Local leaders concerned over fatal snake bites in Alebtong, health experts explain

24 September 2026, 6:56 pm

By Moses Elasu and Frank Oyugi

The LC3 Chairperson of Awei Subcounty in Alebtong District, Sam Oyena Obonyo, has voiced deep concern over increasing cases of fatal snake bites in the area, calling for urgent community sensitisation by health workers.

Speaking through Radio QFM, Oyena revealed that at least three people have lost their lives to snake bites in Gombola Awei. He noted that many victims and community members lack critical knowledge on how to manage snake bite emergencies, worsening the situation in rural parishes such as Anangi where residents frequently encounter snakes in farmland, along dark paths, and near homesteads.

Due to these rising fatalities, the chairperson appealed to health department officials to step in, reach the grassroots, and educate the public on prevention and immediate first aid to prevent further loss of life.

Following the chairperson’s appeal, Dr. Isaac Orech—the In-Charge of Amach Health Centre IV, Director of Victoria School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Director of Good Care Medical Centre—outlined key emergency measures to prevent fatalities caused by snake bites.

Dr. Isa emphasised that the most crucial step during a snake bite emergency is the immediate and calm evacuation of the victim to the nearest health facility. He warned against using unproven traditional remedies or making local cuts on the wound, which can cause severe infection or accelerate venom absorption. Instead, the affected limb should be kept immobilised and positioned at or below heart level while transporting the patient.

Addressing the availability of treatment, Dr. Isaac explained that while lower-level health centers provide initial emergency stabilisation, patients needing specialised anti-snake venom are referred to major facilities, including Lira Regional Referral Hospital, where full anti-venom treatment is stocked.

To reduce the risk of snake bites, health experts and local leaders urge community members to observe essential safety precautions. Residents are advised to wear protective footwear such as gumboots when walking through tall grass or gardens, use torches when moving around after dark, and clear vegetation and debris around homesteads to eliminate snake hideouts. Most importantly, anyone bitten by a snake should seek immediate medical care at a recognised health facility rather than relying on unverified home remedies.

The tragedy in Alebtong reflects a much wider public health crisis across Uganda and the African continent.

According to estimates by the World Health Organisation (WHO), sub-Saharan Africa records between 435,000 and 580,000 snake bites annually that require medical attention. These incidents lead to approximately 7,000 to 32,000 deaths across the region each year, with thousands more survivors suffering permanent disabilities or limb amputations.

In Uganda, snakebite envenoming remains a critical yet neglected health issue, particularly in rural farming communities. National health research highlights that hundreds of cases go unreported each year as victims often seek help from traditional healers instead of health centers. Furthermore, studies by health advocacy organisations reveal that less than 10% of surveyed health centers in Uganda consistently stock effective anti-snake venom, and over 90% of local healthcare workers report receiving limited formal training in managing snakebite emergencies.