By Joel Kaguta,
Recitation of the rosary was halted fairly at Muhokya Catholic Church in Muhokya Town Council when a baboon, apparently fleeing from Queen Elizabeth National Park, unexpectedly entered the church.
Mr. Henry Baluku, an eyewitness, told our reporter that the baboon was being chased by children and may have entered the church at 3.30pm seeking refuge.
According to Mr. Baluku, several Christians were in the middle of reciting the rosary when the baboon, fleeing from the children, ran directly into the church.
Later, the congregation relocated to another building, where they continued their prayers as efforts to remove the baboon which had climbed onto the seats and eventually perched on the roof were underway.
The incident prompted officials from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to respond quickly. They successfully removed the baboon and returned it to the national park. Mr. Baluku speaking….
Mr. Saveri Tushabwomu, a community leader, commended the residents of Muhokya for remaining calm and treating the wild animal with respect.
Mr. Tushabwomu speaking….
A UWA official, who preferred anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the media, explained that baboons usually move in groups. He suspects this particular baboon may have escaped due to poaching activity.
END.