A University Student and Wildlife Trafficker, arrested for illegally possessing Wildlife Species in Kasese.
KASESE: Police at Katwe Kabatoro Central Police Station, have in custody Makerere University Student and a suspected Wildlife trafficker for the illegal possession of WildLife Species.
The suspects in custody have been identified as one Lubega Frederick alias Rick 24 also a University Student at Makerere and one Ankunda Isborn 28 a Wildlife trafficker of Ndejje Ward, Makindye Division.
The two were found in the position of 22 black and white colobus monkeys (15 alive, 7 dead), 9 purely black moneys) (4 alive, 5 dead), 7 Gaboon Vipers (4 dead, 3 alive).
The Police Spokesperson SCP Enanga Fred confirmed to the Media that the wildlife species were intercepted on 9th June 2024 at Kikorongo fisheries checkpoint while packed in 15 boxes, being transported to the DRC with super custom UBA 617A.
It’s alleged that the package was to be exported to Europe and Asia, for monetary purposes and upon interception was handed over to UWA officers so as to set free the live ones to their natural habitats, and dispose of the dead.
“We strongly condemn the illicit movement of wildlife species, due to its negative impact of financing organized crime gangs, biodiversity loss, public health concerns and violation of our laws. As the Police, we reaffirm our commitment to work with our partners of UWA, border committees, customs officials, LCs, NGOs and the private sector, in fighting the illegal trade in wildlife, to ensure fear of the crimes and also promote a safer environment for wildlife” Fred Enanga.
Enanga added the arrest of the suspects will serve as a deterrent and help widen public awareness that poaching and illegal trade of species are punishable crimes.
He further said that upon conviction, the offence of unlawful possession of wildlife species carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment thus thanking the Joint Enforcement teams in Rwenzori Region and Kasese for their effort in preventing wildlife trafficking.
