Elephant tramples charcoal burner to death in Kiryandongo

Kiryandongo: A 45-year-old charcoal burner has been killed by an elephant in Kiryandongo District after allegedly entering Murchison Falls National Park illegally.

The deceased has been identified as Paul Mutoro, a resident of Kihora Village in Kyakende Sub-county. He was reportedly trampled to death over the weekend.

According to residents, Mutoro, together with two others Amos Omuga, 44, and Gibson Lyakenyi, 40, had gone to collect charcoal they had allegedly burned inside the park. The incident occurred on Saturday at around 8:00 PM.

It is alleged that as the trio was returning from the park, they encountered an elephant which chased them, killing Mutoro on the spot. The other two men managed to escape.

Efforts to obtain a comment from Wilson Kagoro, the Uganda Wildlife Authority conservation officer attached to the park were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to repeated calls.

However, Solomon Mugisa, the Albertine Region Community Liaison Officer, confirmed the incident. He said police visited the scene and conveyed the body to Kiryandongo Hospital mortuary pending a postmortem examination.

Mugisa said the two survivors have since been arrested and are being held at Kiryandongo Central Police Station and they are expected to be arraigned in court to face charges of illegal entry into the national park.

He has urged community members to avoid engaging in illegal activities such as charcoal burning, deforestation, and poaching within protected areas, noting that wildlife contributes significantly to tourism and the national economy.

Mugisa also advised community members to access the park legally, in the company of authorized rangers, and to support conservation efforts for future generations.

Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256757022363.