HOIMA, UGANDA | THE BLACK EXAMINER – The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has successfully captured a third aggressive crocodile from Lake Albert, specifically at Mbegu B Village in Mbegu Parish, Kabaale Sub-county, Hoima District.
This operation, spanning one week, took place near the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) army barracks, as confirmed by Mr. George Busiinge, the Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve and Hoima Central Wildlife Area Warden.
According to Mr. Busiinge, the captured crocodile had been venturing out of the lake waters at night in search of prey on land.
UWA has decided to translocate the crocodile to Murchison Falls National Park in River Nile.
The reason behind UWA’s efforts to capture crocodiles from Lake Albert is in response to persistent complaints from the local lake community. The reptiles have posed a significant threat to public safety and their domestic animals.
The warden urges people to promptly report any instances of human-wildlife conflict to UWA officials for immediate action. The process of trapping, catching, and relocating dangerous reptiles away from areas populated by humans is currently underway.
However, Mr. Busiinge clarified that crocodiles that do not pose a threat to people will not be translocated.
The Chairman of Mbegu Village, Mr. Moses Onen, expressed concern over the increasing danger posed by crocodiles in the region. Over the past year, these reptiles have attacked and killed five domestic animals, including cows, a pig, and sheep.
While acknowledging that wildlife is vital for Uganda’s economy, Mr. Onen emphasized the need for the government to prioritize the safety of human lives over wild animals that pose risks to people.
He added that while wild animals contribute to the government’s revenue through tourism, they should be confined to designated areas to prevent harm to humans and their domestic animals.
