Water Snakes Terrorize Kisiima Island Residents, Shutting Down Nighttime Health Services

Residents on Kisiima Island in Jinja City are facing heightened anxiety from an influx of black, shiny water snakes that have overrun the area, particularly near Kisiima Health Centre III.

Locals describe the reptiles as calm until provoked, when they flare their necks like cobras. Sightings have surged around the facility, affecting homes, farms, and workplaces, with reports of poultry losses to the snakes.

The health centre, completed over a year ago, sits largely idle without electricity, its dark wards and offices near Lake Victoria creating perfect snake habitats. Health inspector Franco Mugweri confirmed frequent encounters in the compound.

“We avoid bringing patients at night due to snake fears, especially without lights,” said resident Angela Bunia. Villagers counter the threat by spreading paraffin and burning tires.

Moses Maaka, Kisiima I Village publicity secretary, noted the snakes’ cobra-like traits and aggression. Chairperson Watmon Okidi attributes the issue to unlit, abandoned structures attracting the reptiles for frog hunting.

Reptile expert Daniel Epiang from Jinja Zoo identifies potential threats like forest cobras and Gaboon vipers, which venture from water at dusk for warmth and food. He stresses the risk of fatal bites in such undisturbed spots.

Residents demand urgent power restoration for safety. Jinja Resident City Commissioner Richard Gulume pledged to involve the town clerk for immediate action.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)