Residents of Kahunge and Kamwenge sub-counties in Kamwenge District are living in fear following the continued presence of a stray elephant believed to have escaped from Kibale National Park.
Local leaders and residents say the elephant reportedly strayed from the park on September 27, 2025, and has since been roaming nearby communities, destroying crops and posing a threat to lives.
The most affected areas include Nyabishekye Village in Mpanga Parish, Mbuka II near River Mpanga, and parts of Kahunge Sub-county.
Residents report that the animal has destroyed banana plantations, maize fields, and cassava gardens—key sources of both food and household income—raising concerns about possible food shortages.
“We are living in constant fear,” said a resident of Nyabishekye Village. “The elephant moves at night destroying our crops. We depend on these gardens for food and income. If this continues, we are going to starve.”
Kamwenge Sub-county Councillor Fred Mbonigaba acknowledged the gravity of the situation, warning that prolonged destruction could result in serious food insecurity.
“Our people are frustrated and worried,” Mbonigaba said. “The elephant has destroyed many gardens, and if it is not captured and returned to the park soon, we risk experiencing famine in these areas.”
Officials from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) have confirmed they are aware of the situation. The Chief Warden of Kibale National Park, John Justice Tibesigwa, said efforts to recapture the elephant have been hampered by unfavorable weather conditions.
“It is true the elephant has been sighted in the community,” Tibesigwa said. “Since September last year, we have made attempts to return it to the park, but heavy rains and swampy terrain where it is hiding have made the operation difficult.”
He assured residents that measures are being finalized to address the problem.
“We are in the final stages of organizing a team from our headquarters to capture the elephant,” Tibesigwa explained. “We are considering deploying specialized equipment, including the possibility of aerial support, to ensure it is safely returned to the park.”
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid confronting the animal, and promptly report sightings to wildlife officials as efforts to resolve the situation continue.
