UWA relocates crocodiles after deadly attacks in Kalangala

Following a series of attacks on islanders, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has launched an operation to capture and relocate man-eating crocodiles from the Ssese islands, aiming to ease fears among parents and fishermen.

In the latest operations at Mwena and Lutoboka landing sites in Kalangala Town Council on Bugala Island, three crocodiles were captured and relocated to a game reserve.

This came after a tragic incident in which a crocodile attacked and killed a 14-year-old boy at Misonzi landing site in Bufumira sub-county on Lulamba Island.

Witnesses say the horrifying scene of the child being torn apart by the reptile remains etched in their memories. His friends, who desperately tried to save him, narrowly escaped becoming victims themselves.

His cries for help still haunt those who heard them, yet his remains are yet to be found.

“At first, I thought it was a joke, but when I reached him and tried to pull him out, he seemed stuck at the bottom of the lake. I kept trying, but I was overpowered,” said Peter Ssenabulya, the boy’s brother.

His father, Godfrey Byakatonda Lubowa, expressed the family’s pain, saying, “We feel the pain of not burying him. We would at least have wanted a hand, leg, or any part of his remains for a special send-off rather than just losing him completely.”

UWA responds

Following the community outcry over the attack, UWA deployed its Problem Animal Control Unit (PACU) to trap the crocodiles.

The operation, which began on the evening of February 10, 2024, was a joint effort between UWA and the Special Forces Command (SFC).

By Wednesday and Thursday, three crocodiles had been captured, bringing the total number of problem crocodiles removed from the islands to seven.

Earlier, another crocodile had been caught and relocated after killing a four-month-old baby and her mother at Kyondo landing site on Bunjazi Island in Kyamuswa sub-county.

Speaking after the operation, UWA’s Oswald Tumanya urged fishermen to avoid fishing in bays, which serve as breeding grounds for crocodiles.

“Not every crocodile eats humans, but there is always one. We hope we have captured it. Our appeal to the community is to stop sending children to play in the lake because these animals can track their prey for days,” said Tumanya.

He added that while UWA cannot eliminate all crocodiles, they will continue removing those identified as dangerous.

Islanders speak out

Benedicto Kiwanuka Sentongo, 84, said he had never witnessed such frequent crocodile attacks in Lulamba before.

“We hope our children are safe now, but UWA needs to educate islanders on how to coexist with these aquatic creatures without harming them,” said Raucadia Nabakooza.

Bulhan Sengendo called for extended operations lasting at least two weeks to ensure all dangerous crocodiles are removed.

“Our prayers are to recover any remains of our son’s body so we can bury him with cultural dignity,” said Rebecca Bukirwa.

Vincent Balikoowa, a landing site defence officer, warned parents against sending children to fetch water from the lake when there is a functioning borehole at the landing site.“Whenever such incidents happen, people suspect witchcraft, thinking their relatives are behind the deaths. But after sensitisation, islanders now understand what to do in such situations,” said John Byekwaso, the youth councillor.

It should be noted that none of the remains of the 14-year-old boy have been recovered.

Other wildlife concerns

Meanwhile, residents of Maboga village in Mugoye sub-county are grappling with another wildlife threat—hippos destroying their crops.

The animals have become a serious danger to humans, having killed four fishermen in the past two years.

Godfrey Ssali, the village chairperson, said despite repeated appeals to UWA since 2023, no significant action has been taken to address the problem.