The Territorial Police in Rwenzori East and Katwe Kabatoro CPS have arrested two individuals for illegal possession of wildlife. The suspects are Lubega Frederick, also known as Rick, a 24-year-old student at Makerere University, and Ankunda Isborn, a 28-year-old suspected wildlife trafficker from Ndejje Ward, Makindye Division. They were found with a total of 31 monkeys and 7 Gabon vipers.
The animals included 22 black and white colobus monkeys (15 alive and 7 dead), 9 purely black monkeys (4 alive and 5 dead), and 7 Gabon vipers (3 alive and 4 dead). The wildlife was discovered packed in 15 boxes inside a white and green super custom vehicle with registration number UBA 617A. The suspects were intercepted at the Kikorongo fisheries checkpoint on June 9, 2024, around 9:45 PM. They were reportedly transporting the animals to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for export to Europe and Asia for monetary gain.
The live animals have been handed over to Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) officers to be returned to their natural habitats, while the dead animals will be properly disposed of.
Police Spokesperson SCP Enanga Fred strongly condemned the illegal trafficking of wildlife, highlighting its negative impacts such as financing organized crime, causing biodiversity loss, public health concerns, and violating laws. He emphasized the commitment of the police to work with partners, including UWA, border committees, customs officials, local councils, NGOs, and the private sector, to fight illegal wildlife trade and promote a safer environment for wildlife.
“The arrest of Ankunda Isborn, a suspected trafficker, and his colleague will serve as a deterrent and help increase public awareness that poaching and illegal trade of wildlife are serious crimes,” said Enanga. “Upon conviction, the offense of unlawful possession of wildlife species carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.”
Enanga also thanked the joint enforcement teams in the Rwenzori Region and Kasese for their efforts in preventing wildlife trafficking.
This case underscores the importance of protecting wildlife and enforcing laws against illegal trade to ensure the safety and preservation of endangered species.
