KAMPALA – Police in Kampala have arrested three suspects on allegations of unlawfully dealing in protected species particularly ivory valued at Shs30 million, SP Patrick Onyango has revealed.
The suspects have been identified as Akello Agnes Ojok, Derrick Ssejjombwe and Ssegawa Sulaiman.
Onyango in a statement said that the suspects are currently detained at Kampala Central Police Station.
“The trio was arrested from KK gardens in Bweyogerere, Kira Municipality, Wakiso district after a tip off. This was after an NGO called the Natural Resources Conservation Network got information that there were people who are selling elephant tusks,” he said.
He added that they [NGO] informed intelligence and a trap was laid for them.
“The suspects came and they were arrested in possession of the ivory,” reads an excerpt.
Onyango further noted that statements of the suspects are being recorded.
“They are being charged with unlawful possession of protected species contrary to Section 36 (1) and 71 (1) (b) of the Uganda Wildlife Act, 2019.
We want to thank the Natural Resources Conservation Network for their efforts in fighting crimes related to wildlife,” he said.
He further cautioned members of the public against dealing in illegal wildlife products.
