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Summary:

• A 59-year-old widow in Hoima City, Uganda, faces financial losses and safety concerns as chimpanzees invade her property, destroying crops and chickens, prompting unsuccessful attempts by Uganda Wildlife Authority to relocate the elusive animals.

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In the Rusembe 1 Cell within Hoima City West Division, a 59-year-old widow laments her eroding sense of safety at home due to the encroachment of chimpanzees in the area. The intrusion has escalated into a full-blown crisis for her, leaving her feeling helpless.

Ms. Constance Muhanuuzi faces daily incursions by chimpanzees onto her homestead, resulting in financial losses. Her agricultural pursuits, the sole source of her livelihood, suffer as the city’s limited land for crop farming is marred by these primate invasions.

For over two months, the widow has observed chimpanzees invading her property, wreaking havoc by attacking and consuming her chickens, as well as destroying her crops, comprising vegetables and fruits crucial for her income.

“This chimpanzee arrived in this area two and a half months ago. Buyers no longer visit my home for the green vegetables and fruits I grow and sell, fearing the invading chimpanzee. I used to earn at least Shs10,000 from my sales, but now I barely make any money,” she reveals.

While the chimpanzee has not yet attacked people in the area, the resident harbors fears that its elusive nature during the day may lead to a potential threat. The animal only appears in the mornings and evenings.

“The most concerning aspect is not knowing exactly where this animal hides during the day. It is only visible in the morning and evening when it preys on and consumes my chickens and food crops. I am afraid to go to the well, expecting it to be hiding in nearby bushes,” Ms. Muhanuuzi states.

Despite seeking assistance from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers of Murchison Falls National Park, the widow remains without a resolution. The UWA rescue team was unable to locate and capture the elusive chimpanzee during their three visits.

“I contacted the UWA rescue team from Murchison Falls National Park three times, but they couldn’t find it. I thought I would be compensated, but due to the lengthy process, I withdrew, and my livelihood continues to suffer,” she adds.

Mr. Fred Ayesiza, the Rusembe 1 chairman, expresses concern about the potential danger posed by the chimpanzee to human life. He urges UWA to intervene promptly before the situation worsens.

William Kagoro, the Warden for Community Conservation at Murchison Falls National Park, acknowledges the chimpanzee incursion but cites the animal’s elusive behavior in the swampy Yorudaani River as a challenge to translocation efforts.

Regarding compensation, Mr. Kagoro outlines the need to report such incidents to local authorities, including the area chairperson, police, and district or city agriculture officer within three days for verification to qualify for compensation.

The warden advises residents not to provoke the animal but to contact the UWA team for intervention to capture and translocate the chimpanzee to a safer wildlife habitat.