A 15-year-old boy is in critical condition at Rubuguri Health Centre IV after suffering severe buttocks injuries from a baboon attack this morning.
The victim, whose name has been withheld due to his age, is the son of Tuwangye Duriyano from Nyabaremura cell in Rubuguri town council, adjacent to Bwindi Gorilla National Park.
The attack occurred around 8 a.m. when the boy attempted to scare away a troop of baboons from their sweet potato garden. He had been tasked by his parents to protect the garden from wildlife, including baboons and monkeys, from Bwindi National Park.
Eyewitnesses reported that the troop leader became aggressive and attacked the boy, biting him multiple times on the buttocks. The boy fought for his life until he was rescued.
Nyabaremura LC1 Chairperson, Mujuni Ananius, confirmed the incident to Voice of Muhabura, adding that three people have been injured by baboons since last month. Two other victims are from neighboring Nombe cell.
Mujuni expressed concern over the lack of drugs at Rubuguri Health Centre IV and warned of the escalating threat posed by baboon attacks in Rubuguri town council. However, he assured the community that efforts to address the issue have begun.
Rushaga Park Warden, Ronald Tindyebwa, said he had not received an official report about the incident despite seeing photos of the victim on social media. He declined to comment on the security threat to communities living near Bwindi Gorilla National Park at this time.
