KAMPALA – Police have arrested two suspects for unlawful possession of protected species particularly pangolin valued at UGX10 million, Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson SP Patrick Onyango has revealed.
In a June 9 statement, Onyango noted that the suspects are Mukasa Bosco aged 34 who is the LCI Chairperson of Kiganda Village, Nyamarunde Subcounty in Kibaale district and Kyakwahuwre Simon.
“The duo were arrested on June 7, 2020 from Kibaale and transferred to CPS Kampala,” he said.
Onyango noted that the investigations are being carried out at CPS Kampala.
“Its Standard Utility and Wildlife Court based at Buganda Road Court that handles such cases that is why the suspects are being handled at CPS Kampala,” reads an excerpt.
According to Onyango, the duo were arrested after a tip off from the residents that they deal in the species.
“Officials from Uganda Wildlife Authority and Natural Resources Conservation Network were informed about the business in the area, and they got Police officers from CPS Kampala who travelled with the team to Kibaale,” he said.
He added that the suspects were got with live pangolin which they were selling at UGX 10 million.
“They are being charged with unlawful possession of protected species contrary to Section 36 (1) and 71 (1) (b) of the Uganda Wildlife Act, 2019.”
Onyango said the suspects are detained at CPS Kampala and are likely to appear in court tomorrow.
“We want to appreciate Uganda Wildlife Authority and Natural Resources Conservation Network for their support in fighting crimes related to wildlife. Uganda Wildlife Authority has played a great role in conserving wildlife in the country,” he noted.
