By Chris Kiwawulo

A TEAM of experts from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Uganda Wildlife Education Centre have rescued a giant python from Nakaseke district.

An officer from the centre, Julius Abigaba, said the male python was found at nakaseke Teachers training college farm in Kivule village on Thursday.

Measuring approximately four metres long, the reptile was found coiled near a borehole that is being drilled for the teachers’ college.

Wildlife experts swung into action as the reptile sneaked into the bush, apparently waiting for its prey.

Using a two-pronged stick, Oswald Tumanya tactfully held the python’s head against the ground while his colleagues took hold of the tail. A scuffle ensued as the reptile wiggled in their hands in an attempt to free itself. It was taken to the education centre in Entebbe.

Residents informed the rescue team that an unidentified man had earlier killed two pythons on the farm. They also reported that there was a leopard looming in the village.

Abigaba said there could be many more pythons in the farm, including the parents of the captured reptile.

While in the wilderness, a python feeds on rats, squirrels and antelopes. But while at the centre, Abigaba said they feed them on chicken, rabbits and goats.

As for the reported leopard, Abigaba said they would first lay a trap before they could venture into rescuing it.
He asked residents to monitor its movements.