By Emmanuel Olinga
Residents of Akoboi Sub-county in Katakwi District are counting losses after wolves invaded several villages, killing over 55 sheep and goats belonging to beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The attacks have sparked concern over the security of government-supported livelihood programs in wildlife-adjacent areas.
According to a report from the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Katakwi, the wolf-like animals attacked homesteads in the villages of Alukucok, Ogongora, and Asutuni in Alukucok Parish over the past two weeks.
The predators reportedly sucked the blood of the animals and left their carcasses behind, causing panic among the locals.
“These wolves are now threatening our community livelihoods. Most of the killed animals were purchased through PDM loans, which means their death directly affects the ability of the beneficiaries to repay,” said Deputy RDC Okwi.
Okwi further noted that this is not the first such incident.
In November 2023, wolves similarly attacked Abela Parish, killing 59 sheep and goats.
He warned that the recurring wildlife attacks threaten to derail the success of the PDM in Katakwi.
The Parish Development Model, launched by the government in 2022, is aimed at moving 39% of Uganda’s population from the subsistence economy into the money economy.
By empowering households at the parish level with financial and technical support, the PDM is designed to promote income generation, food security, and grassroots development.
Katakwi District has so far received UGX 5 billion under the program, with the disbursement process nearly complete.
However, the Deputy RDC expressed concern that 22 out of the 109 recognized parishes have yet to benefit from PDM funds.
“People in parishes like Abela and Alukucok are not only missing out on full PDM support but are now also suffering losses due to wildlife. Government must urgently intervene,” Okwi urged.
Dr. Anthony Odeke, the Acting District Veterinary Officer, confirmed that a formal report was submitted to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for assessment and possible compensation.
Minister of Local Government Raphael Magyezi, while commissioning Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) projects in Katakwi, said he would engage the Ministry of Tourism and UWA to consider compensation for affected beneficiaries.
Katakwi District borders Kidepo and Pian-Upe game reserves, making it prone to human-wildlife conflict, a challenge now threatening Uganda’s flagship poverty eradication program.
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