Uganda: Elephants break out of park and kill two villagers

Uganda: Elephants break out of park and kill two villagers

A tragic incident occurred in Uganda, where a group of elephants escaped from a national park and killed two villagers before destroying crops.

The elephants came from Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is located in the western district of Kasese, about 278 kilometers (172 miles) from the capital Kampala.

Elephants cause havoc in Kasandala village

The elephants left the park and entered a neighboring village called Kasandala, where they caused havoc. According to the police, the elephants attacked and killed two people who were working in their gardens and fishing in a nearby lake. The elephants also damaged crops and property in the village.

The police said that the government will evaluate the damage done by the elephants and compensate those who were affected. The police also urged the villagers to stay calm and avoid provoking the elephants.

Wildlife authority confirms incident and offers condolences

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), which is responsible for managing and conserving wildlife in the country, confirmed the incident and offered its condolences to those who lost their loved ones. The UWA spokesperson, Bashir Hangi, said that the UWA will assist the government in assessing the situation and providing relief to the victims.

Hangi also said that the UWA will investigate the cause of the elephant escape and take measures to prevent such incidents from happening again. He said that the UWA will work with the park authorities and the local communities to ensure coexistence and harmony between humans and wildlife.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a popular tourist destination

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most visited national parks by tourists in Uganda. The park covers an area of about 1,978 square kilometers (764 square miles) and hosts a variety of wildlife, such as lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, birds and primates.

The park is also known for its scenic attractions, such as the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George; the Mweya Peninsula, which offers panoramic views of the park; and the Ishasha Sector, which is famous for its tree-climbing lions.

The park is part of the Queen Elizabeth Biosphere Reserve, which was designated by UNESCO in 1979 as a site of ecological importance and cultural diversity.