SNAKES, BEES SCARE IBANDA TOWN RESIDENTS

By Elly Karenzi
In Ibanda–
Residents of Katooma cell in Ibanda Municipal are living in panic due to a swarm of Bees moving around while poisonous snakes are seen coiled in the grass or on stones in one of the oldest tombs in the area.
These creatures are dangerous to the lives of people and domestic animals as they sting the people and animals while snakes bite them.
This move comes amidst mounting pressure to the people living near the tomb of the former Ag. British provision commissioner, British commissioner officer for western region in Uganda Mr. H. Galt who was murdered by an African man only known as Rutaraka in Ibanda in May 1905.
According to Mrs. Jaires Mwedeheza, whose family is adjacent to Gault’s tomb, after many years ,the snakes bite while the Bees sting and scare the children including animals such as goats, cows, dogs and donkeys.
“The area leaders say for over 100 years, the place has been neglected by the former governments including British colonial. During rainy seasons the huge tomb becomes bushy, the bees and snakes hide in the core stones inside the tomb.
One donkey has died after it was bitten by a snake. Mrs. Mwedeheza said. She added that efforts by the management of Ibanda municipal to improve the place have yielded no fruits.
A group of people from Katooma cell, claiming to be rightful citizens, told the www.mknewslink.com that the dilapidated tomb was erected in 1905 after the natives killed Gault.
Mr. Deus Rogers Mulinde,the Mayor for Ibanda Municipal council says the land belongs to the Ibanda municipal. He noted that the land will be developed as a tourist attraction if the funds are available.
“The tomb is too old for over 112 years. It is out dated, dilapidated. It poses a risk to the people residing in Katooma cell especially the children who climb on top of the tomb. Mr. Mulinde said.
He added that the plot in which the tomb is situated still maintains its status as the government property.
Source: www.mknewslink.com; a western Uganda news website.
Email: wmuhwezi75gmail.com
Tel:+256702680106.