The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has dismissed reports of a leopard invasion in the Teso sub-region, citing evidence that points to dogs, not wild animals. UWA officials, led by Dr. Joshua Lubega, a veterinary officer, investigated reports of suspected leopard footprints in Kichinjaji ward, Soroti City East Division. They found that the footprints belonged to dogs, including stray dogs that were captured in traps.
According to Dr. Lubega, the UWA team spent nearly a week in Teso, visiting various locations where residents reported suspected leopard attacks on livestock. They visited four sub-counties in Soroti and areas stretching from Soroti city to Amuria. The team found that the footprints at all these locations belonged to dogs. The UWA officials also captured some of these dogs in their traps and observed others physically at the scene.
The UWA communications officer, Mr. Suleiman Musau, addressed the incident at Soroti University, stating that pictures circulating in the media were artificially generated and not captured by the university's camera system. He also mentioned that they were still tracking a student who allegedly took a photo of a leopard at the university compound for further examination. Despite their efforts, the team could not find any evidence of a leopard.
Mr. Musau urged the people of Teso to remain calm and vigilant, maintaining a safe distance from any wild animals to avoid confrontations that could lead to injuries or loss of life. Meanwhile, Mr. Juma Hassan Nyene, the Public Relations Officer at Soroti University, insisted that leopards were indeed spotted roaming the university compound, and their camera systems captured images of them.
Mr. Nyene suggested that the leopards could have migrated to another location, but this did not mean that the university's claims were false. He advised the UWA to continue tracking the leopards. In response to the AI-generated pictures circulating on social media, Mr. Nyene confirmed that, except for one photo in the library, the camera captured the leopards roaming at the university compound.
The disagreement between the UWA and Soroti University highlights the challenges of verifying reports of wild animal sightings. While the UWA found no evidence of leopards, the university maintains that it has proof of their presence. The incident has caused concern among residents, who are advised to remain vigilant.
The UWA's efforts to investigate and clarify the reports demonstrate its commitment to ensuring public safety and managing wildlife effectively. As the situation continues to unfold, residents and authorities will be watching closely to see if any further evidence of leopards emerges. For now, the UWA's conclusion that dogs are the culprits behind the reported attacks remains the official stance.
Key points
- UWA officials found no evidence of leopards in Teso, only dogs.
