Africa-Press – Uganda. Residents of Hoima City have raised concern over acute water shortages caused by frequent chimpanzee incursions into their main water sources, a situation they say has exposed communities—especially children—to serious safety risks.
The most affected areas include Bulemwa, Bubaale and Mwendante cells in Kyesiga Ward, Hoima City.
The residents voiced their concerns on Monday during the launch of the Bulemwa Women Chimpanzee Conservation Savings Group by the Bulindi Chimpanzee and Community Project (BCCP) at Bulemwa Church of Uganda.
According to community members, chimpanzees began encroaching on their residential areas and water sources as early as 2022, leading to frequent confrontations and injuries.
Residents are now calling for alternative water sources such as boreholes, shallow wells and piped water to reduce their dependence on streams and water points dominated by chimpanzees.
Jane Agondeze, a resident of Bubaale village and a member of the savings group, said communities have for years been competing with chimpanzees over limited water sources, putting lives at risk.
“Our children are the most affected. Many areas in Bubaale lack reliable water sources, forcing children to fetch water from streams where chimpanzees live,” Agondeze said.
She added that several children have been injured in chimpanzee attacks, with some reportedly losing their lives over time.
“This situation has made it difficult for parents to work in gardens or leave children at home because of fear of attacks,” she said.
Joseph K. Tibasiima, the LC1 chairperson of Mwendante village, said the area has recorded more than three cases of human–chimpanzee attacks, including at least one death.
“We only have one borehole and one shallow well serving more than 280 households. These water sources are not enough, forcing people to go to dangerous areas,” Tibasiima said.
He revealed that a child was recently injured by a chimpanzee and is still undergoing treatment.
“We live side by side with chimpanzees, to the extent that some residents can no longer freely access their gardens,” he added.
Despite the challenges, Tibasiima urged residents to coexist peacefully with wildlife, noting that chimpanzees contribute to national tourism revenue.
Residents also expressed fears of health risks associated with sharing water sources with wild animals, citing possible disease transmission.
Responding to the concerns, BCCP Project Officer Sanny Tulinawe said the organisation had previously constructed two water sources—a borehole and a shallow well—before the area was elevated to city status.
She said BCCP remains committed to supporting communities with water access, subject to available resources.
“We acknowledge the challenges and will continue to support communities where possible to address human–wildlife conflicts,” Tulinawe said.
Women’s Savings Group and Funding
The Bulemwa Women Chimpanzee Conservation Savings Group was launched with revolving financial support of Shs6 million at an annual interest rate of 3 percent.
According to BCCP Programme Manager Edward Businge, the funding is intended to promote financial stability among women through income-generating activities such as piggery, poultry, and goat rearing.
“This initiative is meant to reduce community dependence on forest areas for firewood and farming, which often leads to chimpanzee attacks,” Businge said.
He noted that the programme, launched in 2018, has so far benefited 12 groups across the project areas, with a total investment of Shs93 million.
“We have registered several cases of chimpanzee attacks, mostly affecting women and children. This support will help families engage in safer economic activities,” he added.
Businge cautioned beneficiaries against misusing the funds or joining multiple groups, urging them to invest responsibly.
Florence Nyamutoka, the chairperson of the savings group, welcomed the initiative, saying it would strengthen members’ financial capacity.
“Our group has 36 members with savings exceeding Shs8 million, which has supported various investment projects. This additional support will help us grow further,” Nyamutoka said.
She urged members to use the revolving funds responsibly to ensure sustainability and benefit future beneficiaries.
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