By Yikpamungu Teddy Kakura

Concerns are mounting in Paidha Town Council, Zombo District, following an incident in which roaming dogs attacked and injured two people, including a child, raising fears about the potential spread of rabies.

Local leaders have warned that the increasing number of stray dogs across the town could pose a growing public health risk if authorities do not take urgent action to control them.

Cwinyaay Wilfred Ondusa, the Local Council I chairperson of Akir Cell, said the incident occurred in his village on Monday, October 12, 2026, leaving the two victims requiring medical attention at a nearby clinic.

By press time, both victims were still receiving treatment.

The incident comes amid growing concern over dog attacks in the town.

Recently, two other people were reportedly bitten by roaming dogs in Mvule Cell, further alarming residents and local leaders.

Dog bites pose a serious health risk because of the possibility of rabies transmission. However, access to timely and appropriate treatment in Uganda faces challenges, including inadequate first aid, reliance on traditional healers, and the high cost or limited availability of medical supplies.

According to figures attributed to the Uganda National Institute of Public Health, the country records approximately 14,000 to 14,865 dog-bite cases annually.

Between 2021 and 2025, Uganda registered 67,393 reported human-animal bite cases, resulting in 190 human deaths linked to suspected rabies, highlighting the need for stronger prevention and response measures.

The latest incidents have renewed calls for relevant authorities to address the growing population of stray dogs in Paidha through coordinated control measures, public awareness and timely access to medical care for bite victims.