Residents of Bweema Islands in Buvuma district are in a jovial mood after the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) successfully captured two crocodiles that had been terrorizing the community.
The two crocodiles captured at the Kibibi and Kiriguma landing sites in Bweema sub-county, Buvuma district, were posing a significant risk to local fishermen and the nearby communities.
According to the locals, they were constantly living in fear due to the constant crocodile attacks on the shores of the lake.
Speaking to the media on November 25, 2024, one of the locals, Musa Sewajje, said that the captured crocodiles were commonly spotted at the shores and were believed to have been responsible for several attacks.
’’We have lost both adults and children due to these crocodiles; however, we are happy and so grateful to UWA for having listened to our cry,” he said.
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Bweema LC III Chairperson Richard Tumusiime said that the crocodiles in question have not only killed humans but also domestic animals, attributing the crocodile infestation in the area to the numerous fish breeding grounds that attract the crocodiles to the shores and prey on humans.
’’While the capture of these two deadly reptiles is a positive step, locals should remain vigilant about their safety and should avoid known crocodile breeding grounds when fishing or fetching water from the lake,’’ he noted.
Tumusime further called for continued efforts from UWA to monitor and manage crocodile populations in the area and the government to fence where people fetch water from so that they are not attacked by animals.
Read Also: Buvuma Fishermen Urge UWA to Curb Crocodile Infestation on Lake Victoria Shores
In 2024 alone, several alarming incidents of crocodile attacks have been reported in Buvuma district, highlighting the dangers posed by these reptiles to local communities.
On May 14, 2024, Denis Bukuubo, a 20-year-old fisherman, was killed by a crocodile while fishing at Sindiro Island in Bweema sub-county.
The concerning trend of increasing crocodile attacks in Buvuma district underscores the need for government and community intervention in curbing the predators.
