A man in Kasese has been sentenced to nine years in prison or an alternative fine of eight million shillings for the unlawful killing of a protected wildlife species.
The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kasese issued the sentence after Yowasi Mulengya was apprehended by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in June at Ibuga village, Kitswamba Sub County. His arrest followed a tip-off from a local resident.
Upon capture, Mulengya was found in possession of two buffalo horns, four hooves, three kilograms of buffalo meat, two kilograms of warthog meat, and a spear.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) prosecutor, Ngene Reuben, presented strong evidence to Magistrate Betty Ojok, emphasizing the detrimental impact of Mulengya’s actions on wildlife conservation in Uganda and the economy at large. Reuben highlighted that the animals killed were vital prey for carnivores such as lions and leopards. The reduction of these food sources forces predators to target livestock, leading to increased human-wildlife conflicts and higher government compensation costs.
Although Mulengya pleaded guilty and sought leniency, the court remained resolute in its decision, imposing either an eight-million-shilling fine or a nine-year prison sentence. Magistrate Ojok underscored the importance of protecting Uganda’s wildlife and maintaining ecological balance, asserting that wildlife crimes would not be tolerated.
Bashir Hangi, spokesperson for UWA, expressed appreciation for the collaboration among the judiciary, UPDF, police, and local communities in supporting wildlife conservation efforts. He reaffirmed UWA’s commitment to preserving Uganda’s biodiversity through continuous campaigns and stringent law enforcement.