BY JOACKIM KULE
At least six people from Karusandara Sub-county, Busongora County South in Kasese district have lost their lives to the wild animals just in a spate of two years.
Following the incidents, a section of local leaders and residents yesterday stormed the office of the Kasese Resident District Commissioner, arguing that they were not ready to lose more lives to the elephants from Kibaale National Park.
They also complained that the area was survived with a poor road network.
Speaking to the press shortly after a closed meeting with the RDC, the delegation revealed that in addition to losing six people, an assortment of both food and cash crops especially from the villages of Kanamba, Kyalanga and Karusandara have been destroyed by the elephants.
They now want the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to either be chasing the wild beasts using rubber bullets or extend an electric wire fence in the sub-county in an attempt to curtail the animals from straying into the community.
Mr. Christopher Machumu, the District Councilor representing Karusandara Sub-county, explained that crops worth billions of money have been lost to the elephants and nothing has been done to the farmers in terms of compensation.
Some other residents include the Sub-county Speaker and the Kanamba Parish Chairperson told the press that previously UWA officials were used stopped from using bullets to chase the wild beasts because of security reasons, arguing that they want the practice to be resumed.
Mrs. Generous Kyalimba, another resident says they are currently facing a challenge related to the poor road network and hunger in many families which according to her has increased the cases of domestic violence and early marriages.
Responding to the issues raised by the residents, the Kasese RDC, Lt. Joe Walusimbi, urged them to remain calm as government devises means of solving their challenges soon.
ENDS