By Abubakar Bin Siraji
MBALE DISTRICT
A family in Napulu village, Bumageni parish, Bungokho sub-county in Mbale district has abandoned their home after mysterious snakes invaded their house, causing fear in the entire village.
Four members of Tom Wamukwe’s family have had to spend three nights in a lodging at Mbale City in Bugema for fear of the snakes, which they now link with black magic.
Mr Wamukwe on Eid day 10/04/2024 told this reporter that the snakes started appearing on Saturday 6/04/2024, a day after a member of the village threatened him after a disagreement.
He said he had been drinking with the suspect in a nearby bar when they clashed and exchanged bitter words, prompting the man to threaten him.
The man then proceeded to Wamukwe’s home, where he told his mother that her son had exhibited lack of respect, so he will teach him a lesson.
“We exchanged some bitter words, since both of us had taken alcohol. He threatened to teach me a lesson. I thought the exchange would not get this far,” said Wamukwe.
Things however, went out of hand when Wamukwe met a five-feet-long snake coiled at a corner inside his house. He raised alarm and killed the snake before setting it ablaze outside the compound.
When a similar snake appeared in the house the following day, Wamukwe started suspecting the threats he had received the previous day.
On Sunday, a similar snake appeared in the house and when Wamukwe raised alarm, it disappeared, with residents launching a search in the compound.
Even though no one was harmed by the snake, Wamukwe’s family deserted their home and sought refuge at a neighbour’s house. The next day they spent the night in a lodging.
“Every time we are alone in the house, a snake appears, but when we raise alarm, it disappears. I managed to kill two before people came to the compound,” said Wamukwe.
On Eid day, villagers kept vigil at Wamukwes’ home for the better part of the day, but the snakes did not appear.
Wamukwe invited pastors and sheikhs, to pray for his family and home before returning.
“As men of God we will continue praying in this compound but we request that we find a way of bringing together Wamukwe and the suspect, so that they can forgive one another,” said one cleric.
