Residents of Ibuga in Kitswamba Sub-county and Buhuhira Sub-county say elephants have repeatedly destroyed their crop gardens and livestock, depriving families of their main source of income and leaving many struggling to meet basic needs. The veterans say they are now living in constant fear as the attacks continue unabated, with many households unable to produce enough food or earn a livelihood.
Ezekel Bamuturaki, one of the veterans, said many families have been pushed below the poverty line despite the sacrifices they made in restoring peace to the country and the Rwenzori region. Asiimwe Mike Mbakania, whose father is a war veteran, said the situation requires urgent and comprehensive intervention, combining immediate measures to protect communities from wildlife with sustainable economic support to help affected families rebuild their livelihoods.
In response, the government, through the Office of the Coordinator for Luwero-Rwenzori War Veterans in Kasese, has begun mobilising veterans and their families to form Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs). The initiative is intended to provide capital for small businesses and improve household incomes, with the government pledging more than Shs30 million to support the programme.
Mustafa Lubega, the Coordinator for Luwero-Rwenzori War Veterans, said the funds are intended to help veterans rebuild their economic stability but emphasised that the programme’s success will depend on transparency and responsible management by members.
During a mobilisation meeting, Kasese Assistant Resident District Commissioner Richard Iseniyunva urged the veterans to manage the funds with integrity, saying proper accountability would determine the success and sustainability of the initiative.
The affected communities are also appealing to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the central government to install electric fences along the boundaries of protected areas to prevent elephants from invading villages. They argue that securing their farms from wildlife attacks is essential to restoring agricultural production, improving household incomes and enabling families to rebuild their lives-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
