“We have received over 2,000 claims in the whole country. Some of them have already been verified, and more than half of the victims have so far been compensated,” John Makombo, the UWA Commissioner in charge of Biodiversity Management said.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has received more than 2,000 compensation claims from victims of human–wildlife conflict across the country, with over half of the verified claimants already paid.
John Makombo, the UWA Commissioner in charge of Biodiversity Management, said the claims stem from incidents involving wildlife attacks that have caused deaths, injuries, and destruction of crops and property in communities living near protected areas.
Makombo revealed the figures during a consultative meeting with leaders and security officials from Agago, Kitgum, Abim, Karenga, Kotido, and Kaabong districts on measures to mitigate human–wildlife conflict around the Karenga Community Wildlife Management Area near Kidepo Valley National Park.
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He explained that the compensation process begins with verification and assessment of damages, injuries or deaths caused by wildlife after which, victims or their families submit claims, which are reviewed by a verification committee appointed by the UWA Board of Trustees before approval for payment.
Under the compensation framework, families of victims killed by wildlife are entitled to Shs20 million, while those injured can receive up to Shs15 million depending on the severity of the injuries.
Makombo explained that compensation for crop destruction is calculated based on district valuation rates, urging districts to regularly update crop valuation rates to ensure affected communities receive fair compensation.
Walter Oyoo Komakech, the deputy Kitgum RDC, said that soon the community will be provided with a list of victims compensated and those who are yet to receive theirs.
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