Uganda’s Parliament has adopted a report proposing a dedicated fund to address human-wildlife conflicts, alongside increased funding for mitigation measures, digital monitoring and a review of the country’s wildlife law.
Speaker of Parliament Oboth Oboth announced the adoption during a communication to the House, saying the report was presented by Patrick Aeku, a member of Parliament and the Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industry.
The recommendations seek to strengthen efforts to prevent conflicts between communities and wildlife while ensuring that victims receive fair and timely compensation for losses.
Among the proposals is the establishment of a ring-fenced Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) Mitigation and Compensation Fund to provide dedicated resources for prevention and compensation.
The committee also recommended increased budgetary allocations and equipment for the HWC Division, including the phased installation of electric fences in affected areas.
Other proposals include establishing a national digital management system within 12 months, creating an inter-ministerial coordination committee and integrating human-wildlife conflict considerations into land-use planning.
The report further calls for stronger community participation in managing conflicts and an accelerated review of the Wildlife Act.
Oboth said prevention should remain the primary approach, with compensation serving as a safety net for people affected by wildlife-related incidents.
He thanked the 49 legislators who contributed to the debate, noting that the time allocated for discussions was limited. He also commended the committee’s leadership and members for their work before the House adopted the report.
In a separate development, the Speaker updated legislators on Uganda’s recent engagements with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Arusha, Tanzania.
He congratulated Evelyne Ninsiima on her appointment to the IPU High-Level Advisory Group on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism, and Juliet Achayo Lodou on her appointment to the Committee on Peace and International Security.
The engagements also included a meeting of the East African Community Speakers’ Bureau, which discussed preparations for the EAC Parliamentary Games scheduled for December. Oboth urged Uganda’s teams to prepare adequately for the competition.
Meanwhile, the House received the Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill, a Private Member’s Bill sponsored by Bukenya Michael Iga, the MP for Bukuya County.
The legislator was granted leave to present the proposed legislation, which seeks to address issues surrounding healthcare quality and patient safety.
Oboth said patient safety and quality healthcare remain central to people-centred legislation, underscoring Parliament’s role in addressing public service delivery concerns.