By Ahmed Matovu
KASESE: Police in Katwe – Kabatoro, in Kasese district registered an incident of a hippo attack after it grabbed a two year old boy and swallowed half of his body.
The police spokesperson Fred Enanga identified the victim as Iga Paul and was attacked on 04.12.2022, at around 3pm, while playing at their home in Rwenjubu cell, Lake Katwe – Kabatoro Town Council in Kasese District.
According to Enanga the home is about 800meters from Lake Edward.
This is the first such incident where a hippo strayed out of Lake Edward and attacked a young child.
It took the bravery of Chrispas Bagonza, who was nearby, to save the victim after he stoned the hippo and scared it, causing it to release the victim from its mouth.
Enanga says the victim was immediately rushed for treatment to a nearby clinic, for injuries on the hand and later transferred to Bwera Hospital for further treatment.
”He recovered fully and was discharged, after receiving a vaccine for rabies. He was thereafter, handed over to the parents by police,” Enanga said.
The police mouthpiece asked residents near animal sanctuaries and habitats to be vigilant saying wild animals see humans as a threat and any interaction can cause them to act strangely or aggressively.
He challenged residents neighboring within Queen Elizabeth National Park, to remain vigilant and always alert UWA rangers, about animals that have strayed into their neighbourhoods.
