By Dorothy Anguparu
In Madi Okollo district, local residents have been sternly cautioned against the illegal act of poaching the recently reintroduced Uganda Kobs at Ajai Wildlife Reserve for consumption.
This warning follows the successful translocation carried out by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), relocating approximately 226 Uganda Kobs from Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve in Kikuube to Ajai Wildlife Reserve in Madi Okollo district. The week-long operation, initiated on March 15, 2024, concluded on Friday evening, March 21, 2024, with the final batch of 26 Uganda Kobs being translocated.
During the official reception of the Kobs at Ajai Wildlife Reserve, Sam Mwandha, the executive director of UWA, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between local leaders and the authority in safeguarding the newly introduced animals and those yet to be relocated. Mwandha warned of severe consequences for any individual caught harming wildlife within Ajai Wildlife Reserve.
Swaib Toko, the Resident District Commissioner of Madi Okollo, urged the local council chairpersons of adjacent villages to take the lead in protecting the translocated kobs and other wildlife within the reserve.
The translocation initiative is part of preparatory measures for habitat suitability in anticipation of the reintroduction of White Rhinos at Ajai Wildlife Reserve in 2025.
Ronald Afidra Olema, the member of parliament for Lower Madi County, hailed the efforts to revive the Ajai Wildlife Reserve with diverse wildlife species, foreseeing significant boosts to tourism development in the district and the broader West Nile sub-region.
However, Faima Letiru, the speaker for Madi Okollo district, stressed the necessity for increased community engagement and awareness about the importance of wildlife protection to curb poaching and prevent encroachment.
According to information from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the translocation of 50 buffaloes to Ajai Wildlife Reserve is scheduled to commence next week.
Ajai Wildlife Reserve (AWR), spanning an area of 166 square kilometers, was once home to 60 of Uganda’s 80 remaining white rhinos. Unfortunately, these animals fell victim to poaching during the tumultuous period following the overthrow of former President Iddi Amin.
