President Museveni has allowed cattle keepers in Nabilatuk and Nakapiripirit districts access to Pian Upe Game Reserve so as to graze their animals as government looks for a permanent solution for them.
“I have heard of your conflict with UWA. I wasn’t aware of it. When I heard of it, I said let Karamojong go back to graze their animals and when we get time we will discuss it properly,” Museveni said.
He was addressing a rally at Namboole II grounds at Naturum Village, in Nakapiripirit district on Wednesday.
Museveni’s response was prompted by an outcry by the NRM chairman for Nakapiripirit, Daniel Lochap who told the president that the locals find it hard to graze their animals after being ordered out of Pian Upe Game Reserve by Uganda Wildlife Authroity(UWA).
“You should allow us graze in the conservation area,” Lochap said.
Speaking in response, Museveni took a swipe at UWA for doing things without using logic.
“The mistake made by UWA was chasing you without discussion. They are found of bumping into things after using a lot of force not logic,” he said.
Museveni told locals that it is not true that government values “wild animals more than humans” as some of them were alleging.
“Some of the Karamojong were saying UWA loves animals more than human beings. But this is not true. The wild animals we keep are for human being but also bringing in cash. These animals are like stadiums. A stadium is good for sports people to exercise and running but also somebody who is not a sports person but wants to relax comes to enjoy the sports as they come and pay. When you are there( in the game reserve) you enjoy yourself . Tourism is the same like sports,” Museveni said.
“We keep the animals to attract people to come and see them. When they come they bring money. They build hotels and we create jobs there and bring money. The money we get is what we use to construct roads health facilities among others. I am also a cattle owner. Those cows of mine are near two national parks, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo and I am benefitting from the park because tourists come there and buy my milk.”
Museveni said after elections, he would summon elders from Karamoja for a visit to his farm to see how they can reap benefits out of being near Pian Upe Game Reserve without necessarily destroying it.
“We shall discuss and see how to look after cows but also take advantage of another development,” he said.
Museveni’s advice is seen as one that balances conservation and livelihoods but also meant to ensure locals benefit from the game reserve and this way, they can protect it as a valuable asset to the community.
