Farmer killed by Elephants while guarding his maize gardens in Kasese district

There is a sombre mood in Butoha village, Rubirizi district following the death of one of the residents identified as Kayemba Robert, 57 years.

It is alleged that on 10/12/2022 at around 0100/C Kayemba was guarding his maize gardens at Kayanja 1 village, Kitswamba sub-county in Kasese district when a herd of elephants from the Kibale conservation area encroached on the gardens, prompting the deceased to chase them away.

Unfortunately, one of the elephants turned around and started chasing Kayemba, before hitting and killing him instantly.

ASP Nelson Tumusiime the PRO Rwenzori East says a team of officers led by SP Nkundizana John the DPC Hima division, ASP Igune Anthony the OC Station Hima police station, D/AIP Turyaho Richard the deputy OC CID Hima police station, and UWA staff from Kibale conservation area headquarters visited the scene.

 DC Muhindo Zamari the divisional SOCO Hima also documented the scene.

The deceased’s body was retrieved from the scene and taken to Kasese municipal health centre III mortuary where post mortem was done.

Human-wildlife conflict remains one of the most significant challenges communities around National parks face. Despite several measures that have been put in place like trenches to stop elephants from evading communities, the animals still manage to escape.

This has forced most farmers, especially men to spend sleepless nights guarding their gardens from the animals. During circumstances where an attack happens, an animal is killed or it also kills a human.