14.5km Solar Electric Fence Installed at Queen Elizabeth National Park

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has completed the installation of a 14.5-kilometer solar-powered electric fence in Rubirizi District, creating a vital buffer between local communities and wildlife from the adjacent Queen Elizabeth National Park. This off-grid solution, which delivers non-lethal, low-voltage pulses, is designed to mitigate long-standing human-wildlife conflict, protect agricultural livelihoods, and aid in anti-poaching efforts.

A Sustainable Solution for Community Safety

For years, residents in the villages of Kyambura, Kicwamba, Kataara, and others in Bunyaruguru County have faced significant threats from animals like elephants, buffaloes, and chimpanzees. These encounters frequently led to destroyed crops, damaged property, and a pervasive sense of insecurity. The new fence represents a transformative change for the community.

Umaru Ssendagire, a farmer from Kataara village, recounted his decades-long struggle: “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.” Another resident, Annah Nayebare, highlighted the social impact, expressing hope that families could now live in peace without husbands needing to stand guard over their fields at night.

UWA’s National Fencing Strategy

This project is a key component of a wider solar fencing initiative by the UWA to clearly demarcate park boundaries and safeguard communities across Uganda. “It is the responsibility of UWA and the Ugandan government to ensure that animals do not destroy people’s property,” stated UWA Director Posiano Eguma. “This boundary separates land designated for national parks and communities.”

The UWA has already implemented similar solar-powered barriers in other districts, including 10 kilometers in Kyenzaza, 19 kilometers in Kasese, 61 in Kanungu, and 25 in Kitagwenda. Future projects are planned for the Rukungiri and Mitooma districts, extending this model of coexistence to other conflict hotspots.

Dual Impact: Deterring Poaching and Awaiting Compensation

Beyond protecting farms, the fence is expected to significantly curb poaching. By establishing a clear physical boundary, it reduces the chances of conflict that can sometimes escalate into illegal retaliatory hunting. Eng. John Twesigye Ntamuhira, the Bunyaruguru County lawmaker, emphasized the fence’s dual role in enhancing both community safety and wildlife conservation.

However, Ntamuhira also urged the UWA to expedite compensation for residents who previously lost property to wildlife. “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 stressed. Acknowledging the delays, UWA Communications Manager Bashir Hangi assured that the agency is working to establish a robust and error-free system for processing claims.

The initiative, which fulfills a 2011 presidential pledge, is complemented by community awareness campaigns that have successfully reformed former poachers. Rubirizi Resident District Commissioner Bron Kikanshemeza noted the positive impact of these efforts and committed to securing further support for alternative livelihoods, solidifying the project’s role in creating a sustainable future for both people and wildlife.

Sources

1. [PDF] WEASEL SOLAR FARM ECOLOGICAL AND NATURAL ASSETS …
2. [PDF] National Master Plan for the Jordan River Valley
3. [PDF] THETOWN
4. Articles by Samuel Amanyire’s Profile | New Vision Uganda Journalist
5. Queen Elizabeth National Park – Turismo Safaris Ltd
6. UWA Installs 14.5 km Solar Fence to Curb Poaching, Wildlife …
7. [PDF] (Public Pack)Agenda Document for Planning, Protective Services …