Top Story: Two Critically Injured in Hippo Attack in Kasese
Kasese District, Uganda — Two residents of Buhweju Parish, Bwehweju Sub-county in Kasese District are in critical condition following a brutal attack by a hippopotamus earlier this week.
The victims have been identified as John Owe (56) and Junior Bwambale (17), both members of the same rural community near the border of Queen Elizabeth National Park—a region long plagued by human–wildlife conflict.
According to Owe, the attack happened around 1 PM on Tuesday, as he was returning home from his garden.
“The hippo just found me on the way and attacked me. I tried to escape, but it overpowered me,” he said while speaking from his hospital bed at Canopus Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals Uganda Limited on Thursday, September 11.
Owe, the sole provider for his family, expressed concern about his household’s future should he fail to recover fully.
Meanwhile, Bwambale sustained even more severe injuries. According to his mother, Lucia Kapamba, the teenager was gored in the stomach, exposing internal organs. He is currently admitted in critical condition at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital.
“My child is in a very bad state. I want the Uganda Wildlife Authority to take full responsibility and pay all his medical bills, no matter how long the treatment takes,” she demanded.
UWA Responds, Animal Neutralized
Responding swiftly to the incident, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers tracked and neutralized the hippo, removing its carcass from the community.
Bashir Hanji, UWA’s Communications Officer, confirmed the incident and expressed sympathy for the victims and their families.
“We shall take care of the hospital bills, and as per our policy, the victims are entitled to compensation,” he said.
Hanji also acknowledged the growing challenge of human–wildlife conflict in areas surrounding national parks, including Kasese District.
“Despite our efforts such as erecting electric fences around protected areas, wild animals still find their way into communities. This remains a serious issue,” he noted.
A Recurring Threat
Kasese, which shares a border with Queen Elizabeth National Park, continues to face recurring threats from wildlife—particularly hippos, elephants, and buffaloes. These animals frequently stray into nearby villages, causing injuries, deaths, and the destruction of crops and property.
Hippos are especially feared for their aggressiveness and territorial nature. They are considered among the most dangerous animals in Africa, responsible for more human fatalities on the continent than lions or crocodiles.
Despite UWA’s ongoing efforts—including fencing, community sensitization, and compensation schemes—residents say more proactive measures are needed.
“We need real protection, not just promises after someone gets hurt,” one resident told reporters.
As Owe and Bwambale fight for their lives in hospital, their community is once again left grappling with the harsh reality of living on the frontline of Uganda’s ongoing struggle with human–wildlife conflict.
