By Masejele Sulaiman
Namisindwa County MP Hon. Metrine Nanzala Musufwa has called for urgent government intervention to address persistent conflicts between communities and wildlife authorities in Namisindwa District.
Musufwa says disputes over unclear boundaries between protected areas and surrounding communities are exposing residents to confrontations with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) officials, particularly when people enter protected areas in search of resources.
Speaking during a meeting involving officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, UWA, and Members of Parliament from the Kamwokya, BugisuSebei sub-regions, the legislator said the situation requires immediate attention.
She alleged that some residents found inside the protected area have been beaten, arrested, or killed, creating fear among communities and leaving affected families struggling with loss and displacement.
Musufwa also raised concern over the impact on children, claiming that many alleged victims were elderly people who left behind orphans. She said she is currently supporting more than 50 children whose parents were allegedly killed after entering the protected area.
The MP urged the government and UWA to clearly survey, mark, and publicize protected-area boundaries so that residents can distinguish between community land and restricted areas.
She further called for greater community sensitization and dialogue between residents, local leaders, and wildlife authorities to prevent avoidable confrontations.
The meeting brought together stakeholders to discuss challenges affecting national parks and other protected areas, with leaders emphasizing the need to balance conservation with the rights and livelihoods of communities living around protected areas.
Musufwa said resolving the boundary disputes would not only reduce conflicts but also help rebuild trust between UWA and communities in Namisindwa.
“Once the boundaries are clearly defined and communities understand them, we can begin addressing many of these conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence,” she said.
The leaders called for stronger coordination between UWA, government agencies, and local communities as part of efforts to protect wildlife while safeguarding the interests of people living near protected areas.