Summary:

• Armed Karamojong warriors, seeking refuge in Kidepo National Park, are hunting wildlife for sustenance, prompting increased security measures to eject them and address growing concerns about the park’s ecosystem.

Armed Karamojong warriors have taken refuge in Kidepo National Park, resorting to hunting wild animals for sustenance, causing concerns about the park’s ecosystem. Having relocated from Kaabong and Kotido districts to Karenga district, they are utilizing the park as a hideout, employing firearms for hunting and theft of food from locals.

Maj Gen Don Nabasa, the UPDF 3rd Division commander, revealed in a meeting with local officials that security forces are increasing pressure to restrict the warriors’ movement with firearms. Plans are underway to eject them from the park. However, the Chief Warden, Richard Muhabwe, acknowledged the rising challenge of safeguarding wildlife from armed Karamojong and South Sudanese poachers.

Despite efforts to combat illegal poaching, Muhabwe noted an increase in wildlife killings along the Uganda-South Sudan border, with joint security operations being coordinated. Felix Lochale, the Karenga district LC 5 chairperson, emphasized the warriors’ intrusion into gardens for food and urged swift action by security forces.

Filbert Ocailap, the Karenga Resident District Commissioner, raised concerns about security officers deserting and potentially aiding the armed warriors. He called for thorough investigations into desertion cases and emphasized caution during park operations due to deserters’ knowledge.

In response to the warriors’ refusal to surrender illegal firearms, security forces have initiated an operational plan to apprehend them in their hideouts, extending beyond the stipulated two-week period.