By Flavia Ajok
Families in Buliisa District whose garden crops have been destroyed by stray elephants and buffalo are demanding food relief from the government. Since 2018, wild animals, particularly elephants, have caused widespread destruction of crops, leaving many families without food.
Residents, especially those living near Murchison Falls National Park, say they are on the verge of starvation as they can no longer cultivate their gardens due to the constant attacks from the elephants. They report that several hectares of cassava, maize, beans, sweet potatoes, jackfruit, pawpaw, and bananas have been destroyed by the wild animals over the years. In addition to crop destruction, the animals pose a significant threat to human life.
The most affected sub-counties include Butiaba, Buliisa Ngwedu, Biiso, and Buliisa Town Council, which share a common border with the park. The residents are now calling on the government to provide relief food to help them survive. Julius Tibamanya, a resident of Kigoya village in Buliisa Sub-County, explains that some families can hardly afford a meal a day after their crops were destroyed by the stray elephants.
He urges the government to consider allocating food relief to these affected communities. Muhereza Bajenja, a resident of Kataleba village, one of the areas frequently invaded by wild animals, adds that many children have dropped out of school due to a lack of food, a consequence of the destruction caused by elephants.
Kabagambe Kamanda, the LC3 Chairperson for Buliisa Sub-County, describes the situation as dire, noting that residents are on the brink of starvation because they have nothing to eat due to the persistent destruction of their crops by elephants. He says some residents are afraid to even tend to their gardens because of the frequent elephant attacks.
Jackline Akumu, a resident of Ajiigo in Ngwedu Sub-County, also explains that wild animals like elephants and buffalo have been raiding their farms, causing famine for many families. Fred Lukumu, the LC5 Chairperson of Buliisa District, states that most villages bordering Murchison Falls National Park are facing food insecurity.
He calls on the government to take immediate action to alleviate the situation. He also urges the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to establish more detachments in the area to respond quickly to attacks by stray animals.
