Ouni Editor
The Uganda Wildlife Authority [UWA] has urged residents across Karamoja, Acholi and Lango sub-regions to remain vigilant as its teams track large numbers of elephants and buffaloes that have strayed from Kidepo Valley National Park into surrounding communities.
The warning was delivered by UWA representative Geoffrey Opoka on Monday, 19th October 2026, during the burial of Erin James, 32, at Apii-Bor B Cell, Punatar Ward, Ayabi Town Council in Kwania District.
Erin, a member of the Lipa Clan, was one of three people reportedly killed by elephants in Lukole and Lapono sub-counties in Agago District on 12th October. Two other people were injured during a series of attacks that occurred over five days.
Speaking to mourners, Opoka said UWA was tracking more than 500 elephants and 1,000 buffaloes that are currently living outside the national park, spread across parts of Karamoja, Acholi and Lango.
He said the animals have destroyed extensive gardens and property, while lions, leopards and cheetahs have also moved beyond the park boundaries and are attacking livestock.
According to Opoka, some of the animals have become accustomed to living outside the protected area, making them more likely to return to communities and travel long distances in search of food and water.
He warned residents never to go out searching for wild animals after receiving reports of their presence.
”Going out to look for them is deadly,” he cautioned.
Opoka advised residents to remain in well-lit areas at night and to always carry torches, which may help deter some animals and reduce the risk of surprise encounters.
He said UWA response and management teams, field rangers and wildlife-monitoring personnel are working tirelessly to locate the animals and drive them back towards the national park.
Opoka added that UWA will follow up on compensation claims for people killed or injured by elephants, as well as claims arising from destruction of crops and property under Uganda’s wildlife laws.
Lukole Sub-county LCIII Chairperson in Agago District, James Oyet Owiny, pledged to provide necessary local government support to help Erin’s widow and three young children pursue compensation.
Former Ayabi Sub-county LCIII Chairperson in Kwania District, Richard Eluk, thanked UWA, local leaders, members of the Lango community living in Agago, and the Hon. Cecilia Atim Ogwal Foundation for supporting the bereaved family, noting that they will work together to follow up Erin’s compensation claim.
Lipa Clan Head, Ayita View, urged clan members to remain calm as the family pursues government compensation, and called upon residents to take UWA’s safety warning seriously.
Pastor Joel Obonyo of Apita Seventh-day Adventist Church said communities are living in fear as elephants continue to destroy crops, attack livestock and threaten human life, calling for urgent intervention.
Meanwhile, reports from Agago indicate that residents recently killed two elephants in apparent retaliation for the attacks in Lapono and Lukole sub-counties. The retaliatory killings highlight why protecting communities must be treated as part of wildlife conservation. When people repeatedly lose relatives, livestock, crops and livelihoods, resentment grows and wildlife faces greater danger.
UWA says the immediate priority is to locate and safely contain the animals, warn communities in their path, and provide rapid assistance to affected families.
