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Hon. Tom Butime has confirmed that the Wildlife Fund would be operationalized by 01 October 2022 in order to begin compensation for victims of human-wildlife conflicts.
This was said during a plenary sitting presided over by Thomas Tayebwa (Deputy Speaker), on Wednesday, 24 Aug 2022.
Hon. Namayingo County South MP Hon. Michael Wanyama (11 August 2022) – Concerning destruction of crops by hippopotami in Namayingo district and the associated risk for food insecurity within affected communities
Butime stated that the Uganda Wildlife (Compensation Scheme) Regulations 20022 No.64, and the Uganda Wildlife (Revenue Sharing) Regulations 20022 No.65 were gazetted on 05 August 2022 in order to put into effect the compensation scheme.
The scheme covers compensation claims for injury, death, or property damage due to wild animals that are not in a protected area. It is provided by Section 83, Uganda Wildlife Act, 2019.
Minister said that Uganda Wildlife Authority had set aside 2 percent of its revenue since the Act’s enactment to help support the scheme.
“These funds have to date, accumulated to over Shs900 million. Other sources of funds to this scheme include appropriation by Parliament which we are yet to benefit from,” Butime said.
He also informed the House that the Wildlife Compensation Verification Committee, responsible for verifying claims, has been fully formed and will soon begin work.
The minister said that cases of human-wildlife conflicts can be attributed to human encroachment on lands that used to stop wildlife from being able to expand their agricultural production, which has resulted in the displacement of many animal species.
He mentioned crocodiles as well as hippopotami to be the species with the highest incidences of human–wildlife conflicts. This is due to overfishing and opening up wetlands for farming.
“Uganda Wildlife Authority created a human-wildlife conflict response unit that has been trained in the capture and translocation of problem crocodiles. In Namayingo, a total of 10 problem crocodiles have been moved from Lugaga, Bumeru, Dolwe and Malongo,” said Butime.
He also mentioned that five crocodile safe cages were installed in Mwango 1, Butanira AA, Butanira BB, Mwagonda, and Dolwe Island in Namayingo to provide safe water sources for community members.
However, recent rises in Lake Victoria have affected the effectiveness cages that were flooded.
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“Those who are to benefit should be known, otherwise after the fund is operationalised, it might end up benefitting other communities who are not affected,” Taaka said.
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“I understand that there is a procurement process to fence the national park. This process should be expedited by any relevant ministry. I also pray that the affected people are provided with food items,” said Kinshaba.
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“We should invest in community protection and sustainability, as well as fencing, so that we can have preventive measures in place,” she added.
Distributed by APO Group, on behalf of the Parliament of Uganda
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Source: african.business
