Kasese, Uganda – There was drama and panic at Muhokya Roman Catholic Church in Kasese District on Wednesday afternoon after a stray baboon stormed the church during prayers, sending worshippers fleeing for safety.
The incident occurred as congregants gathered to recite the rosary to mark the beginning of the holy month dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Eyewitnesses say the animal suddenly charged into the church, disrupting the solemn prayer session and causing confusion among the faithful.
Halima Kabugho, a resident of Muhokya Central Ward, told reporters that the baboon had earlier been seen roaming around nearby homes and compounds, scaring residents particularly women and children before it bolted into the church.
“We had seen it earlier in the morning, moving around people’s gardens and homes. Everyone was frightened, and before long, it ran straight into the church,” Kabugho recounted.
Another resident, Henry Baluku, who had sought refuge in the church compound, said such wildlife incursions had become rare since the erection of an electric fence around Queen Elizabeth National Park.
“The fence had helped keep animals away for some time, but this incident shows there are still weak points or openings,” Baluku observed.
Authorities from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) were swiftly alerted and deployed rangers to the scene. The rangers managed to safely capture and remove the baboon without harming anyone or the animal.
After the rescue operation, Saveri Tushabomwe, a former councillor for Muhokya Central Ward, confirmed that prayers later resumed peacefully, but he appealed to UWA to intensify community sensitisation on how to handle stray wildlife.
“We appreciate the quick response from UWA, but residents still need guidance on what to do when such incidents happen,” Tushabomwe said.
According to UWA officials, preliminary reports suggest the baboon may have strayed from Queen Elizabeth National Park after being chased by suspected poachers.
The event has reignited debate over the delicate coexistence between humans and wildlife in the Kasese region. While the installation of the electric fence has significantly reduced human-wildlife conflicts, locals say more awareness, monitoring, and rapid response systems are needed to prevent similar alarming encounters.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, which borders several populated areas of Kasese, has in the past recorded cases of elephants, buffaloes, and primates wandering into nearby villages in search of food occasionally leading to property destruction and injuries.
