Residents of Nora village in Juma parish Kamdini Sub County in Oyam district of Uganda have been thrown into mourning following the death of two people who were attacked and killed by stray elephants over the weekend.
The deceased have been identified as Dorcus Awino, a 29-year-old mother of two, who was seven-months pregnant at the time of the incident, and a 14-year-old pupil of Aber Primary School, identified as Daniel Oryang.
Moses Kego, the deceased's husband said that his wife had gone to buy pain killers at Nora trading centre. “This was at around 6: 30 pm.
“It was a painful thing to watch as the helpless victim was stamped down by the beasts, before trampling on her as they wandered in the village,” Kego said.
Kego said he saw one of the animals step on the expectant Awino’s belly before stabbing with its tusk.
Meanwhile, Oryang is said to have been attacked on Saturday morning as was playing at his parents’ home, in Obapo village, Akaka parish, Aber Sub County. His parents had reportedly gone gardening.
Oryang was rushed to St Pope John’s hospital Aber in critical condition.
The death of the expectant mother brings the total number of deaths resulting from attacks from stray elephants to over.
When contacted, Wilson Kagoro, warden community conservation at Murchison falls national park confirmed the incident and admitted that the high population of elephants along the park line in the area was the cause of the frequent attacks.
“It is very unfortunate and we regret the incident,” said Kagoro, who also added that the Police were alerted, and her body picked. “We will console and support her family at this painful moment as UWA,” Kagoro said.