Residents of Maboga village in Mugoye sub-county, Kalangala district, are living in fear due to ongoing attacks by hippopotamuses from Lake Victoria, forcing concerns about potential displacement.
The hippos, known to reside near the lake shoreline, have crossed 200 meters beyond their usual boundaries, causing destruction to homes and crops, escalating worries within the community.
Yuda Tadeo Kigula, an affected resident, expressed concern over the increasing hippo attacks, stating that the animals have breached the buffer zone, destroyed crops, and even ventured onto people’s premises, creating a perilous situation for residents.
Due to the absence of piped water, parents send children to fetch water from the lake shoreline, which has become risky as hippos now inhabit the area. Residents report feeling unsafe to move around after 7:00 pm due to the fear of hippo attacks.
Maboga village chairperson, Godfrey Ssali, revealed that five people have lost their lives due to hippo attacks, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention. Despite constant appeals to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), there has been no response, and the hippos have encroached further into residential areas.
Kyomya Twaha, the Kibanga landing site chairperson, highlighted the impact on fishermen, with three losing their lives to hippo attacks. He called on the government to provide assistance, as the animals are now causing destruction within people’s premises.
Bambalazaabwe Ssemakula, an island native, appealed to the UWA to grant permission for the community to address the issue, citing the hindrance to economic activities and the danger posed to residents.
Bashir Hangi, the UWA spokesperson, advised residents and leaders to formally contact them, providing a contact person for necessary guidance in case of deployment. Meanwhile, residents have taken to lighting fires at night as a protective measure to deter the invading hippos.
