15-year-old boy killed by stray elephant in Kanungu district

16 May 2025, 22:30

By Uziah Tusaasire

It is alleged that on the fateful night, a mother elephant and her calf strayed from Queen Elizabeth National Park into the local community and attacked the home of Robert Kiiza and his family, who were asleep inside their grass-thatched house at the time.

Grief and shock have gripped residents of Kameme cell, Kibimbiri parish, Kihihi sub county in Kanungu district, following the tragic death of a 15-year-old pupil who was killed by a stray elephant.

The deceased, identified as Clinton Birungi, was a pupil at Kyentika Primary School. The incident occurred at around 5:00 a.m. on Friday, 16 May 2025, according to a police statement issued by Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police spokesperson.

It is alleged that, on the fateful night, a mother elephant and her calf strayed from Queen Elizabeth National Park into the local community and attacked the home of Robert Kiiza and his family, who were asleep inside their grass-thatched house at the time.

While the rest of the family remained inside and tried to stay calm, Clinton Birungi reportedly fled from the collapsed house. Unfortunately, the elephant gave chase and trampled him to death.

Police further reported that the elephant and its calf had been in the community for nearly a week prior to the incident. Following the attack, wildlife officials responded and successfully drove the animals back into the park for proper management.

Authorities are now urging the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to enhance surveillance and improve animal control measures in communities bordering the park to prevent future tragedies.