Infant killed in fresh chimpanzee attack in Masindi
The tragic incident occurred on March 21, 2026, when the baby’s mother, along with other women, had gone to collect firewood near Budongo Forest.
Residents of Wiliya village in Budongo sub-county at the local clinic where the infant had been rushed for treatment. (Photo By Yosam Gucwaki)
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Residents of Wiliya village in Budongo subcounty, Bujenje county, Masindi district, are in shock after a chimpanzee attacked and killed a three-month-old baby.
The tragic incident occurred on March 21, 2026, when the baby’s mother, along with other women, had gone to collect firewood near Budongo Forest.
According to Harriet Katusiime, an eyewitness, the baby began crying, prompting the mother to breastfeed the child. During this time, chimpanzees reportedly emerged from the forest, grabbed the baby, and fled back into the forest.
Mark Bogere, another eyewitness, said he had gone to collect logs when he heard chimpanzees making loud noises. This prompted him to get a panga to scare them away and prevent possible attacks.
He explained that upon rushing to the scene, he found four chimpanzees, one of which was biting the baby. When he confronted them, the chimpanzees dropped the baby and ran back into the forest.
Eunice Candiru, a resident of Wiliya village, appealed for government intervention, noting that chimpanzees have started encroaching on people’s homes and attacking residents. She added that in February this year, another baby was killed in a similar attack in the same area.
Julius Birija, the baby’s father, said he was informed about the incident while at work. He noted that the baby died while being rushed to a clinic for treatment and appealed to the Uganda Wildlife Authority to intervene, citing repeated fatal attacks in the area.
Alfred Musinguzi, another resident, attributed the increasing attacks to food scarcity, noting that chimpanzees often invade homes in search of food, especially during mango and jackfruit seasons.
He urged authorities to act, stating that residents cannot constantly stay home to guard their children at the expense of their livelihoods.
Hannington Andama, the area LC1 chairperson, confirmed the incident, stating he was informed at around 12:10pm when the women had gone to collect firewood near the forest. He warned that chimpanzees have become a serious threat, often venturing into communities.
Andama appealed to the government to fence off the forest and provide alternative water sources outside the forest to reduce human-wildlife contact.
When contacted, Wilson Kagoro, the Uganda Wildlife Authority conservation officer at Murchison Falls National Park, said he heard about the incident late in the evening. He confirmed that a team has been sent to assess the circumstances that led to the child’s death.
Kagoro noted that chimpanzee attacks and killings are among the compensable incidents if they occur on community land or in an unprotected or ungazetted area.
Kenneth Kiiza Nyendwoha, the Bujenje County Member of Parliament, said the area has registered an increase in wild animal attacks, particularly involving chimpanzees targeting young children.
He revealed that in the past four months, two children under one year have been killed, and at least eleven chimpanzee-related attacks have been recorded over the last seven months.
Nyendwoha added that he has repeatedly raised the matter with relevant ministries, including the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Ministry of Tourism, but no action has been taken. He called for urgent intervention to prevent further loss of life.