Fear has gripped parts of Kasese Municipality following a human–wildlife conflict incident after lions strayed from Queen Elizabeth National Park and attacked livestock.
According to police, the incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, September 26, at around 3:00 am at Mobuku Irrigation Scheme, Phase II Cell, Scheme Parish, Nyamwamba Division.
The lions, believed to have escaped from the park, raided the kraal of Rusanganwa Paul, a 60-year-old cattle keeper and resident of Kyondo Cell, Rukooki Ward, leaving three cows dead.
Police and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) officials based in Katunguru rushed to the scene to restore calm and assess the damage. A UWA team is currently on the ground, working out procedures for possible compensation for the livestock owner.
Police Spokesperson for Kasese, SP Nelson Tumushime, urged residents living near the park boundaries to exercise extreme caution.
“We caution residents against walking alone at night, ensure livestock are secured in enclosures, and remain alert by staying informed through community channels,” Tumushime said.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing as wildlife rangers continue monitoring the situation to prevent further incidents.