A stray Buffalo was last Evening shot dead in a joint operation involving UPDF, Park Rangers, and the local community in Rukoro cell, Cyanika town council in Kisoro District.
According to Valence Nizeyimana Nguli, the LCV Councilor of Cyanika town council, the Buffalo had crossed over from Mountain Muhabura National Park during the morning hours, feeding on community gardens. Community members attempted to chase the Buffalo away, but their efforts proved unsuccessful.
Subsequently, they alerted Mgahinga National Park authorities, who promptly deployed Rangers and the Army to address the situation. During the ordeal, the Buffalo injured a young person, who was swiftly taken to a nearby health facility for medical attention.
As the incident unfolded, the Buffalo traversed three villages, namely Kinyababa, Kabira, and Rukoro. Nizeyimana emphasized the need for the government to acknowledge the challenges faced by Cyanika town council and consider it for revenue-sharing benefits.
He pointed out that this is not the first time the community has encountered such incidents.
Stray animals can disturb communities near National Parks in most parts of Uganda especially western Uganda.