UNIVERSITY STUDENT AND WILDLIFE TRAFFICKER, ARRESTED FOR BEING   IN ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF WILD LIFE SPECIES IN KASESE

The Territorial Police in Rwenzori East and Katwe Kabatoro CPS, have in custody, Lubega Frederick alias Rick, a 24 year old, Makerere University Student and Ankunda Isborn, a 28 year old, suspected Wildlife trafficker of Ndejje Ward, Makindye Division, for the illegal possession of 22 black and white callabus monkeys (15 alive, 7 dead), 9 purely black moneys) (4 alive, 5 dead), 7 Gabon Vipers (4 dead, 3 alive). A total of 31 monkeys, 7 Gabon vipers were handed over to UWA officers so as to set free the live ones to their natural habitats, and dispose off the dead. The wildlife species were intercepted while packed in 15 boxes, in a white and green super custom, under registration number UBA 617A, on the 9.06.2024 at around 9:45pm, at Kikorongo fisheries checkpoint. They were being transported to the DRC, where they are exported from to Europe and Asia, for monetary purposes.

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 for the crimes and also promote a safer environment for wildlife.

The arrest of the Ankunda Isborn, a suspected trafficker, and his colleague, will serve as a deterrent and help widen public awareness, that poaching and illegal trade of species, are punishable crimes. Upon conviction, the offence of unlawful possession of wildlife species carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

We thank our Joint Enforcement teams in Rwenzori Region and Kasese for their effort in preventing wildlife trafficking.

SCP Enanga Fred

Police Spokesperson

17^th June 2024