KISORO, Uganda – Shock and grief have engulfed the Mikingo Batwa community in Kisoro Municipality after three pigs worth about 1.2 million shillings were allegedly poisoned to death using acid in what residents believe to be politically motivated sabotage.
The pigs were part of a poverty-alleviation project launched on 22nd July 2025 by Dr. Leo Mfitimana, a Kisoro Municipality parliamentary aspirant in the upcoming 2026 general elections. The project involved two boars, one gilt, and a pigsty, aimed at boosting household incomes within the Batwa community. By September, each pig was valued at about 400,000 shillings.
However, on Monday, 15th September 2025, the community woke up to the shocking news that all three pigs had been poisoned.
Residents of the Batwa community expressed grief and anger over the incident, describing the pigs as their source of livelihood. They called on authorities to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice, accusing hooligans of sabotaging development efforts in the area.
The chairperson of the Mikingo Batwa community, Musabyi Michael, confirmed the incident and claimed it was politically motivated by rivals contesting against Dr. Mfitimana.
Musabyi said suspects are being followed up and revealed that at the time of the incident, the alleged perpetrators dismissed the pigs’ condition as drunkenness, which left him shocked.
Kisoro District Animal Husbandry Officer, Tadeo Habiyaremye, who visited the scene, said preliminary signs indicated the pigs were poisoned. He warned that such acts could discourage animal rearing in the future.
In response, Dr. Leo Mfitimana condemned the incident but pledged to revive the project. He promised to donate another three pigs, two goats, reconstruct a modern pigsty, and install solar lighting within the Batwa community to enhance security.
He also confirmed that the matter has been reported to police and investigations are ongoing.
