The impacts of oil activities on Human-Wildlife conflicts in Bugana, Buliisa District

The communities surrounding Murchison Falls National Park, particularly those in Bugana Sub-county, Buliisa District, are grappling with a serious issue of elephants have increasingly invaded their farmlands, causing significant damage to crops and property.

What was once a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife has turned into a nightmare for these communities, and the root cause appears to be the ongoing oil activities by TotalEnergies in the Murchison Falls National Park, a well-known wildlife habitat.

For generations, the people of Bugana and neighboring areas lived side by side with wildlife. Human-wildlife conflicts were rare, and when they did occur, they were manageable. The Murchison Falls National Park has been a sanctuary for various species, with elephants being one of the iconic animals that roam the vast savannas. However, since the commencement of oil exploration and extraction activities, the delicate balance between humans and wildlife has been disrupted, and the consequences have been dire for the local population.

One of the key issues contributing to this growing problem is the oil pads established within the park. These pads are equipped with bright lights that operate around the clock, creating an environment that disturbs the natural behavior of wildlife. Elephants, known to avoid areas with strong artificial lights, are being forced out of their usual habitats and are now encroaching on people’s farms and gardens.

Additionally, the continuous noise from the oil drilling, which occurs 24 hours a day, has further exacerbated the situation. The constant drilling operations have caused significant stress to wildlife, pushing them further away from their natural homes. The construction of large roads inside the park by TotalEnergies has also restricted the movement of animals, creating barriers that some species find difficult to cross. These roads, while facilitating the oil company’s operations, have fragmented the park’s ecosystem, making it harder for wildlife to roam freely and find food and shelter.

Before the advent of oil activities, the communities of Bugana Sub-county rarely experienced such conflicts with elephants. Today, however, the situation has worsened to the point where these majestic creatures routinely invade farms, destroying everything in their path. Crops like maize, cassava, and bananas—the backbone of local subsistence farming are being trampled or eaten by elephants, leaving families devastated and food insecure. For many farmers, a single night of elephant destruction can wipe out months of hard work and the only source of livelihood for their families.

The human cost has also been immense. So far, five people have tragically lost their lives in encounters with elephants. These incidents have created a climate of fear within the community. Families are now afraid to move around at night, fearing that they may stumble upon elephants. Parents are hesitant to send their children to fetch water or collect firewood chores that are deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of the community. The fear of encountering elephants has paralyzed everyday life and eroded the sense of security that once existed in the area.

Despite numerous complaints to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the community has yet to receive a meaningful response. They feel abandoned by the authorities, who have turned a deaf ear to their plight. This silence from UWA has only added to the frustration and despair of the affected families. Many have also reached out to TotalEnergies to raise concerns about the impact their oil activities are having on wildlife and, by extension, the community. However, these calls have gone unanswered, further deepening the community’s sense of helplessness.

It is time for the government to step in and address this crisis. The losses suffered by the communities due to elephant invasions must be evaluated and compensated. Many families have lost not only their crops and property but also their loved ones, and they deserve justice and compensation for these tragic losses. The government must take responsibility for safeguarding both its citizens and its wildlife, and it is clear that current measures are insufficient.

Moreover, TotalEnergies must reconsider its operations inside Murchison Falls National Park. While oil exploration and extraction may contribute to Uganda’s economy, the company cannot ignore the environmental and social costs that come with these activities. The increased human-wildlife conflicts, particularly with elephants, are a direct result of these oil operations, and they must be held accountable for the damage inflicted on the local communities.

We also call upon banks and insurance companies to reconsider their financial support for TotalEnergies’ operations. These institutions should not fund projects that exacerbate human rights violations and environmental degradation. Instead, they should invest in sustainable alternatives such as tourism, fisheries, and agriculture. These sectors not only offer long-term economic benefits but also ensure that Uganda’s natural heritage and the well-being of its people are preserved for future generations.

Tourism, in particular, is a major revenue source for Uganda, and Murchison Falls National Park is one of the country’s most prized attractions. By allowing oil activities to destroy the park’s ecosystem and disrupt the lives of surrounding communities, we are endangering the very future of tourism in the area. It is a short-sighted approach that prioritizes quick profits over sustainable development.

The situation in Bugana Sub-county is a stark reminder of the negative impacts that poorly managed industrial activities can have on communities and wildlife. The government, TotalEnergies, and financial institutions must take responsibility and work towards a solution that protects both people and nature. For the communities of Bugana, this is not just a matter of compensation, it is about ensuring a safe, secure, and sustainable future.

The writer,Winnie Nakalyowa is the Program Assistant at Strategic Response on Environmental Conservation (STREC)