(Kalangala) – A woman fetching water from Lake Victoria on Bunjaazi Island met a tragic end when a crocodile attacked her, sparking concern among local residents over the growing dangers posed by wildlife near the lake.
Shock swept through the community of Kyondo landing site in Kyamuswa sub-county after the crocodile fatally attacked Nakalyango Specioza, a mother and wife of Pastor Fred, on Monday evening, November 11, 2024. Specioza, who leaves behind a four month old baby, was reportedly standing by the lake’s edge when the reptile struck.
According to Simplex Ampulire, the Local Council 1 chairperson, the attack occurred around 5:00 PM. “As she was standing on the shores, a crocodile attacked, grabbed her, and disappeared with her,” Ampulire recounted.
Efforts to recover her remains have so far been unsuccessful, with residents conducting searches along the lakeshore.
Kyamuswa sub-county vice-chairperson Veronica Nakasiita urged the government to provide alternative water sources to prevent similar tragedies. “Even children are at risk because they are often sent by their parents to fetch water. The wildlife authority must intervene, as this crocodile has been sighted at multiple locations by fishermen and locals,” Nakasiita said.
Such incidents are not uncommon on Bunjaazi Island. Last year, a 12 year old boy was killed in a crocodile attack, with some of his remains later found floating on the lake. Additionally, one individual survived an attack but lost a leg. Livestock, including pigs, goats, and poultry, have also fallen victim to these predators.
Recent Crocodile Attacks
| Year | Victim | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Nakalyango Specioza | Fatal, body unrecovered |
| 2023 | 12 year old boy | Fatal, partial remains recovered |
| 2023 | Unnamed adult male survivor | Lost leg, survived attack |
Residents are calling for immediate action, emphasizing the need for shallow wells or boreholes to eliminate reliance on the crocodile infested lake. Many believe a response from the Uganda Wildlife Authority could mitigate the dangers posed by the rising human wildlife conflict in the region.
