After months of roaming farmlands and damaging crops in Kamwenge District, a stray elephant has finally been captured and relocated to Kibale National Park, bringing relief to local communities.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) confirmed on Tuesday that its team safely sedated the bull elephant, which is estimated to be 20 years old and weighs 3,496 kilograms.
The elephant was fitted with a GPS collar for monitoring before being released in Kibale National Park.
This operation is being hailed as a major success for both community safety and wildlife conservation.
The UWA statement read, “After days of tracking and dramatic encounters, a dedicated team safely sedated a bull elephant weighing 3,496 kilograms, estimated to be 20 years old, fitted it with a GPS collar for monitoring, and successfully released it in Kibale National Park.” They also mentioned that the relocation marks “a major win for community safety and wildlife conservation.”
The elephant is believed to have strayed from Kibale National Park on September 27, 2025. During its time in Kamwenge District, it caused significant concern among residents. In February, locals from Kahunge and Kamwenge raised alarms about the animal’s presence, citing crop destruction and the risks it posed to human safety.
The most affected areas included Nyabishekye Village in Mpanga Parish, Mbuka II near River Mpanga, and parts of Kahunge Sub- County. Residents reported that the elephant destroyed banana plantations, maize fields, and cassava gardens, which are vital sources of food and household income.
Local leaders noted that the prolonged presence of the elephant heightened fears of food shortages and increased tensions within the affected communities.
The successful relocation is expected to restore calm, allowing residents to resume their daily activities without fear, while authorities continue to monitor the elephant using the GPS collar.