Chimpanzee critically injures four-year-old girl in Kagadi

Fear and grief have resurfaced in Karuswiga Village after a chimpanzee attacked and critically injured a four-year-old girl, renewing concerns over escalating human-wildlife conflict in the area.

The child, identified as Kengonzi Pricia, was attacked on Friday evening at her family home and is currently receiving treatment at Exevier Medical Centre.

Family members said the chimpanzee reportedly emerged from Katyobona Forest and attacked the child while she was playing alone in the compound.

Residents said the animal inflicted serious injuries to the child’s head and chest and broke her left leg before fleeing as villagers rushed to intervene.

“My child was critically injured by the chimpanzee when it raided my home. What pains me most is that these attacks have continued for years, yet the government has not come up with a permanent solution to protect us,” said the child’s father, Mr Isaac Gumisiriza.

He said family members heard the child screaming and found the chimpanzee attacking her before it escaped back into the forest.

Residents of Karuswiga, Kahyooro B and nearby villages said attacks linked to chimpanzees from Katyobona Forest have become increasingly common in recent years.

Mr Leonard Baguma, a resident, said the forest had been heavily degraded through charcoal burning, timber cutting and farming activities, forcing chimpanzees into nearby communities in search of food.

“This is not the first attack. People have previously lost their lives, but unfortunately, the government has never found a permanent solution despite our repeated reports,” he said.

Residents accused the Uganda Wildlife Authority of failing to adequately address the growing conflict between communities and wildlife.

Last November, another chimpanzee reportedly attacked and killed a four-month-old baby in the same area.

During a campaign visit to Kagadi District in December last year, President Yoweri Museveni was informed by local leaders about the increasing number of attacks and calls for government intervention.

Conservationist Mr Kutesa Swale Kadoma of Friends of Chimpanzees in Kagadi said habitat destruction remains the main cause of the conflict.

“When people destroy forests, chimpanzees lose their natural habitat and are forced to move into communities. This leads to conflict because they end up destroying crops and sometimes attacking people,” he said.

According to Kadoma, more than 80 people have been attacked by chimpanzees in the region since the 1990s, while at least six people have been killed.

“For the last three years, over five children have been killed by chimpanzees, and several others injured. These animals are now living close to homes because their habitats have been destroyed,” he added.

He said forests including Kangombe, Bugoma, Katyobona and parts of the Toro-Semliki National Park have suffered extensive degradation due to human activity.