By KT Reporter
Pukor Sub-county residents in Pader District live in fear following the invasion of a stray buffalo. The buffalo was sighted roaming in Aluka East village.
The animal was first spotted on Tuesday by Charles Olara, the village chairperson of Aluka East, as he was looking for his cattle. Olara reported that the buffalo was moving among the cows and calves, raising concern among the local community.
Richard Ojwini, the LCIII Chairperson of Pukor Sub-County, says that it could have strayed from Kidepo Valley National Park. He said that several residents had reported seeing the wild animal. He cautioned locals against confronting it, warning that doing so might anger the buffalo and lead to attacks or destruction. “We urge residents to remain calm and avoid provoking the animal. We have informed the relevant authorities to handle the matter,” Ojwini said. The situation has left villagers in panic.
Kevin Adokorach, a resident of Aluka East, said the community is gripped with fear. “We are currently living in fear because this animal can cause serious destruction if not handled quickly. We are pleading with the wildlife authorities to act as fast as possible,” she said.
Richard Rugyenda Muhabwe, the Manager of Kidepo Valley National Park Conservation Area, said that the buffalo appears to be moving peacefully alongside the cattle. He further urged residents not to confront or threaten the animal. “If disturbed, it may become aggressive and cause chaos,” he explained. He added that a team from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is scheduled to visit the area on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
A report from December 2024 revealed that an average of 600 human-wildlife conflict cases were reported weekly around Uganda’s national parks, including the northern region.
Uganda Wildlife Authority has implemented various mitigation strategies, including digging trenches around park borders, installing beehive fences in swampy areas, planting tea as buffer crops, among others, to deter wildlife-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
