The loss of crops and vandalism caused during a recent impromptu invasion by about 70 stray elephants from Akagera national park has prompted government in passing of a compensation bill into law that provides for compensation of residents attacked by wild animals.
The lawmakers on 20 June 2011 deliberated on the new law that directs the state to compensate persons attacked by wild animals from any gazzetted national park including any other place during official duty.
Specific provisions of the law include; awarding compensation to members of family of victim including both child and adult attacked and killed by the wild animals.
Compensation shall be awarded to the child or adult victim both attacked and injured or hurt or affected in any form by the wild animals.
Lastly, compensation shall be awarded to a child or adult whose property has been vandalized by the wild animals.
In the recent attack by a herd of elephants, no deaths were reported however, three residents were injured during the invading massive herbivores that also destroyed more than 80 hectares of crops valued at over frw 6Million.
Intervention of a noisy RDF helicopter scared the elephants away until the elephants returned into the park.
In February the governor of Eastern province Aisha Kirabo kacyira had promised that residents in the area attacked by invading animals from the national parks would be compensated, “the long standing issue of Park animals, is about to be resolved…it was discussed at all levels. Very soon, victims will start to get compensation, so no more worries”.
additional reporting by Andrew Kareba
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