Bukwo, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | A Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) ranger has fatally shot a 12-year-old boy during an alleged trespassing incident in Mt. Elgon National Park.
The boy, Joshua Sukuku, was a pupil at Amanang Primary School and had reportedly entered the park with a group to graze animals.
Isaac Kinyazi, 15, a resident of Cheburbei village in Amanang Sub-county, Bukwo District, was also injured during the incident.
Local officials report that the two boys were allegedly gathering firewood when the UWA rangers encountered them on a routine patrol on Friday 6, September 2024.
According to Simon Yesho, the LCIII Chairperson of Chepkwasta Sub-county, the younger boy was shot in the right arm, leading to his immediate death, while his companion was struck by a bullet near the ear. Kinyazi is currently receiving medical care at Bukwo Hospital.
Yesho expressed concern over the actions of UWA, calling for adherence to the rule of law. He argued that the rangers should have detained the boys instead of using lethal force.
Also Read: UWA introduces online mountain gorilla tracking
Samuel Amanya, Chief Warden of Mt. Elgon National Park, confirmed the shooting and stated that an investigation is underway. Amanya highlighted ongoing tensions between local communities and park authorities, urging residents to abide by park regulations, as access to the national park is restricted without proper authorization from UWA.
For years, the communities bordering Mt. Elgon National Park have clashed with UWA over boundary disputes, which have frequently led to violence, displacements, and fatalities.
