Kirehe District has started constructing a 30-kilometre protective trench along the Akagera River valley to shield communities in Mpanga and Mahama sectors from destructive hippo incursions. ALSO READ: Hippo kills farmer in late night attack The Rwf44 million initiative—funded jointly by the district, local residents, and the Special Guarantee Fund—began in June and is expected to be completed within three months. The SGF is a government-backed fund designed to compensate victims of accidents caused by unidentified or uninsured vehicles, as well as damages caused by wild animals. ALSO READ: Four killed in Muhazi hippo attack For years, hippos coming from the river have destroyed crops, disrupted livelihoods and, in some cases, caused fatal attacks. The trench is being hailed by residents as a long over due solution to a persistent problem that has hindered agricultural development and put lives at risk. ALSO READ: Gishwati-Mukura: Locals use bees to mitigate human-wildlife conflict “They [hippos] are extremely destructive,” said Argentine Nikuze, a farmer from Mahama Sector. “Just recently, they killed a man’s sheep and a calf. They destroy everything. We’ve needed this trench for years.” In May 2025, local authorities confirmed that two Burundian refugees from Mahama refugee camp were killed by hippos in separate incidents. In response, trench excavation began in Mahama and will extend into Mpanga Sector. Officials say the barrier will significantly reduce the threat hippos pose directly to people and their farms. “The hippos used to destroy everything,” said Evariste Gakuba, a resident of Mahama. “We would cultivate crops but never harvest. Now that the trench is being built, we can farm with confidence.” Marie Uwajeneza another resident in Mahama said that: “They left us with nothing and even attacked people. We’re relieved that the trench will finally keep them away.” Florence Nibakure, the Acting Director of the Special Guarantee Fund, said the initiative is part of a wider effort to safeguard communities, enhance agricultural productivity, and protect aquatic biodiversity. “We are digging this trench so that residents can cultivate peacefully and increase their yields,” she said. “While SFG offers compensation for damage caused by wildlife, our priority is prevention. That is why we are investing in this solution. We urge the community to protect the trench from damage or obstruction.” The Mayor of Kirehe District, Bruno Rangira, called on residents to support the project. “This is a sustainable response to a long-standing issue,” he said. “Many people have experienced poor harvests or delays in compensation. But with this trench in place, hippos will no longer be able to cross into your fields. Those participating in the construction will be paid, and everyone must play a role in ensuring it is maintained in good condition.”
