Two killed by stray elephants

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Oyam-Residents of Nora village in Juma parish Kamdini Sub County in Oyam district are mourning the death of two people who were attacked and killed by stray elephants over the weekend.

The deceased have been identified as Dorcus Awino, a 29-year-old mother of two, who was seven-months pregnant at the time of the incident, and a 14-year-old pupil of Aber Primary School, identified as Daniel Oryang.

Moses Kego, the deceased's husband said that his wife had gone to buy pain killers at Nora trading centre. "This was at around 6: 30 pm. 

It was a painful thing to watch as the helpless victim was stamped down by the beasts, before trampling on her as they wandered in the village," Kego said.

Kego said he saw one of the animals step on the expectant Awino's belly before stabbing with its tusk. 

Meanwhile, Oryang is said to have been attacked on Saturday morning as was playing at his parents' home, in Obapo village, Akaka parish, Aber Sub County. His parents had reportedly gone gardening.

Oryang was rushed to St Pope John's hospital Aber in critical condition.

The death of the expectant mother brings the total number of deaths resulting from attacks from stray elephants to over. 

When contacted, Wilson Kagoro, warden community conservation at Murchison falls national park confirmed the incident and admitted that the high population of elephants along the park line in the area was the cause of the frequent attacks.

"It is very unfortunate and we regret the incident," said Kagoro, who also added that the Police were alerted, and her body picked. "We will console and support her family at this painful moment as UWA," Kagoro said.

According to him, human-wildlife conflict is a big problem in the area, and UWA is doing all it takes to secure the lives of people in the area.

"Our officers from Karuma are already on the ground to repel and drive

back the elephants. We are currently digging trenches along the borderline right from Kiryandongo to avoid these kinds of occurrences," he added.

Victor Saasi Kule, Oyam district police commander told New Vision that the body of the victims had been retrieved and availed to Anyeke Health Centre IV for a postmortem procedure.

"We have confirmed the victims' particulars. The family of the woman said she was pregnant and it is true she was killed by elephants," Kule said.

Several villages in Kamdini Sub County now stay in fear and are counting losses as stray elephants continue to destroy their properties.

Patrick Acuma one of resident in the area said that since 2010, the local community along the Murchison falls has been experiencing attacks from stray elephants.