Uganda Plans Electric Fences Around National Parks to Curb Human-Wildlife Conflict

August 5, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Uganda plans to install electric fences around communities bordering national parks as part of efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict, following growing complaints over crop destruction, livestock losses and deaths caused by wild animals. State Minister for Tourism Susan Nakawuki told parliament on Tuesday that construction of electric fencing had begun around Queen Elizabeth National Park in the western districts of Rukungiri and Mitooma, with similar projects planned for other protected areas as funding becomes available.

The announcement came after lawmakers raised concerns about repeated incursions by wildlife into neighbouring communities, particularly around Lake Mburo National Park. Wilson Kajwengye, a legislator representing Nyabushozi County, said wild animals had repeatedly destroyed crops, damaged water sources and caused fatalities in five sub-counties of Kiruhura District, affecting food security and household incomes.

He urged the government to provide emergency food assistance and planting materials to affected residents, expedite plans to fence Lake Mburo National Park and improve compensation for communities suffering losses. Kajwengye said compensation provided under the Uganda Wildlife Act had been inadequate, arguing that current regulations excluded some species that also damage crops and compete with livestock for grazing land. He also called for the share of tourism revenue allocated to host communities to be increased from 20 percent to 40 percent, alongside investment in communal water infrastructure.

Nakawuki said the Uganda Wildlife Authority had requested funding to construct an electric fence around Lake Mburo National Park but had yet to secure the required financing. She added that compensation for human-wildlife conflict is governed by the Uganda Wildlife Compensation Regulations 2022, which are currently under review. Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa directed parliament's Committee on Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities to investigate the concerns in consultation with the ministry and present its findings within 45 days. Human-wildlife conflict remains a recurring challenge in Uganda, where expanding settlements and farming activities increasingly border protected conservation areas, creating tension between wildlife conservation objectives and the livelihoods of rural communities.

Source: FSX Business News