On April 27, 2025, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) welcomed Hon. Minister Mugarra to Rukungiri for a pivotal community engagement event addressing the escalating human-wildlife conflict in the region.
The visit, documented by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) on X, spotlighted the challenges faced by local communities, particularly the frequent elephant crop raids that have strained relations between residents and conservation efforts.
With Uganda’s tourism sector contributing 7% to the national GDP, as noted by His Majesty King Oyo of Tooro Kingdom in a related post, resolving these conflicts is crucial to sustaining the country’s appeal as a premier wildlife destination.
During the event, Minister Mugarra listened to heartfelt concerns from locals about delayed compensation for damages caused by wildlife. Images shared by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) captured the minister seated alongside community leaders, with a diverse crowd of residents gathered on the grass, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the initiative.
The minister pledged to review and expedite compensation regulations, a move that echoes recommendations from a 2019 study on human-carnivore conflict in Uganda, which stressed the need for sustainable funding and clear compensation frameworks to support affected communities.
Rukungiri, nestled near the Kigezi Wildlife Reserve, is part of Uganda’s rich network of protected areas, which includes 10 national parks and 12 wildlife reserves managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
The Kigezi region’s proximity to wildlife havens like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—home to 50% of the world’s mountain gorillas, as King Oyo recently highlighted—makes it a gateway for travelers seeking authentic safari experiences. However, the increasing wildlife population, such as the elephant numbers rising from 2,000 to 6,000 over the past 30 years, has intensified conflicts, posing a challenge to both conservation and tourism.
This initiative by the Uganda Tourism Minister to visit the wildlife park region signals a promising step for travelers eager to explore Uganda’s biodiversity. Improved compensation processes could foster better community support for conservation, ensuring safer and more sustainable tourism experiences.
As the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) continues to balance wildlife protection with community needs, destinations like Rukungiri District may soon offer visitors not only breathtaking encounters with elephants and gorillas but also a model of harmonious coexistence.
For now, travelers are encouraged to stay updated on the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s efforts and plan their visits to witness Uganda’s wildlife wonders, from gorilla trekking in Bwindi to exploring the scenic landscapes of the Albertine Rift.
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