Uganda: Shooting of 12-year-old deepens rift between residents of Uwa and Bukwo

The community in Amanang Sub-County, Bukwo District is shocked by the tragic death of 12-year-old Emmanuel Sukuku, who was shot dead by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers.

The incident occurred while Sukuku was collecting firewood in a forest reserve and sparked outrage and escalated tensions between the local community and UWA.

Eyewitnesses, including Edwin Yeko, a resident of the area, highlighted the crucial role the forest plays in the daily survival of many households.

“Our survival depends on the forest,” Yeko lamented, referring to the community’s dependence on forest resources such as firewood.

Because of this dependence, local people often come into conflict with the UWA officials tasked with protecting the reserve.

According to locals, Sukuku's death is the fifth in two months, raising serious concerns about excessive use of force by UWA rangers.

As the death toll rises, politicians and residents accuse authorities of prioritizing conservation efforts over human lives.

“The forest is our lifeline and this killing must stop,” said Samuel Ngirio, a community elder, who expressed deep concern over the ongoing tensions.

He stressed that the local community depends on the forest for its vital activities such as collecting firewood and grazing, which have become sources of conflict.

UWA officials, who wished to remain anonymous, said rangers had responded to repeated incursions into the protected forest reserve.

The wildlife agency has long argued that its primary mandate is to protect Uganda's natural heritage, including forests and wildlife.

However, many in the community consider UWA’s actions to be disproportionate and inhumane.

Evelyn Chemutai, Member of Parliament for Bukwo, expressed her sadness and frustration over the repeated loss of life.

“Despite previous agreements between the community and UWA to resolve these disputes, the situation continues to deteriorate,” she said in an interview with Nile Post.

Chemutai called for immediate intervention to prevent further bloodshed. “We cannot stand by and watch while our people are being killed.”