Executive Summary by Uganda Wildlife Research and Training Institute
This concept proposes the production of a dramatized film and an English-language documentary which will be translated into the local dialects, is designed to educate the communities of Katwe-Kabatoro Town Council and other fishing villages in Kasese District, Uganda, about the behaviors of crocodiles and how to safely co-exist with them. The initiative responds to a growing number of fatal crocodile attacks affecting fishermen, women, children, and livestock owners living at the shores of Lakes Edward and George.
This innovative community education initiative will produce two complementary films; a one hour dramatized feature in the local Lutoro and Lhukonzo languages, accompanied by an English-language documentary for broader dissemination to address the critical issue of human-crocodile conflict in Uganda's Kasese District. Specifically targeting high-risk communities in Katwe-Kabatoro Town Council and neighbouring fishing villages along Lakes Edward and George, the project responds to an escalating crisis of fatal crocodile attacks that have claimed the lives of fishermen, women collecting water, children playing near shorelines, and livestock owners.
Human–wildlife conflict, particularly crocodile attacks, has become an urgent threat to communities along the shores of Lakes Edward and George in Kasese District, Uganda. In Katwe-Kabatoro Town Council and surrounding fishing villages such as Kahendero, Hamukungu, Kayanja, Kasenyi, and Nyakatonzi, more than 30 people have lost their lives and many others injured in the last three years alone. Children collecting water, women, and fishermen are among the most vulnerable. In addition, livestock losses have worsened household poverty, while myths and misinformation continue to dominate local perceptions of crocodiles.
Despite the scale of the problem, there is limited infrastructure for prevention—such as warning signage, safe watering points, or enclosures—and communities lack coordinated education on crocodile behavior or survival strategies. While Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has occasionally relocated problem crocodiles, and the Uganda Biodiversity Fund (UBF) calls for creative awareness approaches, these interventions remain insufficient. Lessons from India, Kenya, and Australia demonstrate that culturally tailored community education, particularly through visual storytelling, can significantly reduce fatalities.
This project proposes a 12-month film-based intervention led by the Uganda Wildlife Research and Training College (UWRTC) and partners to raise awareness, promote safe practices, and strengthen resilience in high-risk lakeside communities. Using dramatized storytelling and factual documentary formats, the films will explain crocodile behavior, risk zones, and safety strategies in relatable ways. The content will be produced in English, Rutoro, and Lhukonzo to maximize accessibility, reduce human–crocodile conflict by increasing community awareness and promoting safe practices. Develop culturally relevant dramatized films and documentaries in local languages. Dispel myths and replace fear with factual, practical knowledge and promote behavioural change among high-risk groups such as fishermen, women, children, and livestock owners and Create a scalable conservation awareness model for other crocodile-prone regions in Uganda and East Africa.
By blending scientific knowledge with culturally appropriate dramatized storytelling, this project offers a sustainable, scalable solution to reduce human–crocodile conflict in Kasese and beyond. It empowers communities with life-saving knowledge, protects vulnerable groups, and strengthens coexistence between people and wildlife
The total estimated cost of the project is USD 125,000.
For further information please contact Dagmar Sawistowsky [email protected] or Emmanuel Okech Emmanuel Okech [email protected]
