Congregants of Muhokya Roman Catholic Church in Kasese district were thrown into panic on Wednesday afternoon when a stray baboon stormed their church in the middle of prayers.
The faithful had gathered to recite the rosary at the start of the holy month dedicated to Mother Mary when the baboon burst in, forcing worshippers to scatter in fear. Halima Kabugho, a resident of Muhokya Central Ward, said the animal had earlier been seen loitering around people’s homes and compounds, unsettling residents, especially women and children, before it bolted into the church.
Henry Baluku, another resident who had sought shelter in the church compound, said such wildlife incursions had become rare since the erection of an electric fence around Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The fence had kept animals away for some time, but this incident shows there are still gaps, Baluku noted.
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers were quickly alerted and arrived to safely remove the animal. Saveri Tushabomwe, a former councillor for Muhokya Central Ward, said prayers resumed after the baboon was led away, but appealed to UWA to extend community training on handling stray wildlife.
According to UWA officials, the baboon likely strayed from Queen Elizabeth national park after being chased by suspected poachers. The incident has revived concerns about the uneasy coexistence between humans and wildlife in Kasese. While the electric fence has reduced conflict, residents say more sensitisation and a faster response system are needed to prevent such frightening encounters.
About the Author
