By KT Reporter
In the heart of Northern Uganda lies Myene Sub-County in Oyam District, a quiet but determined community bordering the vast Murchison Falls National Park. Known for its natural beauty and biodiversity, the park has long been both a source of pride and a cause for concern—pride for the wildlife it protects, and concern over persistent threats such as poaching and human-wildlife conflict.
But in recent years, one leader has stood out in addressing these challenges: James Ogwal, popularly known as Patrick Olobo, the LC3 Chairperson of Myene Sub-County. When Ogwal assumed office in 2016, poaching was widespread. Myene, which borders Nwoya and Omoro districts in the Acholi sub-region, as well as Kamdini Sub-County, Minakulu Sub-County, and Minakulu Town Council, had become a hotspot for illegal wildlife activity.
“Poachers would walk around with illegal firearms, even in broad daylight,” Ogwal recalls. “They went to the park, and when they came back, they became a threat to their own communities.” Guns were often hidden in pit latrines, the bush, or anthills, worsening insecurity. Instead of resorting to force, Ogwal chose dialogue, peacebuilding, and trust. He personally approached poachers, persuading them to surrender their guns voluntarily with the assurance that they would not be punished.
The strategy worked. Since 2016, more than 40 guns have been recovered without resistance. In rare cases, security agencies had to intervene. “In 2023, there were poachers who resisted handing over their guns voluntarily. I involved the police, army, and wildlife personnel—we arrested them. As I speak, three were sentenced to prison,” Ogwal explains. Such instances, however, were exceptions.
Poaching, involving the illegal hunting, capturing, and killing of wildlife, threatens both biodiversity and conservation. Endangered species such as elephants, giraffes, and rhinos are targeted for ivory, skins, and other body parts, undermining ecological balance. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), which manages national parks, deploys trained rangers who patrol the park on foot and by vehicle to disrupt such illegal activities. One reformed poacher, Lawrence Okello from Acimi ‘B’ village, admits he grew up poaching for consumption and sale, despite risks from both wild animals and rangers. Initially using a spear, he later obtained a gun from “trusted friends” to hunt for ivory.
“Selling ivory was very difficult, but when you succeeded, it brought wealth. You could buy something important, like a motorcycle. But somehow, you would lose it just as easily,” Okello reflects. The trade was treacherous. “Sometimes you strike a deal, but the buyers turn guns on you, and you run away, leaving the products for free,” he says. With persuasion from Ogwal, Okello abandoned poaching for farming.
He credits peace in his village to Ogwal’s efforts and urges government to provide livelihoods for reformed poachers to encourage others.
Another reformed poacher, Franco Obong from Ayila ‘A’ village, Acimi parish, now serves as the LCI chairperson. He recalls fleeing a deadly encounter in the park where two of his colleagues were shot dead by rangers. “One day I survived in the park when rangers found us. Two of my friends were killed, but I managed to escape home. That is when Chairman LC3 Ogwal James came to talk to me.” It was Ogwal who encouraged him to run for LC1 chairperson and supported his election.
Together, they visited other poachers, persuading them to abandon the trade. Many surrendered firearms through Obong’s home. Obong acknowledges a significant decline in poaching across the sub-county but joins others in requesting government recognition and support for reformed poachers.
Wilson Kagoro, Warden of Community Conservation for the Murchison Falls Conservation Area, praised Ogwal’s role, recommending he be recognized as an honorary wildlife officer to inspire others.
Kagoro noted that poaching robs communities of potential benefits. “On average, in a dry season, we arrest about 45 people a month for illegal activities, ranging from poaching to grazing and illegal entry. In the wet season, it drops to about 20.”
Oyam Deputy RDC Richard Tabaro suggested Ogwal deserves a presidential medal for his efforts.
While poaching has declined, human-wildlife conflict persists. Elephants and other animals frequently destroy crops and, at times, claim lives. Despite Uganda’s Wildlife Compensation Law (2019), Ogwal says victims still await compensation.
To mitigate these conflicts, government and local leaders installed electric fences, which reduced crop destruction. “Now our people are growing crops without challenges. Peace is prevailing because there are no illegal guns in the community,” Ogwal says proudly. The progress has boosted security and tourism. In the last financial year, revenue-sharing from the park brought in 136 million shillings.
“This money is very important. We request government to continue giving it to our people because it has helped reduce poaching,” Ogwal notes. Funds are distributed through village livelihood groups under elected Project Management Committees.
In FY 2023/24, Myene Sub-County received 136 million shillings, which supported over 20 groups, drilled a borehole in Acimi ‘B,’ and supplied tree seedlings. But in neighboring Kamdini Sub-County, the story is different. Mismanagement of earlier funds led to suspension of the program.
In early 2025, community group leaders Martin Olima (Oryem Lyec Animal Traction chairperson) and Doris Adong (member) were arrested over alleged misappropriation. Their group had received 5 million shillings for a goat project but claimed to have instead purchased oxen. When probed, they produced two small cows, insisting they had bought four. The discrepancies led to their arrest for further questioning.
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