President Yoweri Museveni has intervened in a longstanding dispute between pastoralists and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) over grazing rights in the Pian Upe game reserve, permitting communities to graze their livestock in the reserve temporarily.
The conflict, which escalated in September after UWA issued eviction orders for communities encroaching on the reserve, prompted local pastoralists to threaten not to support Museveni politically if evictions were enforced.
Simon Peter Sagal, Chairperson of the NRM Elders Lead in Nabilatuk, said the pastoralists have grazed their livestock in the reserve since colonial times without incident.
The NRM chairperson for Nakapiripirit district Daniel Ochap Matovu who accused the Uganda wildlife Authority for blocking pastoralists from grazing in the conserved area.
During campaign rallies in Nabilatuk and Nakapiripirit, Museveni allowed the herders to continue grazing while ongoing discussions with elders aim to resolve the conflict.
He emphasized that the protection of wildlife remains crucial, as animals boost tourism and local economies.
“Pastoralists are free to graze their livestock, but wildlife must be protected. Communities around Kidepo National Game Park are benefiting economically from tourism, and wild animals are central to this development,” Museveni said.
He cautioned herders against harming wildlife and urged them to consider sustainable grazing practices that preserve animals for tourist attractions.
The President cited infrastructural projects in Kaabong and Karenga, including the under-construction international airport, as examples of benefits derived from wildlife conservation.
Museveni’s decision seeks to balance the pastoralists’ livelihoods with conservation efforts, allowing dialogue to determine long-term grazing arrangements without endangering wildlife.
