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Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities in Uganda, praised the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) Third Division for their operation in removing armed pastoralists from the Pian-Upe Game Reserve in Nakapiripirit District, Karamoja Sub-region. The armed pastoralists had entered the reserve in early July, leading to criminal activities that threatened both people and wildlife.

Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, praised the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) Third Division for carrying out an operation and removing armed pastoralists from Pian-Upe Game Reserve in Nakapiripirit District, Karamoja Sub-region.

“I commend the leadership of UPDF 3rd Division and troops for the operational support extended to Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to restore sanity and calm in the game reserve. My appeal is that such support should not stop as we still count on the UPDF,” said Bahinduka.

On July 21, the Minister paid visits to the Mount Elgon Conservation Area (MECA) and the Kidepo National Valley Game Park in Greater Eastern Uganda. During these visits, he met and spoke with UPDF commanders, UWA representatives, and other important stakeholders. Armed pastoralists broke into the Pian-Upe Game Reserve in early July to graze cattle, but instead committed crimes that endangered both people and wildlife.

“The criminal elements had taken control of a region (7 km) east of the reserve and utilized it as a base to commit crimes in Nakapiripirit and nearby regions. They were flashed out on July 21, 2023, with no resistance, according to Brig. Gen. Felix Busizoori, Deputy Division Commander.

Brig Gen Busizoori reaffirmed that similar operations, including cordon and search, would continue to be carried out in order to keep the subregion’s sectors relatively tranquil and peaceful and allow them to flourish. A similar operation against criminal elements and poachers was carried out in May 2023 in the Karenga district of the Kidepo National Game Park’s Karua general area, and it resulted in the forcible seizure of one firearm.

Chief Warden for MECA Samuel Amanya urged the corresponding line ministries and districts to open up and upgrade road networks and other vital facilities within conservation areas to promote accessibility and the provision of social services.

Pian-Upe Game Reserve extends from Kadam Hill in the east to Lake Opeta in the west, and it roughly spans an area of around 2.043 sq km of territory divided into nine districts.