By Mike Rwothomio
Four children are nursing serious injuries after being attacked by stray dogs in Paidha Town Council, Zombo District.
The incident, which occurred on September 16, involved four children from different families, who were pounced on by stray dogs in Mvule Cell, Central Ward, Paidha Town Council.
David Othembi Dozomolo, the Vice Chairperson of LCI Mvule Cell, confirmed the incident, adding that one of the injured children is his own. “My child was among the four children bitten by these stray dogs,” he said. He also expressed concern over the medical expenses, noting, “We are struggling to foot a bill amounting to UGX 250,000, yet the owners of the dogs are unknown.”
Dozomolo appealed to local authorities, urging them to take immediate action. “They must kill these dogs before they kill our children and domestic animals,” he said.
Although the victims were rushed to nearby health facilities and later discharged, the harrowing incident has sparked outrage among residents, who are blaming the town council for failing to address the issue of stray dogs.
Another parent, who is also grappling with medical bills, voiced her frustration: “Unfortunately, we can’t even locate the owners of the dogs. The council should kill these dogs.”
While children are the primary victims, adults are also vulnerable to these vicious dog attacks. One parent, whose child was bitten, said, “Although my child is out of danger, the incident has caused significant physical and emotional trauma.”
It remains unclear whether the dogs were infected with rabies. The presence of stray dogs has become a growing problem in Paidha Town Council, where similar incidents have occurred. Two months ago, in the neighbouring Alengukuma Cell, stray dogs attacked and injured two children of a catechist from Christ the King Catholic Church.
Jamal Kasamba, a dog owner in Central Ward, Paidha Town Council, emphasised the need for proper dog care, saying, “The best way to avoid these natural reactions is for owners to train and socialise their dogs correctly.”
Godi Johnson, a resident of Ovuruyindi Cell, attributed the issue to the laxity of the town council. “The council needs to wake up. The number of stray dogs in this town has increased. Years ago, the council took action and eliminated stray dogs, but now they are silent,” he said.
While most of the stray dogs involved in the attacks escaped unharmed, one was killed by angry residents. The last time Paidha Town Council eliminated marauding dogs was in 2021, following a surge in their population, which caused fear among residents.
Efforts to obtain a response from the town council’s production department were unsuccessful.
This publication has learned that the leadership of Paidha Town Council recently conducted a pet vaccination campaign, but many dog owners failed to comply.
Sources within Paidha Central Police mentioned that dog bite victims should receive compensation, placing the responsibility on dog owners. However, this is difficult to enforce, as many dog owners are unidentified.
Despite Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) being nearly 100 percent effective against rabies, veterinary experts note that only 2 out of 10 dog bite victims receive the treatment.
Dr. Walter Kumakech, the District Veterinary Officer, recently encouraged residents to have their animals vaccinated. Speaking at an event in Warr Town Council, he said, “Ensure that your animals are vaccinated. It’s free of charge.”
Uganda records an average of 13,000 suspected rabies cases annually, resulting in the deaths of 32 people and 130 animals, according to the Uganda Veterinary Association.
Marauding dogs have increasingly become a menace in Zombo District, with many residents calling for immediate action from authorities.
