Tensions are mounting in Agago District following a series of deadly elephant attacks that reportedly killed three people and injured two others in five days, with two elephants subsequently found dead in separate villages.
The elephants were discovered on Wednesday morning in Bwol Village, Lukole Sub-county, and Te-Obiya Village, Lapono Sub-county.
Their deaths came hours after the latest reported attacks, amid growing anger among residents over the threat posed by roaming wildlife.
According to accounts from affected communities, a herd of more than 70 elephants believed to have strayed from Kidepo Valley National Park entered farmland in the two villages on Tuesday morning.
James Erin, 32, who had moved from Alebtong District to farm in Agago, and Palex Oyo, 15, were reportedly killed in the attacks. Rose Awor, 60, and Robert Mwaka, 16, suffered serious injuries.
The latest incidents followed the reported death of 16-year-old Oyoo Marachiliano, who was allegedly trampled by an elephant on October 12. The fatalities bring the reported death toll from elephant attacks in the district to three within five days.
Beyond the loss of life, residents say the incursions have devastated livelihoods, destroying more than 180 acres of crops belonging to over 203 families.
The affected crops include cassava, maize, sorghum, pigeon peas and sunflower. Residents say they are still waiting for compensation from UWA for wildlife-related losses.
The deaths of the two elephants have further underscored the growing conflict between communities seeking protection and wildlife authorities responsible for managing human-wildlife encounters.
