A severe drought and an expanding monkey population have transformed Abela Primary School and the neighboring communities in Katakwi District into a battlefield – and it's not just for snacks but also for schoolbooks!
The monkeys from Abela Rock, once mild-mannered tree dwellers, have turned into fierce lunchtime bandits, making it increasingly difficult for pupils to hold onto their meals—or their homework.
According to Isiah Eucu, the head teacher of Abela Primary, the school’s location near Abela Rock, which has long been home to mischievous monkeys, is now a recipe for chaos.
"These monkeys have become quite violent. They snatch food right out of the children’s hands, especially the younger ones, who are clearly no match for these furry bandits," he said, sounding like he might need a few monkeys to patrol his playground.
Hellen Kedi, the chairperson of the School Management Committee, shared her own frustrations, noting that the monkeys have developed a peculiar taste for schoolbooks.
"They mistake books for food," she said.
"And when they’re finished with the lunch boxes, they tear up the books, as if they're reading a review of their own monkey business."
But it's not just the schoolchildren that are under siege.
George Arwaitum, the Local Council chairperson of Moru B, reports that the monkeys are turning entire villages into their personal grocery stores.
"They steal chicken, destroy crops, and leave a trail of destruction," he said.
"We know they’re good at detecting security threats at night, but now they’re like an uninvited dinner guest who won’t leave."
Dr Anthony Odeke, the Acting District Veterinary Officer, has his own theory. He blames the monkey madness on the severe drought that’s left the creatures hungry and desperate.
"Locals should be careful not to consume any food or chicken that may have been contaminated by the monkeys," he warned, sounding like he’s the bearer of bad news at a picnic.
In the midst of all this monkey mayhem, Bashir Hangi from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) offered a solution—sort of.
He suggested that the local authorities take charge of controlling the monkey population.
Apparently, keeping the monkeys away from the schoolchildren and their lunch boxes is now the district's newest responsibility.
Abela Rock, which was once a peaceful tourist attraction, is now home to a gang of approximately 200 monkeys and baboons.
These animals, who used to quietly share their space with humans, are now hungry, frustrated, and possibly considering a career change to “schoolyard bully.”
With no clear solution in sight, the residents and students of Abela are left to wonder: Will the monkeys ever trade their food-snatching ways for some peace and quiet? Or is this the beginning of a new schoolyard rivalry?