Police in Nakaseke District have arrested 22 people for alleged unlawful possession of wildlife species and hunting equipment.
The suspects were arrested during a snap checkpoint conducted by police at Mijumwa Trading Centre in Wakyato Sub-county, Nakaseke District.
During the operation, police intercepted a white Toyota Hiace taxi, registration number UAV 523K, which was carrying 22 occupants, hunting equipment and suspected wildlife products.
According to Sam Twiineamazima, the Savannah Regional Police spokesperson, officers searched the vehicle and recovered hunting nets, spears, pangas, knives, and roots and leaves of unidentified plant species.
“During the search, police recovered smoked and fresh suspected wild meat, three pairs of oribi horns, and five bushbuck and porcupine quills,” Twiineamazima said.
Police registered a case of unlawful possession of wildlife species, and all 22 occupants were arrested and detained.
“The suspects are being held pending transfer to the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court to face charges under the Wildlife Act,” Twiineamazima said.
The suspects are being detained at Nakaseke Central Police Station at Butalangu district headquarters.
Twiineamazima added that police in Nakaseke remain committed to protecting wildlife and enforcing conservation laws, urging members of the public with information about illegal hunting or wildlife trafficking to report promptly to the nearest police station.
Under Uganda’s wildlife laws, unlawful possession of protected wildlife species is a serious offence and, depending on the circumstances and applicable provision, may attract severe penalties, including life imprisonment upon conviction-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
