KANUNGU-Tragedy struck in Kameme Cell, Kibimbiri Parish, Kihihi Sub-county, Kanungu District early this morning when a 15-year-old pupil was killed by a stray elephant that had wandered out of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The victim, Clinton Birungi, a Primary Seven pupil at Kyentija Primary School, was reportedly attacked and killed by a mother elephant at around 5:00 a.m.
The animal had broken into the community together with its calf, causing destruction to the home of Kiiza Robert, where the family was sleeping.
According to preliminary reports, the elephant destroyed the grass-thatched house.
While other family members remained still, young Birungi panicked and attempted to flee. It was during this escape attempt that the elephant chased him down and fatally struck him.
ASP Elly Maate,Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating that officers from Kihihi Police Station responded promptly to the scene.
The area was documented, and Birungi’s body was transported to Kihihi Health Centre for postmortem.
Maate also noted that the elephant and its calf had been roaming the community for about a week prior to the fatal attack. Following the incident, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) officials intervened and successfully drove the animals back into the national park.
“Inquiries into the matter are ongoing,” Maate said, adding that community safety and human-wildlife conflict remain serious concerns that need urgent attention.
Local residents have expressed fear and frustration over the increasing frequency of wildlife encroaching on human settlements, urging UWA and other responsible authorities to implement lasting solutions to prevent further tragedies.
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