Grief turned into outrage in Buliisa District as mourners chased away government officials from the burial of Eunice Kutegeka, a 48-year-old woman who was killed by an elephant on Monday.
Residents, frustrated by repeated fatal attacks from wild animals, accused the government of failing to protect them, with 14 people reportedly killed in the last five months.
Mourners at Kigoya village openly confronted Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Longino Bahebwa, District Chairman Fred Lukumu, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) warden Charles Akuta, and police officers, accusing them of watching idly as their communities suffered.
The crowd erupted in anger when UWA officials attempted to speak, forcing them to flee in their vehicles under a barrage of verbal protests.
Aheebwa Ivan, the son of the deceased, recounted how his mother had taken her four-year-old grandson to collect firewood when the elephant struck.
"The elephant first attacked my son, but our dog fought it off. When my mother rushed to save him, it turned on her and killed her instantly," he said.
Residents denounced UWA’s response, which they say has been limited to offering families Shs 2 million for burial expenses.
"We have lost so much—our property, our loved ones—and they only call us to pick Shs2 million? How do they expect us to survive?" Aheebwa lamented.
Local leaders said the community is living in fear, unable to farm or send their children to school because of the frequent elephant invasions.
"We have lost four people in this village alone. How much longer must we live like this?" asked Julius Mugenyi, the Kigoya Local Council One chairman.
Frustration has been compounded by unfulfilled promises from the government. Residents recalled that Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, during a visit a year ago, pledged an electric fence around Murchison National Park within three months—a promise that remains unfulfilled.
"We are tired of being lied to. If the government won’t protect us, they should just tell us we are not Ugandans," said James Kiriti, a resident.
As the burial proceeded, tensions peaked when the master of ceremonies invited UWA's Akuta to speak.
The crowd erupted in jeers, shouting him down. "We are tired of UWA! Why are you even here?" angry voices rang out.
The funeral prayers were abruptly concluded, and the officials, fearing for their safety, left in a hasty retreat.
RDC Bahebwa later told reporters that the government was working on long-term solutions, including compensation for affected families and ongoing fencing efforts.
"Shs2.5 million is for burial, but compensation for life expectancy and lost property will follow," he assured.
Despite his remarks, the residents vowed to escalate their protests, warning that they would boycott government functions and elections if their concerns remained unaddressed.