(Posted 27th October 2026)
The Uganda Wildlife Authority, together with the Uganda Police and other security services are investigating cut fences, put up to keep wildlife from straying beyond the park boundaries.
More than 5 kilometers of electric fencing was destroyed and cut, pointing to a coordinated action, likely by poachers. The location was given as Oyam district, affecting several villages.
Patrols in the area have been stepped up and repairs of the cut fences are underway, important for the safety of farmers in neighbouring locations.
According to the official statements and details provided by UWA law enforcement:
- The Suspected Cause: Mr. Movadi Turyatemba, the warden in charge of law enforcement at the park, stated that authorities strongly suspect poachers were behind the destruction. Local parish leaders corroborated this, explaining that poachers cut the fences to gain illegal entry at night without the risk of being electrocuted.
- UWA’s Response: An investigation has been launched to track down the perpetrators, though no arrests have yet been made. In response to the breach, UWA has stepped up routine inspections and security sweeps along the perimeter boundaries.
- Community Concerns: The destruction occurred in a sector near Oyam District. Local leaders and UWA officials have expressed severe concern that this breach will allow elephants and buffaloes to stray back into neighboring settlements, threatening human lives and destroying crops.
- Broader Context: Since 2022, UWA has installed more than 126 kilometers of electric fencing around the park to mitigate severe human-wildlife conflict across Buliisa, Masindi, Nwoya, Oyam, and Kiryandongo districts. Local leaders are urging residents to actively protect the infrastructure and report any further vandalism.
