A 12-year-old boy, Bashir Walubo, a resident of Iyingo Village in Kagulu Sub-county, Buyende District, has died from injuries sustained in a crocodile attack along the shores of Lake Kyoga. Walubo was last seen alive on Wednesday evening while playing with friends before accompanying them to fetch water from the Iyingo shoreline.
According to residents, the boy was drawing water from the lake when a crocodile emerged and splashed water toward the shore before grabbing him by the chest.
The reptile then inflicted severe injuries on other parts of his body. Fishermen who were preparing to set their nets for the night managed to rescue Walubo from the crocodile’s jaws while he was still alive.
He was rushed to a nearby private clinic for emergency treatment. Ali Kalulu, the boy’s father, said his son sustained deep wounds to the chest and abdomen, causing him severe pain.
Kalulu explained that after receiving first aid, Walubo was referred to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital for specialized treatment. However, the family was unable to raise the money needed for transport and returned home. He said the boy later died as efforts to secure further medical assistance were still underway. Kalulu described his son as a disciplined and promising young boy with a bright future ahead of him.
“Bashir was always supportive of his friends and respectful to everyone around him. He will be remembered by all who knew him,” he said.
Meanwhile, Michael Kange, a member of the Lyingo Beach Management Committee, said crocodile attacks remain a persistent threat in the area. He noted that two separate crocodile attacks were reported in the community late last year, with both victims surviving but sustaining permanent scars.
Kange called on the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to identify and gazette crocodile-prone areas along Lake Kyoga to help prevent residents from accessing high-risk zones. “We need clear warnings and safety measures to protect communities living near the lake from further attacks,” he said-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
