BY EDITOR
Kasese, Uganda – A 48-year-old man from Kahendero Fish Landing Site in Muhokya Sub-county is currently receiving medical treatment at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital in Kasese town after being attacked by a hippopotamus. The incident occurred last evening around 7:00 PM, leaving the victim, identified as Joseph Irumba, with severe injuries.
Mr. Juma Alube, the Local Council I Chairperson for Kahendero Fish Landing Site, confirmed the incident to Messiah Radio. According to Alube, Joseph Irumba was attacked by the hippopotamus while he was attempting to fetch water from Lake George. The powerful animal suddenly attacked him, inflicting multiple injuries on his body.
Following the incident, Mr. Alube appealed to the government to provide an alternative source of water for residents living along the shores of the lake. He emphasized the importance of curbing the practice of fetching water directly from the lake for domestic use. Providing a safe and accessible water supply would help protect the community from further encounters with wildlife, reducing the risk of such dangerous incidents.
Hippopotamuses are known to be territorial and can become aggressive if they feel threatened or disturbed. Living in close proximity to their habitat poses risks to the local population, particularly when accessing essential resources like water. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for measures to ensure the safety of residents and mitigate potential conflicts between humans and wildlife.
The injured Joseph Irumba is currently receiving medical care at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital, where doctors are treating his injuries and monitoring his condition. The local authorities and wildlife officials have been alerted about the incident, and efforts will be made to address the concerns raised by the community regarding water access and safety.
As the incident highlights the importance of coexistence between humans and wildlife, it is hoped that the necessary steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. Safeguarding both the welfare of the community and the preservation of the local wildlife remains a crucial objective for the authorities involved.