SAD! Chimpanzee kills three-month-old baby in Masindi
“In the past four months, two children under one year have been killed, and at least eleven chimpanzee-related attacks have been recorded over the last seven months,” he said.
Masindi: Residents of Wiliya Village in Budongo Sub County, Bujenje County, Masindi District have been left in shock following a tragic incident in which a chimpanzee attacked and killed a three-month-old baby.
The incident occurred on Saturday, March 21, 2026, when the baby’s mother, together with other women, had gone to collect firewood near Budongo Forest.
According to Harriet Katusiime, an eyewitness, the baby began crying, prompting the mother to breastfeed. It was at that moment that chimpanzees reportedly emerged from the forest, snatched the infant, and fled back into the forest.
Mark Bogere, Another eyewitness said he had gone to collect logs when he heard loud chimpanzee noises. Sensing danger, he picked up a panga and rushed to the scene.
“I found about four chimpanzees. One of them was biting the baby. When I confronted them, they dropped the child and ran back into the forest,” Bogere said.
The baby was rescued but later died while being rushed to a nearby clinic, according to the father, Julius Birija, who said he received the news while at work.
Residents say the area has recently experienced a surge in chimpanzee attacks. Eunice Candiru noted that another baby was killed in a similar incident in February this year.
“Chimpanzees have started encroaching on our homes and attacking residents, especially during the seasons of jackfruits and mangoes. So far, two children have been killed this year alone,” she said, appealing for urgent government intervention.
Alfred Musinguzi attributed the increasing attacks to food scarcity, explaining that chimpanzees often invade communities in search of food. “We cannot stay home all the time guarding our children at the expense of our livelihoods,” he said.
Hannington Andama, the LC1 Chairperson, confirmed the incident, stating that he was alerted at around 12:10 PM. He warned that chimpanzees have become a serious threat and frequently venture into nearby communities.
He called on the government to fence off the forest and provide alternative water sources outside the forest to reduce human-wildlife interaction.
When contacted, Wilson Kagoro, a Conservation Officer with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) attached to Murchison Falls National Park, said a team had been dispatched to assess the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He noted that chimpanzee attacks are among cases eligible for compensation if they occur in community or ungazetted areas.
Kenneth Kiiza Nyendwoha, the Bujenje County Member of Parliament revealed that the area has recorded an increase in wild animal attacks, particularly involving chimpanzees targeting young children.
“In the past four months, two children under one year have been killed, and at least eleven chimpanzee-related attacks have been recorded over the last seven months,” he said.
Nyendwoha added that he has repeatedly raised the issue with relevant authorities, including UWA and the Ministry of Tourism, but no action has been taken.
He called for urgent intervention to prevent further loss of life.
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