Agago Residents Report 207 Cattle Stolen as Elephants Destroy Crops

What the report says

Residents in Agago District, northern Uganda, are appealing for urgent government action after two pressures hit the area at once: elephants allegedly entering farmland and suspected cattle raiders taking livestock. According to Nile Post, communities in Omot, Parabongo, Adilang, Paimol and Lukole say the damage has worsened food insecurity and left many households short of both food and income.

The report says residents blame elephants believed to have moved out of Kidepo Valley National Park for destroying maize and sorghum gardens over recent months. In parallel, they say suspected Karamojong raiders stole 207 cattle in about two weeks, including animals reported taken from Kipaka, Ogwal Kamolo, Kaket, Bwol and Kiwaro. Some of the livestock were reportedly taken from protected kraals, increasing concern among local families.

People interviewed by the publisher said the losses have reduced access to milk, draught power, school fees and emergency savings. An elder quoted by Nile Post said families felt trapped by the combination of wildlife damage and theft. Residents also said they have tried basic deterrence measures, such as making noise at night, while some claim earlier alerts to the Uganda Wildlife Authority have not brought enough response.

The communities are now asking for coordinated intervention from wildlife, security and disaster-response authorities, including more ranger deployment, stronger anti-raiding measures and emergency food aid. They are also seeking clarity on possible compensation for wildlife-related crop losses. More broadly, the situation highlights the overlapping challenges of human-wildlife conflict and cattle rustling in parts of northern Uganda.