The growing impact of climate change is no longer a distant concern for communities living near Uganda's national parks.
Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extended dry seasons are disrupting wildlife behaviour, leading to a surge in human-wildlife conflicts that threaten livelihoods, lives, and conservation efforts.
An average of 600 cases of human-wildlife conflict are reported weekly around Uganda’s national parks, including Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Elephants trample crops, lions attack livestock, and crocodiles, displaced from their natural habitats, kill unsuspecting residents.
For people like Festo Kajura, a community leader in Katwe, Kasese District near Queen Elizabeth National Park, the situation is dire.
"The animals come to our gardens, destroy our crops, and sometimes attack our people. Crocodiles and hippos from Lake George have killed several residents, especially around Katwe, Hamukungu, and Kahendero," Kajura told the Nile Post.
The government needs to address these challenges, increase revenue-sharing to 30% from the current 20%, and allocate 10% of it to landowners like us."
Wildlife on the Move
Changing weather patterns are forcing wildlife to adapt in ways that bring them into direct conflict with humans.
Bashir Hangi, Communications Manager for the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), explains how weather fluctuations exacerbate the situation.
"When it rains, animals move to higher ground for safety, and carnivores follow herbivores in search of food. During dry seasons, the competition for water and food intensifies, forcing wildlife to encroach on community lands," Hangi says.
The result is devastating for both sides. Herbivores invade farms, destroying crops that families rely on for survival, while carnivores attack livestock and sometimes humans. Crocodiles from Lake George, searching for new territory, have claimed lives in Katwe and Kahendero, leaving communities on edge.
Economic and Social Impact
The economic toll on communities is enormous. Crops are destroyed, livestock is lost, and fear of animal attacks disrupts daily life. Beyond the material losses, the conflicts have led to retaliatory killings of wildlife, undermining conservation efforts.
UWA has introduced measures to reduce these conflicts, including building dams to provide water for animals, installing electric fences, and deploying community scouts with monitoring equipment. However, these interventions are only partially effective.
"The fences don’t stop all animals, and giants like elephants roam freely. We also need corridors for pastoralists, especially around Busongora, to access water without clashing with wildlife. This competition for resources is unsustainable," Kajura says.
Recognizing the Need for Long-Term Solutions
Recognizing the need for long-term solutions, UWA is emphasizing education and community engagement. Through school outreach programs and Wildlife Clubs of Uganda, they aim to teach younger generations the importance of conservation. Community projects tied to tourism revenue are also being developed to ensure locals see the benefits of protecting wildlife.
"The changing weather patterns are a challenge, but we’re committed to mitigating human-wildlife conflicts. By educating communities and sharing park revenues, we hope to build a stronger partnership between people and conservation efforts," Hangi says.
A Delicate Balance
While efforts to manage the crisis are underway, communities continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. Kajura insists that more needs to be done to address their grievances.
"We’re not against conservation. But without fair revenue-sharing, water corridors, and better protections, it will be hard for communities to coexist with the wildlife."
As Uganda faces the realities of climate change, the pressure to balance conservation with community needs is growing. Both the government and local leaders agree that a collaborative approach is crucial to ensuring harmony between humans and wildlife in the shadow of shifting weather patterns.