Police in Kicwamba sub county, Rubirizi District with help from Natural Resource Conservation Network (NRCN) has arrested 2 people while in possession of a python and leopard skin.
Mwesigwa Amos, 32, a Businessman and a resident of Katara II zone, Katara Parish, Kicwamba sub county Rubirizi district and Turyakira Emmanuel, 26, also a businessman and resident of Kawala, Rubaga division in Kampala district were arrested with a product from a protected species.
This was during a transaction in Kicwamba Sub County.
Mwesigwa who is the alleged team leader said the skins (python and leopard) are both not his but for a friend also a fellow businessman who had simply given him to keep.
The suspects are currently being detained at Kicwamba Police station where they will be further questioned then arraigned in court.
According to the Natural Resource Conservation Network Head of Legal and Prosecution Massa Leonard, Rutagatina John will be charged with; Unlawful possession of a protected species contrary to Sections 30 and 75 (b) of the Uganda Wildlife Act CAP 200.
The Act provides for the offence of unlawful possession of protected species and the punishment is a fine of not less than 1m or not more than 5 years imprisonment and in any case the fine must be not less than the value of the wildlife product involved.
They will also be charged with conspiracy to commit a felony contrary to section 360 of the Penal Code Act. This offence attracts a maximum penalty of 7 years in prison.
OC CID, Superintendent of Police Mulamuzi Moses, Kicwamba sub county, which is in Rubirizi district is bordered by queen Elizabeth National Park where it’s suspected they got the contraband.
Rubirizi DPC S.P Hasunira Ahmed said the rampant crime of illegal wildlife trade in the region is one of the reasons that tourism in the area has been affected.
