The Oyam North MP raised concerns over wildlife attacks, crop and livestock losses, injuries and a reported leopard sighting in Ngai Sub-county.
KAMPALA — Oyam North Member of Parliament Dr Eunice Apio Otuko called for urgent government intervention over wildlife-related challenges that had affected communities in her constituency.
Speaking during a parliamentary sitting in Kampala, Dr Otuko said residents had suffered losses after wildlife attacks resulted in the destruction of field crops and the killing of livestock, while some people had also sustained injuries.
She told Parliament that she had visited an injured young man who was receiving treatment in hospital after suffering severe injuries. She said the victim’s limbs had been badly affected and that he required critical medical care.
Dr Otuko said she had contributed Shs40,000 towards the young man’s support, but noted that the amount was not sufficient given the seriousness of his condition and the assistance required.
The legislator called for the Uganda Wildlife Authority to intervene and collect animals that had become aggressive and posed a danger to communities.
She also urged the government to consider compensation for farmers who had lost livestock and crops, as well as support for the injured young man undergoing treatment.
Dr Otuko further raised concern over a leopard that had reportedly been sighted in Ngai Sub-county around the 19th of the month, saying the development had caused fear among residents who were concerned about what could happen.
She appealed to the government to take preventive action to protect communities from possible wildlife attacks and address the losses already suffered by residents.
The MP asked for the concerns to be relayed to the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities so that the relevant authorities could respond to the situation.
Her submission drew attention to the need for timely intervention in communities affected by human-wildlife conflict, particularly where residents had already suffered injuries, destruction of crops and loss of livestock.
