Karenga leaders back electric fencing to curb devastating human-wildlife conflict
KARENGA, August 12, 2026 — Leaders and community representatives in Karenga district have unanimously endorsed the immediate construction of electric fencing along critical hotspots bordering Kidepo Valley Conservation Area, marking a decisive step towards curbing escalating human-wildlife conflict in northern Uganda.
The consensus was reached during a high-level stakeholder engagement organised by the Uganda Wildlife Authority [UWA] at Bada Sudan Hotel.
Chaired by the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Col [Rtd] Tom Butime, the meeting sought to address long-standing grievances over crop destruction, livestock losses, injuries and deaths caused by wild animals straying into human settlements.
The initiative follows a directive issued by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni after the initial installation of electric fencing in Lokori.
While community members had previously raised concerns that the fencing could encroach on private property or trigger land grabbing, extensive consultations clarified that the project would strictly follow official park boundaries and established wildlife corridors.
Stakeholders subsequently approved a flexible implementation model involving line, block and mobile fencing, depending on the terrain and specific needs of different areas.
Commending the agreement, Butime highlighted the importance of constructive dialogue between government officials and local communities in addressing human-wildlife conflict.
“It is very important for all stakeholders to meet, discuss and agree on solutions that benefit both people and wildlife,” Butime said. “This fencing project is a directive from His Excellency the President, and I have pursued its implementation as Minister. I now call upon Kidepo management to implement what has been agreed upon.”
The Minister also said the Government is reviewing the wildlife compensation policy to streamline the claims process and reduce delays in payments to affected communities.
Karenga District LC V Chairperson Mr Lopeyok said the conflict had taken a severe economic toll on agriculture in the district, which has traditionally supplied food to neighbouring areas, including South Sudan.
“Karenga has suffered greatly from wildlife destroying crops,” Lopeyok said. “Our district has been a food basket for many areas, including South Sudan, but because of continuous crop raids, farmers are losing their harvests. We fully support the construction of the electric fence.”
Area Member of Parliament Datom Ben Koriang also expressed strong support for the project, alongside local LC III chairpersons and district technical officers, saying the intervention would help protect food production and improve community safety.
UWA Executive Director Dr James Musinguzi said effective management of the boundary between protected areas and human settlements was essential for maintaining long-term ecological balance.
“Electric fencing is the most practical solution for peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife,” Musinguzi said. “As the human population grows while land remains limited, we must protect both livelihoods and conservation. We shall guide wildlife back into the protected area while safeguarding communities.”
Musinguzi further disclosed that verified compensation claims below Shs5 million would now be paid directly through mobile money to expedite relief for affected communities.
Meanwhile, State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Susan Nakawuki Nsambu urged residents to diversify their sources of income by taking advantage of economic opportunities associated with conservation and tourism.
“Beyond protecting crops, communities should invest in tourism by producing and selling crafts,” Nsambu said, citing successful craft initiatives in Bwindi that have generated substantial income for local households.
Following the signing of formal resolutions, construction of the electric fence is expected to commence immediately.
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