Residents of Obwobwo parish, in Ongongoja sub county, Katakwi district are protesting against the continued invasion by wild animals into their agricultural gardens.
The area which borders Maseniko-Bokora game reserve, running from Napak to Moroto district has seen several wild animals cross over and destroy crops in the neighboring gardens which is their source of livelihood. There was outrage by the residents this week over the immigration of over 70 Buffaloes to Katakwi in search for water and pasture.
The animals were seen roaming freely in the area and irate public armed with pangas, spears and bows and arrows had converged to slaughter and consume some of the buffaloes after word went round the villages of their presence.
TheUgandan understands that Uganda wildlife Authority has since called for calm among residents over the suspicious immigration.
According to Wilberforce Ecodu Ediau, the head of Maseniko-Bokora game reserve, the water scarcity and pasture within the Gazzetted Park have been the driving factors that could have forced these animals to migrate.
“We have dispatched over 8 wildlife game wardens to track search the exert locations of this animals within Katakwi,” Mr Ediau revealed.
He said that a few weeks from now, they intend to use wildlife plane to survey and monitor the movement of the Buffalos.
Mr Ediau said that there worry in this time of food scarcity is that locals could turn to kill thes animals for food and meat purposes.
He added that besides, Buffalos other wildlife animals like Antelopes could have also crossed over to Katakwi.
Mr Ediau said that they have written to the Katakwi district local government authorities, notifying and seeking their cooperation on protecting the said animals.
Capt, Emily Otekat, the presidential advisor on wildlife said there is need to have piped water extended to game reserves that are prone to weather vagaries so that wildlife animals are protected from extinction.
