How 70 year old "jumped out" of a crocodile's belly

Residents of Bumeru 'C' Village, Mutumba Sub County, Namayingo District, have petitioned the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) to address the critical issue of clean water scarcity in their community.

On Thursday, lawyers from the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights (ISER) submitted the residents' petition to the commission in Kampala.

Fronica Kafuko, a courageous 70-year-old resident, shared her account of the hardships she endured in obtaining clean and safe drinking water.

Kafuko explained that the residents in her area are left with no choice but to draw water directly from Lake Victoria, which not only exposes them to unclean water but also endangers their lives due to the presence of dangerous animals like crocodiles.

She recounted a harrowing incident where she narrowly escaped being devoured by a crocodile while attempting to fetch water.

In her fear, she fell and suffered injuries, losing her teeth in the process.

"I have also suffered from waterborne diseases such as Bilharzia. Access to clean water is a serious issue, and we are here to seek help before more residents lose their lives," Kafuko tearfully expressed.

Grateful for the intervention of compassionate passersby who saved her life, she called upon the government to provide safe and clean water sources for the community.

Majidu Mabuno, another resident, shared a similar tragedy, recounting the loss of a daughter who was attacked by a crocodile while fetching water from the lake.

Mangi Salimati, another concerned resident, described the arduous task of drawing water directly from Lake Victoria, involving a treacherous descent down a steep 300ft slope.

Biral Musenangu Biral, the LC Chairman of Bumeru 'C' Village, emphasized the dire situation, highlighting that the lake water is contaminated, leading to widespread health issues such as bilharzia and typhoid.

Additionally, the lack of accessible medical facilities further exacerbates the vulnerability of groups like the elderly and disabled.

"The nearest health centre IV is approximately 32 kilometres away from the village. The local health clinics charge exorbitant fees that the community cannot afford," he explained.

Elizabeth Ayori, a legal officer at ISER, informed the commission that the elderly and people with disabilities face the greatest challenges as they are unable to navigate the steep slope to fetch water from the lake.

Many individuals have sustained injuries in the process, leaving them permanently incapacitated.

The petitioners urge the Equal Opportunities Commission to declare the ongoing denial of clean and safe water as discriminatory, violating the residents' rights to life and health.

They demand that the Ministry of Water and Environment promptly provide accessible sources of clean water to the community.

Joel Cox Ojuko, Vice Chairperson of the EOC, assured the residents that their concerns would be thoroughly investigated and addressed.

The commission welcomed the petition and expressed its commitment to expedite the investigation by engaging with various stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation on the ground.