Degazetting Bwindi, Uganda Government’s Move to Promote Human-Wildlife Coexistence
Kampala, Uganda – The Ugandan government has announced plans to degazette a portion of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
This move follows years of contention between the government and native communities over the park’s boundaries.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, said that the government has bowed to pressure from native communities and passed a Cabinet bill to address the erroneous inclusion of the Mbwa tract (Mpungu) in 2002.
The decision was made in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife, and Antiquities to ensure accurate delineation of the park boundaries.
The boundary adjustment is expected to involve several steps:
Boundary Demarcation: Engaging surveyors to demarcate the correct boundaries using historical records, maps, and geospatial data.
Stakeholder Consultation: Involving local communities, conservationists, and relevant authorities to ensure the solution addresses everyone’s interests.Legislative Amendments: Amending the existing legal frameworks governing the park’s boundaries.
Conflict Resolution: Establishing mechanisms for resolving disputes between communities and wildlife authorities, such as creating buffer zones or compensation schemes.
This initiative is expected to facilitate freehold land registration and resultant benefits for kibanja owners in Mpungu sub county, who have been locked out of this process due to the existing National Park deed.
A similar issue around Mt. Elgon, where conflicts between citizens and wildlife authorities have been prevalent, will also be addressed.
The government’s decision is seen as a significant step towards resolving these disputes and promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife.
