Human–wildlife conflicts: Hoima residents decry rising animal attacks as forest cover depleted

HOIMA, March 23, 2026 — Residents of Kitoba Subcounty, Hoima district, have raised alarm over escalating human–wildlife conflicts, which they attribute to the continued destruction of Budongo Forest Reserve.

Faridah Kabanyoro, Chairperson of LC1 Bulyango Centre village, said Budongo Forest Reserve, which is home to wildlife such as chimpanzees, baboons and monkeys, has been heavily depleted due to human activities, including farming and charcoal burning.

She explained that as forest cover diminishes, primates are increasingly invading gardens, destroying crops such as mangoes, jackfruit, sugarcane and maize, leaving the locals without sufficient food.

“This challenge has led to frequent human–wildlife conflicts, leaving both people, especially children, and animals injured or dead,” Kabanyoro said.

“The destruction of forests has not only fuelled wildlife conflict but has also led to the drying up of many of our water sources.”

The farmers were speaking during the launch of a tree-planting campaign organised recently by Good Forest Foundation Uganda in partnership with the Lions Club of Hoima.

More than 300 seedlings were planted on the degraded Kihombonza Hill as part of activities to mark the International Day of Forests on March 21, celebrated this year under the theme “Forests and Economies”.

Jame Murungi, a farmer in Bulyango village, said wildlife had lost its natural habitat and had turned to human settlements for survival.

“They have turned our gardens into their homes,” he said, adding that he hoped the tree-planting initiative would help restore habitats and reduce conflict.

Francis Abitegeka Kiva, Senior Assistant Chief Administrative Officer for Kikuube district and President of the Lions Club of Hoima, commended the partnership for promoting environmental conservation.

He noted that more people were involved in forest destruction than in conservation efforts, and called for collective action.

“There is a need for religious, political and cultural leaders, as well as communities and civil society, to work together to restore our environment,” he said. “The damage we have caused to nature demands greater effort to reverse.”

Collins Mugabi, Project Manager at Good Forest Foundation Uganda, said the organisation is implementing a tree-planting campaign in 22 districts, including Hoima, Kikuube, Masindi and Kagadi.

He revealed that more than 100,000 trees have so far been planted in Hoima alone, contributing to over two million trees planted across the 22 districts. The initiative has also established 19 community tree nursery beds and is working with 6,500 farmers.

Mugabi attributed forest loss to the rising demand for charcoal and timber, agricultural expansion, population growth, urbanisation and industrial development.

Hoima District Senior Natural Resources Officer Joseline Nyangoma emphasised the need to involve young people in environmental protection to ensure sustainability.

“If young people grow up understanding the importance of planting trees and conserving the environment, they are less likely to engage in activities that destroy forests,” she said.

She also urged organisations to promote fruit tree planting, noting that it supports both environmental conservation and household food security.

Officiating at the event, Hoima District Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Safik Ntuyo called on leaders and partners to intensify community sensitisation on environmental protection.

He said ongoing deforestation reflects limited public awareness, leading to continued encroachment on sensitive ecosystems such as wetlands and forests.

Uganda is estimated to lose about 122,000 hectares of forest annually, while restoration efforts cover only around 7,000 hectares, highlighting a widening gap between forest loss and recovery.

https://thecooperator.news/urgent-action-needed-on-human-wildlife-conflict-govt-urged/

Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news