Fisherman survives being mauled by crocodile
Jul 05, 2020
Narrating his ordeal, Ochira said that in the bid to fend for his family, he had sneaked to the shallow waters to cast his nets, unaware that the reptile was lying in wait to confront intruders.
BUYENDE - A 27-year-old fisherman in Buyende district cheated death on Friday when he was attacked by a hungry crocodile which sunk its teeth in his chest, almost mauling him.
James Ochira, a resident of Kyoga zone near Bukungu landing site in Bukungu Town Council, had defied the prevailing fish ban on Lake Kyoga, only to be attacked by the reptile.
Narrating his ordeal, Ochira said that in the bid to fend for his family, he had sneaked to the shallow waters to cast his nets, unaware that the reptile was lying in wait to confront intruders.
"It grabbed me from the boat and threw me in the water. Its sharp teeth sunk into my back and in my chest, as I struggled for my life," he said.
He added that the reptile then started pulling him into the deeper waters but miraculously, his aggressive protests forced the reptile to lose grip.
He then scampered in a creeping motion to the shallower waters, screaming and shouting in anguish, before the residents heard the screams and rushed to the scene, only to find him panting with blood oozing from the wounds.
He was rushed to Bukungu Health Centre III, where he was given first aid and later admitted.
The LC1 Chairman for Kyoga zone, Hussein Ssengendo, said that the flooded waters which submerged the shoreline and residences have attracted the reptiles to move as far as the extended waters.
Emma Segujja Kabenge, the Mayor of Bukungu Tow Council, warned the fishermen against risking their lives in the crocodile-infested waters.
Ochira praised the Lord for saving him from the jaws of death.
The ordeal comes during the prevailing fishing ban which was imposed on Lake Kyoga last September 2019, before the COVID¬19 lockdown in March 2020.
Muwadi advised the fishing community to adhere to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries regulations, which require the registration of boats, issuance of fishing licences to individuals, as well as boat owners acquiring Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).