Bats Take Over Patongo: Residents Cry Foul Over Fruit Loss and Noise Pollution

2 May 2025, 9:29 AM

By David Ojok Jr.

Fruit-eating bat

Residents of Patongo Town Council in agago district are raising the alarm over a surge in the population of fruit-eating bats, which they say is threatening both their livelihoods and daily peace.

The bats, whose numbers have increased significantly during the months of March and April, have coincided with the peak of mango season—a time when many locals depend on the fruit for food and as a source of income.

With mangoes ripening in abundance, families and vendors have been harvesting and selling them in local markets. But now, they face stiff competition from the sky.

Aciro alice, a fruit vendor at old patongo market said the bats are eating most of the mangoes before they can pick making them to lose both food and money.
Beyond damaging fruit harvests, the bats are also becoming a major nuisance. Their noise—particularly in the early morning and evening hours—is disrupting schools, churches, and homes.

Okema Patrick, a resident of Forest ward, patongo town council, said the bats makes so much noise that their children cannot concentrate in school, and even during church prayers it becomes unbearable.
Despite the growing concern, both local leaders and residents appear powerless to stop the invasion.

No official measures have been introduced to control the bat population or protect the fruit trees, leaving many in the community frustrated and helpless and can only just watch as the mammals starve them.

As the mango season progresses, residents are calling on authorities and wildlife experts to intervene before the situation worsens.