RIC-NET CARRIES OUT ADVOCACY MEETINGS ABOUT CITIZENS AND PROTECTED ANIMALS PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE IN KASESE DISTRICT

 

During L.Katwe and Kisinga consultative meeting

Rwenzori Information Centers Network (RIC-NET) in partnership with Safer world and TPO is implementing a five years project on Addressing the drivers of conflict in Uganda; implemented in 14 districts in Uganda including Kasese. Baseline research was carried out and identified the issues of problem animals and the relationship between the citizens and the national park as one of the key conflicts in the Rwenzori region, especially Kasese.

consultative meeting with Central and Karusandara

As part of the approach to learning and building partnership for peaceful coexistence, RIC-NET conducted three consultative meetings for seven sub-counties of karusandara, Central division, Lake Katwe, Kisinga, Nyakatonzi, Mukunyu, and Nyakiyumbu  neighbouring queen Elizabeth national park  in Kasese district was organized targeting local leaders and selected members of the communities whose crops were destroyed by wildlife during the last four years. The overall purpose of the consultative meetings was to generate key issues and receive evidence from affected communities by problem animals that will be shared with key stakeholders from both district and central government to come up with lasting solutions to problem animals and a harmonized strategy on revenue sharing and compensation.

consultative meeting with nyakiyumbu, mukunyu and Nyakatonzi 

From these meetings, key advocacy issues and recommendations for resolving conflict with problem animals and building a harmonious peaceful existence with grass-root citizens bordering the national park were developed. Each sub-county chose one person to represent them at the district leader’s reflection meeting that was to be held at Verina gardens in kasese Municipality.