Residents of Oyam District near Murchison Falls National Park are celebrating a year without wildlife attacks following the installation of an electric fence along the park boundary by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

The initiative has greatly reduced the threat posed by stray elephants, which for many years damaged property and caused injuries and deaths, particularly in Kamdini, Myene, Aber, and Minakulu sub-counties. Over time, numerous gardens were destroyed, more than ten people were injured, and over five lost their lives due to elephant incursions.

Bony Omara, LC One Chairperson of Apala A Village in Kamdini Sub-county, reported that from January last year to November this year, there have been no recorded elephant attacks in Kamdini, a sharp contrast to previous years.

“When UWA worked on connecting the electric fence, no stray elephants crossed into Oyam District. Our people living near Murchison Park are now able to carry out agricultural activities, planting and growing crops without elephants destroying them as before,” he said.

Aye Betty from Te-nam Cell, Kamdini Town Council, emphasized that the electric fence has enabled residents to safely cultivate land bordering the park, which was once highly vulnerable to elephant attacks. Similarly, Dilla Benson Oyuku, LC 5 Chairperson of Oyam District, noted that the fence has provided protection for both residents and children.

“Before the fence, children from schools near Murchison Falls National Park, such as Amati and Amaji primary schools, could not safely go to school alone due to stray elephants. Now, residents can farm fertile land near the park without fear, and development activities can proceed safely because elephants can no longer cross into these areas,” he explained.

Wilson Kagoro, Warden at Karuma, Murchison Falls National Park, stated that the electric fence is being extended toward Nwoya District to further curb elephant incursions. “Despite the fence, smaller dangerous animals such as leopards can still cross and pose a threat if the community delays in reporting them to UWA or attempts to handle them independently. People must cooperate and report any wildlife sightings outside the park for timely intervention,” Kagoro urged.

The electric fence project has brought relief to Oyam communities, allowing safer farming, schooling, and local development while underscoring the need for collaboration between residents and wildlife authorities.