Bunyaruguru County in Uganda has welcomed a 14.5-kilometer solar electric fence aimed at protecting communities from wild animals in the Queen Elizabeth National Park. This solar electric fence is expected to prevent wildlife from destroying crops and improve the quality of life for local residents.
Addressing a Long-Standing Threat
Bunyaruguru County in Rubirizi District has welcomed a 14.5-kilometer solar electric fence to protect villages like Kyambura, Kicwamba, Kataara, Ahamukungu, Mukoroboozi, and Omukakoni near Queen Elizabeth National Park. The fence aims to address wildlife threats and improve community safety.
For decades, residents have dealt with wildlife threats — especially from elephants and chimpanzees — which frequently ventured out of the park. These encounters often led to destroyed crops, damaged properties, and even deserted homes as people sought safer areas.
Local resident Umaru Ssendagire — who lives in Kataara village — shared his experience: “I have spent the last 30 years sleeping outside while tending my gardens so they are not destroyed by animals. We hope this will help us have food in our homes and also money in our pockets.”
Many residents like Ssendagire, see the solar electric fence as a solution to long-standing challenges. Another resident, Annah Nayebare, expressed relief, saying, “We can now stay in peace with our families as we will enjoy our conjugal rights as husbands will not sleep outside to look after the animals.”
Expanding the Reach of Solar Electric Fences
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has spearheaded the installation of solar electric fences to manage wildlife and protect communities. UWA Director Posiano Eguma stated, “It is the responsibility of UWA and the Ugandan government to ensure that animals do not destroy people’s property. This boundary separates land designated for national parks and communities.”
In addition to the new fence in Rubirizi, UWA has completed similar solar electric fences in other districts. This includes a 10-kilometer fence in Kyenzaza, a 19-kilometer fence in Kasese, a 61-kilometer fence in Kanungu, and a 25-kilometer fence in Kitagwenda. Currently, UWA is working on new solar electric fence projects in Rukungiri and Mitooma districts, with plans to extend protection to other areas where wildlife conflicts remain a concern.
The fence is also anticipated to play a role in curbing poaching, a prevalent issue in the region. Bunyaruguru County lawmaker, Eng. John Twesigye Ntamuhira, highlighted the broader impact of the fence on both community safety and conservation. By creating a clear boundary between communities and wildlife, the fence reduces the risk of human-wildlife conflicts that can sometimes lead to illegal hunting.
Ntamuhira urged UWA to compensate residents whose properties were previously destroyed by wild animals, noting that while there have been delays, swift action is needed. "I have contacted UWA several times, but they keep telling me that they are working on it. Working on it is not enough. We want implementation," he emphasized.
Community and Government Commitment to Success
Bashir Hangi, UWA's communications manager, acknowledged the delays in compensation but stressed the importance of a well-functioning system. “It’s absolutely true that we are delaying, but you know we want the system to work properly. We don’t want any mistakes, but we are managing and when we start the exercise, we will be as quick as possible,” he assured.
The Rubirizi District leadership also sees the solar electric fence as a boost to anti-poaching efforts. Rubirizi Resident District Commissioner Bron Kikanshemeza praised the impact of community awareness campaigns in discouraging poaching. “We have reformed poachers in our communities because we have a lot of awareness.”
“I will continue to put pressure on the government and non-governmental organizations to lend a helping hand to these people who have deliberately stopped poaching to have a better life,” Kikanshemeza explained.
The solar electric fence initiative — launched in 2018 by former Minister of Tourism Professor Ephrahim Kamuntu — fulfills a promise made by President Museveni during the 2011 election campaigns to protect residents of Rubirizi and Kasese districts from wildlife threats. This project is a key development for Bunyaruguru County, balancing wildlife conservation with community welfare, allowing residents to live securely, farm safely, and benefit economically through sustainable practices.