BY JOACKIM KULE MUHESI
There was panic among the residents of Muhokya Town Council in Kasese District when a baboon from the Queen Elizabeth National Park today afternoon stormed a section of Christians at Muhokya Roman Catholic Church in the Diocese of Kasese as they were reciting the rosary.
The baboon which was being run after by a group of children from the same community, found two women having entered the church building to mark the beginning of October which is usually known as the rosary month in the catholic faith.
Halima Kabugho, a 12-year-old resident of Muhokya Central Ward who was among those who were chasing the baboon after it had appeared in their home compound, said they developed fear and decided to chase it in a group so that it goes back to the park.
But she noted that it surprisingly continued to traverse into the community land until it found the church building open and entered immediately, disrupting the people who were praying.
Henry Baluku, another resident who was seeking shelter in the church compound, testified that when he heard an alarm from the people who had already entered the church building for the rosary month, he immediately called other energetic boys from the trading center who later informed the local council authorities that notified UWA officials for rescue.
Saveri Tushabomwe, a former Councilor representing Muhokya Central Ward to Muhokya Town Council, regretted the incident, noting that it had been a long time when the residents were witnessing stary animals from the park.
When our reporter approached Uganda Wildlife Authority, one of the officials who had reached the scene and preferred anonymity described the rescue mission as a successful one with the help of residents.
He, however, revealed that they suspected the baboon could have been disturbed by some poachers in the park. ENDS