A traveller from Saudi Arabi has been killed by an elephant in the Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has confirmed.
According to UWA spokesperson Bashir Hangi, Ayman Sayed Elshahany was killed at about 11am on January 25.
“The deceased Ayman Sayed Elshahany a Saudi Arabian national, together with his three colleagues were travelling in a Toyota Wish Motor Vehicle No. UBJ917C from Masindi transiting through the park to Arua. They stopped along the way and the deceased went out of car. An elephant charged at him killed him on the spot,” said Hangi in a statement.
“We are saddened by this incident and we convey our deepest sympathies to the deceased’s family and friends.”
The UWA publicist added that the matter has since been reported to Packwach Police authorities for further investigations.
He insisted that the national park remains safe despite the Elshahany’s killing, and that more will be done to plug the existing gaps.
“The safety of people in our protected areas remains paramount to us. We therefore appeal to the public especially those transiting through protected areas to take precaution and avoid putting themselves in harm’s way,” he said.
“In the meantime, we are also reviewing our safety protocols to enhance them to avoid a repeat of such incidents. We assure the public that our parks remain safe to all visitors.”
