Residents of Nyakabingo Parish in the Central Division of Kasese Municipality have given UWA a two-day ultimatum to capture and relocate the alleged stray lions that have been terrorising the area.Â
Tensions are escalating in Kasese as residents have issued a stern ultimatum to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), threatening to kill lions that escaped from a national park and have been terrorising the community. The residents of Nyakakabingo Parish have given UWA a two-day deadline to locate and recapture the stray predators.
This threat follows a recent incident where the lions killed livestock, including two goats belonging to a local resident, Michael Masereka Katya. This event is part of a worrying pattern of lion sightings within Kasese Municipality, including a previous attack in Phase Two Cell, Nyamwamba Division, where three cows were killed. The repeated incidents have left the community living in fear for their personal safety and livelihoods.
In response to the crisis, local leaders are urging the government to accelerate the construction of a protective electric fence along the park boundaries to prevent further animal incursions. Meanwhile, affected farmers like Mr. Katya and his wife are highlighting the urgent need for a more efficient and reliable compensation process for those who lose livestock to wild animals.
On the ground, a joint search operation for the lions is underway, involving UWA officials and community members. Hajji Bashir, a UWA relations officer, has confirmed the ongoing efforts and has urgently warned the community against attempting to hunt the lions using dogs, emphasising that such actions could lead to a tragic loss of human life. As the situation develops, reporters remain on the ground to provide further updates.
