Agago Residents in Fear as Stray Buffalos Invade Five Villages

Two stray buffalos invaded Arum Sub-county in Agago District over the weekend triggering panic among residents in five villages in Acholi pii and Agelec parishes. 

Residents learnt of the two buffalos suspected to have strayed from Kidepo Valley National Park in search of pasture and water when they attacked a herd of cattle grazing in Cawente village in Agelech parish.

Peter Okello, one of the residents says that they discovered the presence of the game animals after seeing the cattle that had been tied in the bushes dashing back home. He says that this prompted the residents to mount a search only to find the footsteps of the wild animals. 

He says that the buffalos then emerged from the bush and charged towards residents who were engaged in their normal activities at Wangogik Trading Centre in Cawente village before proceeding towards Anyago A and Anyango B village in Alela parish.

//Cue in: "Odiku ni tung.....  

Cue out: ....ni iwopo kore,"//   

Joseph Ocen Awal, the Arum Sub County LC III Chairperson, says that residents then followed the footmarks of the buffalos that went towards Abaacung forest before they were seen heading towards Atenge and Okwang villages in Acholpii parish.  

Awal says that although there are no human causalities resulting from the wildlife invasion, their presence has caused fear among residents who can no longer freely embark on their normal day-to-day activities. 

Awal says that they have notified Uganda Wildlife Authority-UWA about the invasion of the stray buffalos in the area. Samuel Amanya, the Chief Warden of Kidepo Valley has confirmed receiving reports of the invasions. 

He says that UWA personnel stationed at Kaket in Lapono Sub County have been dispatched to track and drive the stray animals from the human settlement.