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MASINDI

In Masindi district's Bodongo sub-county village: Maramu, a four-month-old baby has found itself entangled in an unexpected encounter between its mother and a chimpanzee.

According to Agnes Azaru, the mother of the child, a mischievous chimpanzee lurked in the forested and bushy environs that surround a footpath leading to a water source.

As the sun set upon the village, Azaru ventured into the forest to draw water. Little did she know that this routine task would turn out differently this time around. A chimpanzee seized her bundle of joy from the safety of her back.

Azaru had to use all her might and wisdom to rescue her baby from the clutches of the ape. However, the saving came at a high cost: The baby was injured, especially in its private parts, which left the mother sombre and bitter.

Azaru's baby is now undergoing treatment at Masindi Kitara Hospital where she has been admitted. While there is hope of the baby fully recovering from the injuries, there is fear from the family over its inability to fully bear the burden of medical bills and upkeed during the hospitalisation time.

"I am appealing for financial assistance from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to help me treat my child. The Government should construct water sources for them to enable them to stop fetching water to avoid such incidences," she said.

Dr Michael Otaro, who is treating the baby, said it sustained injuries on the scrotal sack, adding that the condition will be managed but it needs time since the injury is in a very sensitive body part.

Budongo sub-county chairperson Julius Kyahura said cases of chimpanzees grabbing children from their mothers are common and that this is the third in two years.

He, however, criticised UWA for not responding positively each time such incidents happen despite being informed about them.

The chairperson says the sub-county has embarked on constructing boreholes in the areas near the forests to avoid similar attacks in the area.

District chairperson Cosmas Byaruhanga expressed concern about the attack, noting that he had notified UWA officials about the incident and they were waiting for a report from the Police about it so that they could do something.

Byaruhanga advised the family of the baby to use the law that compels UWA to compensate the people affected by wild animals so that they can get compensated for the attack on the baby.

Park warden speaks out

According to Fred Kiiza, the Murchison falls National Park chief warden, no one had reached them with the information regarding the attack noting that when they get it, they will foot all the medical bills.

"This is unfortunate but I am going to follow it up and we come out with the appropriate compensation. We also need to know whether the animal went out or it was being poached because it's also important," he said.