KIRYANDONGO, August 4, 2025 — Farmers in Bunyama village in Kyankende parish within Kiryandongo district are grappling with the devastating consequences of wildlife conflict, as elephants continue to wreak havoc on their maize and banana plantations.
On Saturday night, over 10 acres of farmland were ravaged by the stray elephants from the nearby Murchison Falls National Park, leaving farmers with significant losses.
Some the crops which were destroyed include maize, banana plantations, casava plantation among others.
This incident is not an isolated one; Bunyama village has been plagued by elephant incursions for eight consecutive farming seasons, despite promises of electric fencing since 2021 by Uganda Wildlife Authority [UWA].
The situation has left farmers feeling frustrated and helpless. “We’ve cried out for help from local leaders, UWA and the central government, but our pleas have fallen on deaf ears,” said Nelson Osaga the LCIII chairperson Kyankende Subcounty.
Osaga said the recent allocation of Shs 79 million to Kyankende sub-county from the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s social responsibility fund has done little to alleviate the problem.
“We have tried our best to prevent the invasion of these elephants in vain. We request government to expedite the process of installing an electric to deter elephants from crossing from the park.
“I was expecting to harvest 40 bags of maize from my two acres but following this massive destruction I am not expecting to get anything,” said Jacklin Awori one of the affected farmers in Bunyama village.
Godfrey Kisembo, another farmer, said they have been affected for many farmers but no compensation is extended to them. “The local authorities have also not helped us much to put pressure on central government to erect an electric fence here,” he said.
Chelsea Tumwesige another farmer said the impact of elephants’ invasion has extended beyond the farmers’ livelihoods.
“Food security is threatened, and poverty is exacerbated. Children are at risk of dropping out of school due to lack of fees,” said David Ogwanga the LC1 chairperson Bunyama village.
He called upon UWA authorities to intervene saying that if nothing is done, they are likely to face severe hunger.
When we contacted Wilson Kagoro, Conservation Education Officer Murchison Falls National Park said their teams are already on ground, and in touch with the affected farmers.
“We have been responding every time we are called upon, by working with community wildlife scouts and chasing and also assessing the damage caused by the elephants,” said Kagoro.
https://thecooperator.news/elephants-destroy-crops-spark-fears-of-hunger-crisis-in-abim-district/
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