The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) on June 15th, 2023, launched a new compensation policy for human deaths, injuries, and property damage caused by wild animals outside Murchison Fall National Park boundaries.
According to Bashir Hangi, the communication manager at UWA, the compensation will depend on the evaluation of properties, and up to Shs 20 million will be paid to families in cases where a human death was caused by a wild animal outside the protected area.
“The authorities will compensate up to Shs 20 million to families in cases of human death (death is caped) caused by a wild animal, and other compensation will depend on the valuation of properties,” he said.
During the meeting with the local leaders, Godfrey Rubangakeni, the Wildlife Warden in Masindi, said that the policy intends to ensure financial help for families affected by such an unfortunate situation and foster a better awareness of animal conservation.
“This financial aid aims to alleviate the burden faced by the families and demonstrates the UWA’s commitment to preserving wildlife heritage,” he said.
Rubangakeni stressed the importance of timely reporting of incidents involving wild interference to ensure proper documentation and submission of files to higher authorities.
“Report within three days in case of any attack by a wild animal so that we can escalate to higher authorities. This increases the chances of assessment and potential compensation for the affected individuals or their families,” he added.
UWA is also conducting a sensitization campaign on sharing space with the area’s fauna since, according to officials, sensitization fosters a greater understanding and regard for wild creatures while lowering conflicts between them and humans.