Suspects behind the grave killing of 6 lions have been transferred to Criminal Investigations Directorate-CID headquarters in Kibuli for court purposes.
The Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said, “We wish to inform the public that the 3 suspects, allegedly involved in the killing of 6 lions at the Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kanungu district, on the 20.03.2021, have been transferred to the Directorate of CID, Kibuli, for further necessary court action.”
The suspects who include; Tumuhirwe Vincent, a 48-year-old peasant of Tukundane village, Ariho Robert, a 40-year-old male peasant of Kazinga lower village, Miryango David, a 68-year-old male, traditional healer of Tukundane village, will be arraigned before the Utility court of Buganda road, on various charges of unlawfully killing wild life species, unlawfully entry into wildlife protected areas and being in unlawful possession of wildlife pieces of three lion heads, 15 legs, jerry can containing suspected animal fats, which were all exhibited.
Other exhibits which were recovered include a tin of suspected poison, and spears. The dead lions and 9 other wild birds that died after eating the poisonous carcases were forensically examined by the veterinary experts from UWA.
The 3 suspects, who were thoroughly interrogated, admitted the killing of lions for body parts and fats, which are used for ritualistic cleansing. It was established that during their poaching exploits on March 20, 2021, they drove a herd of antelopes towards the pride of lions. After a successful catch by the lions, the suspects chased them away and laced the catch with poison, which the lions eventually ate and died. An additional 9 wild birds which ate the carcases too, also died.
“It is unfortunate that the suspects who had knowledge about the laws protecting wildlife in the area, still went ahead with their dangerous poaching exploits. This calls for increased awareness and sensitization about the safety of wildlife in the area,” Enanga said.
“We would like to greatly thank the offices of the RDC, the UPDF 25th Brigade, UWA, the territorial Police in Kigezi and Kanungu, DISO, and the residents who shared valuable intelligence. Our priority as the joint security agencies, still remains enforcement of wildlife protection laws in the country. The case in point clearly demonstrates our resolve in holding accountable all persons who endanger wildlife,” he added
