The Member of Parliament for Chua East County in Kitgum District, John Calvine Okoya, has called on the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to properly document and demarcate the boundary of the Kidepo Valley National Park conservation area, warning that Kitgum should not be included until fresh consultations are held.
Okoya made the remarks during a fact-finding visit by the Parliamentary Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industry to Tikao village in Orom Sub-county, Kitgum District.
As a member of the committee, he says the people of Kitgum, particularly those in Chua East, have endured prolonged suffering from wildlife invading farmlands and settlements, causing extensive destruction
He stresses that locals are not opposed to development but insist on a final and proper drawing of the Kidepo Valley Conservation boundary through a transparent process.
Community members told the visiting committee that UWA has failed to compensate them for losses caused by wildlife while accusing residents of encroaching on game reserves.
Leaders and residents insist that the boundary of the Karenga Wildlife Conservation area lies along the Kitgum-Kotido-Karenga border, not in Tikao village, Gule Parish, Orom Sub-county, as claimed by UWA.
David Musingo, a Commissioner at the Uganda Wildlife Authority, apologised for the suffering experienced by the people of Acholi, especially in Chua East, due to wildlife invasion.
He says all concerns raised by leaders and communities would be examined by UWA’s higher authorities before any decisions are made.
By Denis Opoka
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