At least 12 beehives have been destroyed by chimpanzees at Nyairongo Village in Kabwoya Sub-county, Kikuube District.

The most affected part of the village in Karokarungi which is a sub-village of Nyairongo.

Mr Herbert Tumukunde, one of the affected persons says his seven beehives strategically set for his income generation were destroyed last week by chimpanzees looking for honey.

“All of them were destroyed. I had seven beehives hoping they could help me to get money this season,” he said.

Moving through the communities from Bugoma forest, the chimpanzees reportedly raided the areas of Karokarungi and its neighbourhood since last week, causing havoc.

Mr Tumukunde adds that the four chimpanzees that have now built tree beds about a kilometre from community residences have so far killed his two goats and destroyed his sugarcane gardens, thus creating fear.

Mr Dismas Munyeyale tells Kazi-njema radio that he has also lost three beehives while his neighbour, Mr Laban Ruhakana has lost two hives destroyed by the chimpanzees.

Mr Desire Nkurunziza, the Nyairongo village chairman, says following the public outcry, he has reported to Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and other leaders in higher positions to address the growing human-wildlife conflict in his area.

He attributes the growing human-wildlife conflict to the ongoing destruction of the disputed parts of Bugoma Central Forest Reserve for sugarcane plantations.

“I Think because of the destruction of the Bugoma forest, animals are finding themselves more frequently in residential areas. There are many activities including farming, lumbering and charcoal burning which have threatened habitat for wildlife,” he says.

He calls upon UWA and local leaders to consider organising community sensitisation meetings on the growing threat of wildlife and forge a way forward.