There is a growing concern among key stakeholders in wildlife conservation as wild animals start dying and straying out of Lake Mburo National Park.
During a familiarization tour of members of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) board of trustees at the park yesterday, carcasses of dead animals were evident in the park while residents raised a concern of invasion of straying animals.
John Makombo, the director in charge of Conservation at UWA said the death of animals is due to lack of water and pasture due to prolonged drought.
Makombo says they have so far lost 10 tapir, over 5 zebras, over 5 Impalas and more than 10 warthogs. To mitigate this, Makombo says they need to construct valley dams inside and outside the park.
The Executive Director Dr Andrew Seguya says they will have to do all it takes, to look for the required funds to provide water to this park, noting that most of the animals are dying due to thirst and dehydration.
Another challenge they noted was straying of animals to the communities that has heightened conflict between the park and the surrounding communities.
Ben Otto, the chairman UWA board of trustees said they have noted with concern the above challenges and that they will sit and compile a report and submit it to relevant authorities for action.
