Residents of Kalangala District, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, are living in constant fear as crocodile attacks have claimed at least five lives and injured many others over the past three years. These attacks have not only resulted in human fatalities but have also caused the loss of livestock such as cows, goats, pigs, and dogs, deepening the economic hardships faced by the community.
One survivor, John Katende, a 36-year-old fisherman from Ntuuwa village, recounted a terrifying encounter in 2024 when a crocodile grabbed him from behind and dragged him into the water. He was rescued after a friend grabbed the crocodile’s tail, forcing it to release him. Katende spent nearly two years undergoing treatment at Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital. Another victim, Ronald Zirimenya from Mpaata, was attacked while repairing a boat and survived despite injuries to his legs.
Not all victims were as fortunate. A woman named Specioza was attacked and killed while fetching water; only parts of her body were recovered. In a separate incident, a drowned fisherman’s body was snatched by a crocodile before burial, and only half the remains were found.
The fear of crocodile attacks has disrupted daily life and economic activities, with fishermen hesitant to enter the lake and even crew members of the MV Amison expressing fear about clearing nets from engines. Kyamuswa County MP Moses Kabuusu noted that these attacks are negatively impacting the local economy and called on the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to intervene.
UWA officials have responded by capturing and relocating several crocodiles from the affected areas. However, they warn that crocodiles cannot be eradicated as they are a natural part of Lake Victoria’s ecosystem. The danger arises when people enter the lake, often putting themselves at risk, especially in areas where illegal fishing occurs.
Local leaders are calling for preventive measures such as fencing schools and providing safe water sources through boreholes to protect children and community members. Parents and residents alike emphasize the urgent need for government support to safeguard schools and reduce the risk of attacks.
The ongoing crocodile menace in Kalangala highlights the delicate balance between protecting human lives and conserving wildlife. Addressing this issue will require cooperation between communities, authorities, and conservationists to ensure safety and sustainable coexistence.