Uganda Wildlife Authority on the spot over wildfires

Members of Parliament are appalled by government’s slow intervention in curbing rampant wildfires in the country that are responsible for the destruction of lives and property.

Rising on a matter of national importance during the Thursday, 03 February 2022 plenary, Hon Solomon Silwany (NRM, Bukooli Central) faulted Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a government body responsible for conserving, managing and regulating wildlife, for failing to provide reliable strategies to control the spread of wildfires that have in the recent times destroyed crops and businesses including lodges worth millions of shillings.

“UWA has failed to create buffer areas as required to prevent the spread of fires while they are conducting bush burning. So far, three lodges have been burnt and people are losing a lot of money,” Silwany said.

He accused UWA for paying a deaf ear to the plight of the communities and businessmen whose properties have been destroyed by the raging wildfires.

“Some wildfires believed to have been set by UWA have destroyed properties and businesses, but the agency on top of failing to control fires, has also failed to provide adequate compensation to the victims,” he said, adding that he has received several petitions from the communities to that effect.

Hon Lillian Aber (NRM, Kitgum district) ¬ said that the issue of massive destruction of property by wildlife and wildfires must be seriously addressed with a clear government strategy. She said that in her constituency, elephants constantly attack communities, destroying houses and crops without any sort of intervention or compensation from UWA.  

Section 84 of the UWA Act, 2019 provides for compensation where a person suffers bodily injury or damage to his or her property.

The Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon Martin Mugarra told the House that UWA is currently conducting investigations in regard to the recent fires and that the ministry has also finalised drafting a field-based report on how to solve human-wildlife conflict.

The report is expected to be tabled on the Floor of Parliament on Tuesday, 08 February 2022.