By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
Police has arrested four suspects for being in unlawful possession of Marabou stork that it is suspected they were in the process of selling to Congolese nationals.
The four who were arrested on 1st June 2023 at Lusanja Zone in Kiteezi Parish, Kasangati Town Council, Wakiso District have been identified as Masika Herbert , Mwinguzi Dick , Kato Dickson and Tumukunde Peter.
According to Luke Owoyesigyiere, the Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Police acted on a tipoff by local leaders in the area.
“Upon receiving this information, the police were immediately informed, and as a result of the police intervention, 15 Marabou storks were successfully recovered as exhibits,” Owoyesigyiere says.
He says the birds are currently in custody, awaiting further management by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), an organization responsible for the protection and conservation of wildlife.
“All four suspects involved in the unlawful possession of the wild species have been arrested and duly charged in accordance with the law,” he says before adding that their prosecution will proceed accordingly.
He also says that they information that the ringleader who is still at large is called Innocent Banaras whom he says is being pursued.
“Furthermore, there are allegations suggesting that these captured birds were intended for sale to Congolese individuals, who are currently evading arrest,” he says.
He says police condemns this illegal activity and is committed to the protection and conservation of wildlife in Uganda.
