Crocodile mauls woman at central Uganda island district

A giant crocodile on Monday evening mauled a mother who had gone to fetch water in Lake Victoria at the central Uganda island district of Kalangala.

Henry Lubulwa, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Kalangala, told Xinhua over the telephone Tuesday the woman, aged about 40, was snatched into the lake and killed by the reptile.

“Crocodiles normally hide under rocks on the lake shores and launch attacks on unsuspecting individuals who go to fetch water,” Lubulwa said, adding that the body of the victim was not recovered.

“We have always advised people to avoid shores that have rocks because this is where they hide after sunbathing. We also advise them to go in groups as crocodiles fear noise,” he added.

The official said wildlife authorities had sensitized residents to report the presence of crocodiles so that the reptiles can be relocated.

“This year we have lost three people in crocodile attacks in my district. Several others were maimed,” he said.

Several other attacks have also been reported, especially in districts neighboring water bodies.

In 2020, crocodiles were reported to have eaten seven people in Uganda’s eastern district of Buyende and the northern district of Apac.