Two arrested vending baboon meat
Jul 29, 2014
Karuma Wildlife Reserve authorities have arrested two suspected poachers after they were found in possession of smoked baboon meat for sale.
By Dominic Ochola and Saidi Engola
Karuma Wildlife Reserve authorities have arrested two suspected poachers after they were found in possession of smoked baboon meat for sale.
Mishel Otuikende, 53, a Congolese and Brian Ojanga Jakumambe, 18, all residents of Mutunda Sub-county in Kiryandongo district were arrested last week following a tip off from park vigilantes.
While being arraigned before reporters, Otuikende revealed that, “Wild primates’ meat is a delicacy in the Democratic Republic of Congo and i am shocked it’s a taboo here in Uganda.”
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Meanwhile, his co-accused, Ojanga remained silent.
Bush-meat trade is largely illegal, but very profitable for local people who often lack other sources of income. The trade has also become the most immediate threat to the future survival of wildlife in most of Uganda’s conservation areas.
“The two will appear before Kiryandongo magistrate’s court to answer to charges of killing and being in possession of game meat,” Thomas Owor, Uganda wildlife Authority Prosecutor said.
Evelyn Kyomukama, the in charge of Karuma Wildlife Reserve urged Ugandans to value wildlife as it’s one great source of revenue.
She warned that UWA will continue to persecute criminals.
The Wildlife Act 74 Section 30 Chapter 200 of 2000 prohibits the act of killing and being in possession of game meat.
The revised wildlife act proposes a 20–year jail term or a fine of not less than 200 million shillings for poachers upon conviction.
Experts’ Counsel
Dr. Eric Enyel, Uganda Wildlife Veterinary doctor said Ebola haemorrhagic fever can be contracted by butchering apes.
He further argued that epidemiologists have traced the first human case of HIV in apes.
“Therefore getting into contacts with such apes and consumption of their meat exposes humans to such severe health dangers,” Dr. Enyel told the New Vision.
Meanwhile, Dr. Christopher Owiny, a veterinary doctor with Kiryandongo District Local government also warned that apes' meat my cause rabies and other severe fatal diseases which may have no cure.
Dr. Owiny cautioned that, “It might not be the worst idea to take some personal responsibility for what you're putting in your mouth.”
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