In the heart of Waiga village, Bigana Parish, Bulisa Sub-county, Bulisa District, lies a community ravaged by a cruel twist of fate. The construction of an oil refinery has driven elephants from their natural habitat, leading to devastating encounters with the villagers. The Kabolwa Eco Defenders Association was formed out of necessity, as the community seeks to protect their homes and lives from these relentless invasions.
The Human Cost
The tragic toll of these encounters is staggering. In the past few months, several villagers have lost their lives to elephant attacks:
- Katurinde Bridget, 21 years old, left behind one child. She was trampled to death in her cassava garden and was buried in May 2024.
- Akumu Joyce, 40 years old, left behind six children. She was also killed in her cassava garden in April 2024.
- Onyeri Mungo, 27 years old, a mother of three, was killed in front of her children while tending to her garden. Her children miraculously escaped. She was buried in February 2024.
- Amumpaire Benon, 21 years old, was quietly grazing cows near Wako prison when elephants attacked him. He was buried in April 2024.
These heart-wrenching stories are a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of human-wildlife conflict exacerbated by industrial development.
Community Response
The residents of Bigana and neighboring villages have not remained silent. On July 20, 2024, peasant farmers from over 20 villages neighboring Murchison Falls National Park stormed the Buliisa sub-county headquarters, demanding urgent intervention from the government. https://ugandaradionetwork.net/a/story/buliisa-farmers-protest-against-elephant-crop-raids-Their placards spoke volumes:
- “Relief is needed in Buliisa”
- “No Education for our children due to elephants”
- “No food in Buliisa”
- “Long process for compensation by the government”
- “Five people so far killed by elephants”
- “No government in Buliisa”
- “Government where are you, we are dying due to elephants”
- “Elephants will vote Museveni”
The protesters called for immediate government action to address the destruction of crops and the loss of lives. They demanded compensation from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for the crops destroyed and the lives lost.
Residents of Buliisa sub-county, holding placards, to protest at the sub-county headquarters demanding urgent government intervention to address the rampant elephant invasions destroying their crops and taking lives.
Protesters storm the Buliisa sub-county headquarters, demanding immediate government action to address the destruction caused by rampant elephant invasions.
The Role of Health Equity and Policy Initiative
In this dire situation, the Health Equity and Policy Initiative (HEAPI) has stepped in to offer crucial support. HEAPI is an NGO advocating for the rights of marginalized and vulnerable groups, including victims of forced land evictions, project-affected persons, and internally displaced individuals. They focus on the right to health, life, and property, as well as the preservation of the environment, always putting humans at the forefront of their advocacy efforts.
HEAPI’s involvement has been instrumental in providing the Kabolwa community with the much-needed resources and legal support to fight for justice though much more is needed. They are working alongside the Kabolwa Eco Defenders Association to amplify their voices and ensure that their plight is heard by the relevant authorities.
Lawyer from Health Equity and Policy Initiative (HEAPI)during a visit with the Kabolwa community to offer support and advocate for justice for those affected by the devastating elephant invasions.
The Legal and Human Rights Perspective
The plight of the Kabolwa community raises significant legal and human rights concerns. Uganda’s environmental laws and human rights principles emphasize the protection of citizens and their property. The Environmental Soical Impact Assessment (ESIA) regulations under the National Environment Act require comprehensive assessments and mitigation measures for any industrial project, including oil refineries. The failure to address the anticipated impacts on wildlife and human settlements in the EIA report is a grave oversight.https://totalenergies.ug/projects/tilenga/tilenga-project-esia-report#:~:text=The%20environmental%20and%20social%20impact,social%20components%E2%80%9D%20(VECs).
International human rights instruments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, underscore the right to life, security, and adequate living standards, which include access to food and shelter. The Ugandan government, along with Total, the company operating the refinery, must uphold these rights and ensure that affected communities receive adequate compensation and support.
A Call for Justice and Solutions
The Kabolwa Eco Defenders Association, with support from HEAPI, is calling for:
- Immediate Compensation: UWA must expedite the compensation process for the crops destroyed and the families of those killed by the elephants.
- Electric Fencing: The erection of an electric fence around Murchison Falls National Park to prevent further elephant invasions.
- Government Intervention: A comprehensive response plan from the government to address the ongoing human-wildlife conflict and provide sustainable solutions.
- International Support: Advocacy for international organizations to pressure the Ugandan government and Total to fulfill their obligations under national and international laws.
Comparative Cases
Other jurisdictions have successfully managed human-wildlife conflicts through innovative solutions. In Kenya, community-based conservation programs have been implemented, involving local communities in wildlife management and providing them with economic incentives to protect wildlife. In India, the use of technology, such as early warning systems and mobile apps, has helped reduce human-elephant conflicts by alerting communities of nearby wildlife.
Conclusion
The tragedy in Bigana is a recurring issue that demands immediate attention and action. The Kabolwa Eco Defenders Association, with the support of the Health Equity and Policy Initiative, stands as a beacon of resilience and hope, advocating for justice and sustainable solutions. It is imperative that the Ugandan government, Total, and international stakeholders work together to ensure the safety, rights, and dignity of the affected communities.
The recent protests in Buliisa highlight the urgency of the situation. As the community continues to fight for their survival, we must amplify their voices and support their cause. Only through collective effort and commitment can we prevent further loss of life and restore hope to the people of Waiga and beyond.