Pigs may be a delicacy for some Ugandans but Buhimba town residents in Hoima are up in arms against the animals. Or at least against the owners of pigs that have become a nightly menace. Destruction of property by pigs left to roam the town at night has reached the ears of the town council and residents are demanding action.
Nasur Busiinge says, despite the fact that he is a Muslim; he would not have any problem with pig owners if they restrained their animals. Busiinge explains that the animals are normally released at night and they destroy everything left outside.
He says that the pigs are a greater inconvenience when it rains as they wallow in the mud in their courtyards. Busiinge asks the authorities in the area to caution the pig owners against releasing their animals to roam all over the area.
Mathias Isingoma, a business man in town, says despite the numerous complaints over the roaming animals, the owners have not taken heed. Showing journalists an area behind his business premises purportedly destroyed by pigs, Isingoma asks the authorities to intervene.
Although the population of pigs in the town could not be easily ascertained, David Atuhura, the Buhimba sub county LC3 Chairman, admits to there is a problem.
The local leader says although he talked to some pig owners about the problem they only restrain the animals during the day and release them at night. He promises to engage the area health officer in charge to seek ways of addressing the problem.
Pigs in areas of Kyabigambire sub-county, Hoima district have been blamed for the high jigger infestation in the area with 60% of the households living with jiggers. Buhimba residents fear the roaming pigs could expose them to jiggers.
