Water snakes have raided Uganda’s Kisiima Island in Jinja city, raising fear and disrupting the daily life of residents.
The reptiles, described by locals as black and shiny, have increasingly been spotted around Kisiima Island Health Centre III, where their presence has sparked panic among health workers and patients.
According to residents, the snakes appear calm but become aggressive when disturbed, raising their necks in a cobra-like manner.
The situation has been worsened by the lack of electricity at the health centre, which residents say has remained without power for over a year, leaving wards and offices largely unused.
The darkness, combined with the facility’s proximity to Lake Victoria, has created ideal conditions for snakes to thrive.
Residents say they have resorted to improvised measures such as sprinkling paraffin and burning vehicle tyres at night to repel the reptiles.
Local leaders link the invasion to the abandoned and poorly lit structures, which provide hiding and breeding grounds.
Experts noted that snakes often leave water in the evening to seek warmth and can travel long distances in search of food.
Residents are now urging authorities to restore electricity and improve safety at the facility.
MG/as/APA