Uganda Travel and Tourism News: UWA residents fight over pythons

Ultimate Media

A joint operation of the army and police has today raided Kombya village, in Mpigi district where residents have been worshipping three pythons.

The pythons had attracted a cult like gathering and many residents are said to have quit their jobs, spending time asking the pythons for blessings.

The pythons which are housed in anthills reportedly emerge between noon and 1.00pm, to find hundreds of their believers waiting.

The followers then worship, give offerings and make various requests to the pythons, which later return to their places of dwelling.

Officials from the Uganda Wild Life Authority however say the pythons pose a serious risk to the residents and could harm them.

UWA officials today led an operation to dig out the pythons and take them to the zoo to ensure their safety and that of the residents.

But the residents who believe the pythons are deities are not impressed and have accused the government of interfering with their freedom of worship.