Uganda: Chimpanzee attack kills infant in Masindi

Residents of Wiliya Village in Budongo Sub-county, Masindi District, are in shock after a chimpanzee attacked and killed a three-month-old baby, in what authorities and locals say is part of a growing pattern of human-wildlife conflict near Budongo Forest.

The incident occurred on Saturday morning when the child’s mother, together with other women, had gone to collect firewood near the forest.

According to eyewitness Harriet Katusiime, the group was going about their work when the baby began crying, prompting the mother to stop and breastfeed.

“As she sat down, we suddenly saw four chimpanzees approaching. We ran, but one large chimpanzee chased us and grabbed the woman. In the struggle, it overpowered her and snatched the baby before running into the forest,” Katusiime said.

Another resident, Mark Bogere, said he rushed to the scene after hearing loud distress calls and chimpanzee noises.

“I knew there were women with babies nearby. When I arrived, I found the mother crying. One of the chimpanzees was holding the baby. I tried to scare them away, and they dropped the child and ran,” he told Monitor.

The child sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a nearby clinic but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The baby’s father, Julius Birija, said he received the news while at work and rushed to the facility, only to find his child had died.

“I was informed that chimpanzees had attacked my baby. When I reached the clinic, it was already too late,” he said.

Local leaders confirmed the incident and warned that such attacks are becoming increasingly frequent in the area.

Hannington Andama, the LC1 chairperson, said he was informed at around midday and described the situation as alarming.

“Chimpanzees have become a serious threat because they keep venturing into communities. We need interventions such as fencing off forest areas and providing alternative water sources to reduce contact,” he said.

Residents say this is not an isolated case. Eunice Candiru, a local resident, said a similar incident occurred in February in the same area.

“In just a few months, we have lost two babies. This is becoming too much,” she said.

Another resident, Alfred Musinguzi, attributed the increasing encounters to food scarcity and habitat pressure.

“Chimpanzees come into our homes looking for food, especially during mango and jackfruit seasons. We cannot always stay home to guard children,” he said.

Authorities said they have taken note of the incident. Wilson Kagoro, a conservation officer, said a team has been deployed to assess the situation and guide next steps.

He added that victims of wildlife attacks may qualify for compensation if incidents occur in community land or ungazetted areas.

Bujenje County MP Kenneth Kiiza Nyendwoha said the area has recorded a worrying trend of attacks, particularly targeting young children.

“In the past four months, two children under one year have been killed, and at least 11 chimpanzee-related attacks have been recorded in seven months,” he said, urging urgent government intervention.