A crocodile has mauled a teenage boy in Lake Albert in Buliisa District. The victim has been identified as Victor Byamani, a 15-year-old resident of Kibarama landing site in Kirama Parish, Kigwera sub-county.
According to reports, Byamani and three friends went to fetch water when a crocodile suddenly emerged from the lake and seized him. His friends rushed back home, screaming for help, and alerted residents about the crocodile attack on their friend.
Rogers Businge, a resident, stated that it was too late to save Byamani’s life, as the crocodile had already killed him and disappeared with his body into the lake. Julius Hakiza, the spokesperson for the Albertine region police, confirmed the incident.
He mentioned that local fishermen and the marine police have joined efforts to search for the deceased’s remains. Hakiza also urged parents to avoid sending children alone to fetch water, especially in areas known for crocodile presence and other wildlife.
Up to the time of reporting, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) had not issued a statement on the incident. This is not the first crocodile attack in the region. In May of this year, a crocodile attacked and killed a 72-year-old man in Lake Albert in Hoima District. In April 2020, a similar incident occurred when a crocodile mauled a 20-year-old man in Lake Albert in Buliisa District.
In July 2018, a crocodile severely injured 18-year-old Maureen Vicky in Kiryamboga landing site, Hoima district, while she was collecting firewood. In July 2019, 24-year-old Christine Nema, a resident of Rwebigongoro Landing Site in Kagadi district, was also fatally attacked by a crocodile while washing clothes on the lake’s shores.
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