By Weswa Ronnie
BUDUDA
Tensions have reached a boiling point in Mabono Sub-county in Bududa district following reports that officials from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) have razed down crops belonging to over 100 residents across three villages of Kitsatsa, Nawe II, and Mamiku on 25th September, 2024.
The wildlife watchdog has defended the destruction, claiming it is a necessary measure to combat alleged encroachment into Mount Elgon National Park.
The destroyed crops, including maize, cabbages, onions, beans, and coffee, represent a substantial financial loss, estimated in the hundreds of millions of shillings.
During a recent visit to the affected areas, residents expressed deep frustration over the timing of UWA’s actions, suggesting that ulterior motives may be at play.
Sam Kutosi the LCIII chairperson of Mabono Sub County condemned the UWA for targeting the livelihoods of local residents, particularly those cultivating land recognized as outside the park boundaries.
Kutosi emphasized that many of the affected farmers are beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) program, relying on their harvests to repay loans.
He raised serious concerns about the fairness of UWA’s actions, alleging that the agency selectively destroyed crops belonging to those who had not provided bribes to officials.
However, Samuel Amanta, the chief warden of Mount Elgon National Park, confirmed the crop destruction, insisting it was necessary to curb encroachment.
He says that as UWA they are dealing with encroachers; they cultivated in the national park, and they must remove non-wild things from the area.
He said such actions fall within their mandate to protect the park, warning that individuals found encroaching would face arrest and prosecution for their illegal activities.
