Uganda's Endangered Crested Crane Faces Threats from Farmers and Habitat Loss

UGUganda|

The iconic crested crane, a symbol of Uganda's national identity, is at risk of extinction, with its population plummeting from over 100,000 in the 1970s to just 10,000 today, according to Nature Uganda. Farmers in western Uganda report that the birds damage crops, leading many to disregard laws protecting them, which mandate life sentences or hefty fines for those who kill a crane.

Local conservationists highlight that traditional beliefs once revered the bird, with a history of superstitions discouraging its killing. However, as crop damage rises due to an expanding agricultural sector, including encroachment into crucial wetlands, farmers increasingly resort to poisoning the birds. "One of the biggest threats against cranes is poisoning by farmers," noted Gilbert Tayebwa, a conservation officer.

Despite conservation efforts and government rallies to restore wetlands, the situation remains dire. Adalbert Ainomucunguzi of the International Crane Foundation warns that without immediate intervention, Uganda faces the loss of this treasured species. The Ugandan government has declared 2025 a "Year of Wetland Conservation" to address the pressing crisis.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Uganda

Uganda President’s Son Posts Torture Video on Social Media

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and current Commander of Uganda's Armed Forces, has sparked outrage by sharing a disturbing video on social media platform X, depicting the torture of opposition activist Edward Ssebuufu. According to the Telegraph, Kainerugaba's posts revel in Ssebuufu's suffering, detailing his alleged cries and humiliation. Ssebuufu, Head of Security for opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, vanished following his arrest in Kampala on April 27, 2025. Four days later, Kainerugaba announced the activist was in his custody. In a series of tweets, the General boasted about the abuse Ssebuufu endured, even threatening further violence, including castration. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, seen as a potential successor to his 80-year-old father, has previously attracted attention for his controversial statements, including support for Russia and threats against neighboring Kenya. His actions have drawn condemnation both domestically and internationally, raising concerns about human rights abuses in Uganda.
UGUganda

Ugandan General Live-Tweets Torture of Opposition Activist

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, has controversially shared a video on X that depicts the torture of Edward Ssebuufu, a prominent opposition activist. The footage, which reportedly showcases Ssebuufu’s suffering, aims to highlight brutality under the current dictatorship, according to the Telegraph. Kainerugaba, who serves as Commander of Uganda's Armed Forces and is often seen as a potential successor to his father, shared several posts detailing Ssebuufu's ordeal, describing distressing actions taken against him. Various human rights advocates have condemned Kainerugaba’s behavior, which includes taunting the imprisoned activist by mentioning his physical pain. Ssebuufu, the head of security for opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, was arrested near Kampala on April 27 and reportedly went missing before Kainerugaba's posts revealed his captivity. This disturbing episode follows a pattern of aggressive posturing by Kainerugaba, who has previously threatened military action against Kenya and expressed admiration for controversial figures like Vladimir Putin.
UGUganda

Kampala Tackles Air Pollution Crisis with New Technology

Authorities in Kampala, Uganda, are responding to a severe air quality crisis linked to over 7,000 deaths in the past four years. The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has installed 65 air quality sensors throughout the city to monitor pollution levels and inform response strategies, according to SciDev.net. Kampala's air pollution exceeds World Health Organization recommendations by eightfold, significantly affecting the health of its 5 million residents, with rising cases of heart disease, asthma, and other chronic conditions. Alex Ndyabakira, KCCA's head of air quality monitoring, highlighted plans to implement a train system on the Eastern route, which has been identified as heavily polluted. Key pollution sources include home energy use, transportation, and solid waste, with suggestions for mitigation such as transitioning to induction stoves or electric vehicles. Sumi Mehta, vice president of climate and environmental health at Vital Strategies, emphasized that advancements in technology make air quality monitoring more efficient and less costly, providing critical data for public health policies.
UGUganda
All Uganda News ->