An incident is reported on Sunday 10th April 2022 at around 9am declaring the death of a Colombian Researcher killed by a forest elephant in Kibale Forest National Park. The deceased by the names of Sebastian Ramirez Amaya and his colleagues had gone deep inside the National Park for research under the guidance a Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) warden by names of Ngene. Amaya together with other fellow students work for Arizona State University in the USA
“As they went through the forest, this students took a different directions and his collogues as well took another route while coming out, its said everyone else returned to the camp except Amaya. However, the students team decided to go back to the forest to look for him, but unfortunately, it was sad news finding when an elephant had already killed him,” he said.
Mr. Twesige says that, the UWA warden (Ngene) reported the case to Bigodi Police Station that evening. The Police led by Kamwenge District CID Officer, Mr. Paddy Tumwebaze, took a visit to the scene and found the dead body which was taken to Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital for postmortem as investigations.
Bashir Hanji, the UWA spokesperson says that it’s a regrettable and unfortunate incident the Authority had not experienced for the last 50 years in Kibale National Park.
Located in western Uganda, Kibale Forest National Park is home to the highest density of exciting primates in Africa who including 13 species of primates, over 300 bird species, and 250 species of butterflies which keep many visitors busy. Travelers love to visit this safari park to enjoy chimpanzee tracking, birding safaris as well as a guided nature walks taking to experience the Bigodi community.
Usually, tourists trekking the forests are always escorted by an armed ranger so that in case of any threat, or charge of the wildlife in the forest, the armed ranger shots can be fired in the air which is usually enough to manage any attack and save life of the tourist. However, it was sad news that the Amaya was spotted alone when he encountered the elephant which blew his life. May his soul rest in peace.
In synopsis we argue all travelers planning a tour to Kibale Forest National Park or any other unpredictable jungles, to always take courtesy and follow critically the dos and don’ts while in forest.
