Uganda: UWA Urges Mayuge Chiefs to Spare Crocs
Gerald Tenywa
1 April 2009

Kampala — THE Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has warned Mayuge district officials against killing crocodiles that have been blamed for the death of about 30 people for over three years.


"It is against the wildlife laws to kill animals without permission," said Moses Mapesa, the executive director. Mapesa explained that the human population in the affected areas had increased, leading to the depletion of fish stocks in the lake, which the crocodiles also depend on as food.

The starving crocodiles, Mapesa said, were turning to human beings to survive. "So it is important to manage the natural resources, stop illegal fishing and allow the fish to multiply," he said.

Mapesa said a crocodile farm would be established near the lake to promote eco-tourism and sustainable exploitation of crocodile products like meat and leather.

He said the proceeds would be invested in the community by improving the roads, health centres and schools. "We are seeking funding and a private sector partner to turn the crocodile into a treasure," Mapesa said.

Mapesa was reacting to reports that the LC5 chairman had directed residents to exterminate crocodiles. "It is time to move in and hunt down these beasts and secure the landing sites," Ikoba Tigawalana is quoted as saying.


"I have also instructed the vermin control officer to kill them." The RDC, John Fisher, said 20 people were killed in 2007. He said this year, seven people, including an LC1 chairman, were killed.

He also said UWA's animal control unit had several times camped in the district to track the reptiles, but failed to trap any. "I have even consulted diviners and witchdoctors to overcome this problem," he said.

Musa Lubanga, the head of the national resources department, said he would work with UWA to design a management plan.