Uganda launches electric fence program to curb human-wildlife conflict

The Ugandan government announced plans to erect electric fences around residential communities bordering national parks to reduce human‑wildlife conflict. State Minister for Tourism Susan Nakawuki told parliament on 4 August 2026 that fencing work has begun around Queen Elizabeth National Park in the districts of Rukungiri and Mitooma.

Member of Parliament Wilson Kajwengye highlighted ongoing damage from wildlife from Lake Mburo National Park, which has destroyed crops, water centres and caused deaths, leaving families food‑insecure. He urged the ministry to accelerate fencing or, if unavailable, to trench as an interim measure, and called for better compensation, increased revenue sharing from 20 % to 40 %, and reconstruction of communal water facilities. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has requested funding for the Lake Mburo fence, which has not yet been approved. The programme will be rolled out step‑by‑step across the country as funds become available.