A Kampala businesswoman, Sharifah Najjemba, has been denied bail after being charged with the illegal possession of a lion’s skin, a case that has attracted significant attention due to the serious nature of the charges. Najjemba, aged 36, is accused of possessing three lion skins, weighing approximately 12 kilograms, in violation of Ugandan law.
On August 19, 2024, Najjemba, a resident of Nabisasiro Zone in Busega, Rubaga Division, appeared before Chief Magistrate Joan Aciro at the Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court. The charges against her include two counts: possession of prohibited goods under Section 200(d)(i) of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004, and possession of protected species under Section 71(1)(b) of the Uganda Wildlife Act, 2019.
The prosecution, represented by Donald Bakashaba from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), alleges that on June 29, 2024, Najjemba, along with unidentified accomplices, was found in possession of three lion skins at Kabz Hotel in Maganjo, Wakiso District. The skins are believed to belong to female lions, a protected species in Uganda. The prosecution contends that Najjemba was aware, or should have been aware, that the possession of these items was prohibited under Ugandan law.
The legal implications of these charges are severe. Under Section 200(d)(i) of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004, possession of prohibited goods carries a penalty of up to 10 million Ugandan shillings or a prison term of up to five years. Furthermore, under Section 71(1)(a) of the Uganda Wildlife Act, 2019, any person found in possession of, or involved in the sale or transfer of protected species, faces a fine of up to 200 million Ugandan shillings, life imprisonment, or both.
Najjemba has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Her defense, led by lawyer Herbert Ojaki, presented three sureties to support her bail application. However, Chief Magistrate Aciro found that the sureties did not meet the necessary legal requirements to qualify for bail, leading to the rejection of the application.
As a result, Najjemba has been remanded to Luzira prison, where she will remain until the next court hearing, scheduled for August 28, 2024. During this time, the prosecution is expected to continue its investigations into the case, with further updates to be provided at the next hearing.
