish, Buliisa Sub County expressed excitement saying since they now see the electric fence being erected, they are optimistic that there will be a reduction in the destruction of their crops by elephants and other animals from the park.
Many farmers in Waiga 1and 2 villages are hopeful that they will now be able to focus on agriculture once the installation of the fence is complete.
Wilson Kagoro, the Warden for Community Conservation at Murchison Falls National Park, said that, so far 16 out of 32 kilometers have been successfully completed from River Nile to River Waiga in Buliisa District.
Kagoro notes that, they have already installed 6 kilometers from Waiga River heading to Bugana and 10kilometers from River Nile to Pundiga village in Buliisa District saying it is a solar powered fence.
The Warden adds that, he is hopeful that they will be able to finish the installation of the fence, stating that the initiative aims to prevent wildlife from straying into human settlements, where they pose a threat to lives and livelihoods.
