Robert Mbagaya is the Chief Law Enforcement Officer in-charge of Queen Elizabeth Protected area. Mbagaya was attacked by a male Chimpanzee that went on rampage at Entebbe Wildlife Education Center in 2013.
Although July 31st is the International World Rangers Day, the day is little known in Uganda and passes off just like as any other. The day was set aside to pay tribute to rangers who have suffered injuries and lost life in their line of duty.
It is also celebrated to honor rangers who still undertake their role boldly in the field to protect the World's natural and cultural treasures. Uganda Radio Network sought out some of the rangers who have suffered injuries from game animals in the line of duty.
Robert Mbagaya is the Chief Law Enforcement Officer in-charge of Queen Elizabeth Protected area. Mbagaya was attacked by a male Chimpanzee that went on rampage at Entebbe Wildlife Education Center in 2013.
According to Mbagaya, the aggressive chimp attacked him as he was trying to scare it to run to the cage.
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Mbagaya says although Uganda Wildlife Authority-UWA picked his medical bills, they also need to be recognised by government and other bodies for their role to motivate them.
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Mbagaya is not the only ranger who has suffered injuries in the line of duty. Abubakari Mwanje, the Acting Ranger in-charge of Marine attached Mweya was a victim of friendly fire.
According to Mwanje, in 1997 he received information that poachers had entered his area of command and rushed to apprehend him but was shot by his colleague.
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Johnson Maate Karusu, another ranger says he was also attacked by a buffalo in line of the duty. Karusu says he was on routine patrol in the Ishasha sector in 2009 when a buffalo that was hiding in a tree attacked and injured him in the thighs and the chest.
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According to Karusu, he was compensated and called back to continue working. Bashir Hangi, the Communications Officer Uganda Wildlife Authority, says awarding medals is not the work of UWA.
He explains that the President put in place an award Committee led by Gen. Elly Tumwine, which hasn't approached them to submit names for rangers for recognition.
He however, notes that at the end of the day the public ought to understand the vital role played by rangers in the World's parks, which includes securing protected species.
Joel Kaguta
Freelancer
