Kampala, Uganda –The Ugandan Parliament was thrown into a heated debate on Monday as Honorable Chemonges William, Member of Parliament for Kween County, raised an urgent matter of national importance regarding the alleged killing of a constituent by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) officers. The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, has reignited long-standing tensions between the Sebei community and UWA over land rights and conservation practices.
Hon. Chemonges reported that Mangusho Siwa Judah, a resident of Kween County, was beaten to death by UWA officers while collecting Cyprus branches near Kapkwata, adjacent to the National Park. The branches are traditionally used by the community for building purposes. Tragically, this is not the first time the family has suffered such a loss; Siwa’s father was also killed by UWA officers five years ago under similar circumstances.
“Mister Speaker, this is a matter that has affected the entire Sebei region for many years,” Hon. Chemonges stated emotionally. He recalled previous incidents, including the shooting of 10 cows in 2021 and the destruction of crops by UWA officers in May 2024, which he had previously raised in Parliament. He revealed that between 2021 and today, 14 people from the region have been killed by UWA officers, whom he described as “trained officers paid by taxpayers’ money.”
Hon. Chemonges demanded answers from the government, questioning whether UWA operates under a different set of laws that permit them to kill at will. He also sought clarity on whether UWA remains under the Ministry of Tourism or has been transferred to another government entity. He called for the Prime Minister, the Minister of Tourism, and the Attorney General to visit the site of Siwa’s killing before his burial to witness the situation firsthand.
The MP also highlighted the plight of the Kapkwata Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, nicknamed “Rwanda” due to its rocky terrain. He explained that residents have been living in deplorable conditions for over 30 years after being displaced to make way for the National Park. “They have nowhere to dig a toilet, nowhere to bury their dead,” he lamented.
Deputy Prime Minister Responds
Hon. Rukia Isanga Nakadama, the Third Deputy Prime Minister, expressed her condolences to Siwa’s family and acknowledged the gravity of the situation. She confirmed that she had written to UWA regarding the Kapkwata area and that the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) had intervened. However, she noted that the Prime Minister and the Minister of Tourism were yet to visit the area due to scheduling conflicts.
Point of Order Raises Tensions
Hon. Kisos Chemaswet, MP for Soi County, raised a point of order, challenging the Deputy Prime Minister’s assertion that the land in question belongs to UWA. “If you talk of Uganda Wildlife Authority owning land in Sebei, then you are wrong,” he declared, emphasizing the historical and cultural rights of the Sabiny people to the land.
Deputy Speaker Calls for Calm and Action
Deputy Speaker Hon. Thomas Tayebwa acknowledged the emotional nature of the issue and urged restraint. He clarified that the Prime Minister’s letter was intended to protect the people, not condone killings. He called for the Minister of Tourism to address the matter comprehensively when Parliament reconvenes on Tuesday.
Hon. Tayebwa also highlighted the dire situation faced by families attempting to retrieve the bodies of their loved ones from the park. “If you go back to the park to pick the body, you will also die. So you’re left to the animals. They are eaten by hyenas,” he said, describing the harrowing reality for many families in the region.
Next Steps
The Deputy Speaker suggested that the Prime Minister meet with Hon. Chemonges privately to discuss the issue further. He also urged the government to take immediate action to address the grievances of the Sebei community, emphasizing the need to balance conservation efforts with respect for human rights.
As the debate concluded, the Sebei leaders vowed to continue pushing for justice and accountability, warning that the community’s patience was wearing thin. The matter is expected to be revisited in detail when the Minister of Tourism presents a report to Parliament next week.
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