KASESE, UGANDA – The shores of Lake Edward became the scene of a tragedy after a hippopotamus emerged from a swamp and killed an elderly man who was collecting water.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The deceased has been identified as Kabunga Francis, 60, a resident of Kigabo Cell, Kahendero Ward, who met his death on the morning of Monday, January 17, 2025.
Reliable sources indicate that Francis had gone to a swamp bordering Lake Edward to fetch water for domestic use. His body was later discovered by area residents near the swamp.
The Rwenzori East Region Police Spokesperson, SP Nelson Tumushime, confirmed that police responded swiftly after being alerted by community members.
Police at Kasese Central Police Station have opened an investigation into the death, which highlights the ongoing human-wildlife conflict faced by communities near protected areas.
Following the attack, police and wildlife authorities strongly cautioned residents living adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park, as they have faced numerous dangerous encounters with wildlife.
Tumushime stated that the police have issued a strong reminder that hippos are highly territorial and aggressive, urging the public to respect wildlife boundaries by avoiding protected habitats.
“We are urging the public to respect wildlife boundaries by avoiding protected habitats and to immediately report any threats to the authorities,” Tumushime stated.
The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any wildlife threats or sightings to the nearest police or park authorities to ensure a swift response.
Communities bordering Queen Elizabeth National Park have endured repeated and often dangerous conflicts with the park’s wildlife, a persistent struggle that underscores the complex challenge of human-animal coexistence.
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