Residents of Bugaya 1 and Bugaya II villages in Bugaya Parish, Magambo Sub-county, Rubirizi District, are grappling with an escalating crisis as baboons wreak havoc on their livelihoods.

These primates, which are believed to be coming from nearby Karinju Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Parknhave caused widespread destruction, destroying crops and killing livestock including hens. The situation has left the villagers desperate, and they are now calling on the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for immediate intervention.

Generoza Kyaruhanga, the LC1 Vice Chairperson of Bugaya 1 village, shared the residents’ plight, explaining that many had taken out loans from the Parish Development Model (PDM) to cultivate their gardens.

However, their hopes were dashed when the baboons invaded, destroying what little they had managed to grow. “We are devastated. We invested so much in our gardens, only to have everything ruined. We appeal to the government for urgent assistance to help us recover from this crisis,” Kyaruhanga said.

Ganafa Johnbosco, the Chairperson of Bugaya 2 village farmers, expressed his frustration at the lack of response from both district leaders and the Uganda Wildlife Authority, despite multiple complaints.

He called for a more permanent solution, urging the government to install an electric fence to prevent the baboons from continuing their raids. “We have made countless appeals, but nothing has been done.

The baboon invasions have left the villagers in a state of despair, as their livelihoods are under threat, and their crops and livestock are being destroyed with no end in sight. The residents are now anxiously awaiting action from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and government authorities to help them safeguard their homes and ensure their survival.