Remains of missing Kalangala girl recovered after crocodile attack

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Fishermen and residents of Bugaba Island at Kyankolokolo landing site in Bufumira sub-county have retrieved the remains of Namirimu Namirembe, a 16-year-old girl, after a four-day search.

Namirimu was attacked and killed by a crocodile on December 4 2025, while fetching water for bathing. Her body went missing immediately after the attack, as crocodiles are known to hide fresh kills for several days before feeding on them.

According to eyewitness Steven Balyejjusa, the incident occurred at about 6.30 pm as the deceased and other children were collecting water from the lake for domestic use.

“I saw them from a distance as I was fishing, they were shouting that the late had disappeared, and when I tried to come closer, the crocodile resurfaced with her on top three times. We couldn’t help because it was already dark at night,” he says.

Balyejjusa said the number of crocodiles in the area has increased significantly, estimating more than 40, which fishermen frequently encounter during expeditions.

“The whole island is surrounded by them, leaving no room for anyone who falls victim to remain alive,” says Balyejjusa.

Walimbwa Abudallah, the landing site defence officer, said the remains were found two kilometres from where the attack occurred.

“It was today, Monday morning, and while searching, we found her on the shoreline near Kaazi landing site on Bugaba island,” says Abudallah.

He urged the government to provide safe piped water to reduce the increasing number of such tragic incidents.

Alex Lwankulanga, the area chairperson, called on the Uganda Wildlife Authority to intervene and protect fishing communities from the growing crocodile population.

“We contacted them before this incident, but they never showed up. These crocodiles in this bay are seen every day, they feast on animals such as goats, pigs, calves and now, they are turning to our children, and this is so worrying,” said Nalongo Nnalubaale, the mother of the deceased.

According to a postmortem report, the deceased received no immediate assistance after the attack, and the crocodile had ripped off her left leg.

Recent incidents

Last year, a 14-year-old student at Lulamba landing site was killed by a crocodile, and none of his remains were recovered, leaving the community devastated.

In November 2024, a crocodile killed a mother on Bunjaazi Island in Kyamuswa while she fetched water along the lakeshore.

In February this year, a crocodile attacked and killed a 14-year-old holidaymaker on Lulamba Island. None of his remains were recovered.

In October this year, a fisherman at Buyange landing site was killed by a crocodile while on a fishing expedition.

These are among several reported cases of mothers and children being killed by crocodiles, leaving families in prolonged grief.

Call for help

Allen Nuwewenka, a women’s leader in the area, appealed to the Government to provide clean and safe water, saying this would protect children from such attacks.

“If the Government could establish piped water and boreholes, our lives and our children will also be safe from such attacks,” she adds.

Fred Badda, the resident district commissioner, said a team from UWA will visit the islands to sensitise communities on how to coexist safely with wildlife, since crocodiles primarily inhabit the lakeshores.

“I urge parents to keenly look after their children so that they don’t play near lake shores where these animals harbour,” he says.

Namirembe, the deceased, was a 16-year-old footballer on the islands, and burial arrangements are ongoing.