Python scares parliament staff
Jan 18, 2019
“It is a constrictor, it feeds by constricting. The python swallows everything. Their numbers are getting low because people are encroaching on their habitats,” said Musoke.
Mutegensi and Musoke holding the python for the public to see. Photo by John Odyek.
By John Odyek
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
KAMPALA - A python, nearly two meters long and six years old, has been been living at parliament for nearly a week.
The African rock snake sent chills down the spines of parliament staff, most especially ladies.
Henry Musoke, a marketing officer at UWEC said pythons live in wetlands where they get prey like small rodents, rats, squirrels and small antelopes.
"It is a constrictor, it feeds by constricting. The python swallows everything. Their numbers are getting low because people are encroaching on their habitats," said Musoke.
Mutegensi and Musoke holding the python for the public to see
He further revealed that the python had been picked from Nakawuka Village in Wakiso District.
It was however brought to parliament by Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), to provide awareness about conservation and the environment.
Ignatius Mutegensi, a zoo keeper at UWEC assured that in the evenings, the giant snake together with other pythons is checked, fed and made to rest. It is also attended to by a veterinary doctor before it's brought to parliament the following day.
The python is on display for the 2019 Parliament week where various government institutions and agencies, have been invited to give accountability to the public which has also been granted access to parliament premises.
Musoke feeding the African grey parrot
Also on display is the African grey parrot which mimics MPs' debating skills and sessions.
This year's parliament week is held under theme; ‘Championing accountability to improve service delivery'.
The public parliament chaired by the speaker, Rebecca Kadaga is slated for Friday. It is here that the public will echo their ideas, expectations and challenges the over 300 MPs are expected to address.
The Parliament week kicked off Sunday with a fundraiser walk where sh42.8m was collected and given to Persons with Albinism (PWA).