Residents near the Kasese area, close to the Mubuku Irrigation Project in Uganda, were gripped by panic after six lions escaped from Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The incident led to the deaths of three cows and forced locals to stay indoors, avoiding farms for safety.
Witnesses reported seeing the lions roaming the surrounding bushlands early in the morning, heightening fears in nearby villages amid the absence of immediate measures to contain the threat.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) deployed field teams to track the escaped lions and return them to their natural habitat.
UWA spokesperson Bashir Hangi confirmed that an initial compensation of 3.5 million Ugandan shillings has been allocated for affected families and urged victims to submit official claims for full compensation.
Despite these steps, villagers and farmers remain concerned, calling for broader government intervention to ensure they can safely resume their agricultural and pastoral activities, emphasizing that the loss of livestock threatens their main source of livelihood.
The Uganda Police also warned residents to exercise caution, particularly during early morning and evening hours when lion attacks are more likely.
Nelson Tomushimi, spokesperson for the Eastern Rwenzori Police, advised extra precautions, including escorting children to school and avoiding isolated areas.
Security forces and the wildlife authority continue to monitor the situation closely, urging locals to report any lion sightings immediately to ensure rapid response and reduce risks.
While residents await a return to normalcy, anxiety persists in surrounding villages as the six lions remain free in the bush.
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