Uganda Wildlife Authority Fights Cross-Border Wildfire with Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Firebreaks

• A wildfire that was burning in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park prompted Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) officials to create firebreaks along the Ugandan side of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
• The fire was estimated to be about 1.5 kilometers inside Rwandan territory and was closely monitored by authorities on both sides of the border.
• Local communities joined UWA in establishing firebreaks and supporting firefighting efforts.

Our team will continue clearing ground and ensure the fire does not cross into Uganda if it advances towards the border.

In response to a wildfire that was burning in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) joined forces with local communities to create firebreaks and prevent the spread of the blaze into Uganda. The fire, estimated to be about 1.5 kilometers inside Rwandan territory, was closely monitored by authorities on both sides of the border. Residents from villages bordering Mgahinga Gorilla National Park were quick to respond, mobilizing to areas along the Ugandan side of the park to help establish firebreaks and support firefighting efforts.

The current incident is not an isolated event. In 2009, a forest fire that started accidentally in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park spread across the border towards the slopes of Mount Muhabura in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The joint efforts of park authorities, security personnel, and local communities from both countries ultimately brought the blaze under control, but not before it destroyed hundreds of hectares of vegetation. This history of collaboration highlights the importance of continued cooperation in preventing cross-border wildfires.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a critical conservation area, home to mountain gorillas and other wildlife. The recent wildfire posed a significant threat to these efforts, and authorities on both sides of the border worked together to contain the blaze. Lawyers advising clients with interests in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or nearby areas should be aware of the situation and consider advising on emergency response plans and compliance with relevant regulations.

Lawyers advising clients with interests in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or nearby areas should be aware of the ongoing wildfire and potential impacts on conservation efforts, and may need to advise on emergency response plans and compliance with relevant regulations.

Source: Original reporting via Nile Post