URA recovers 300 quail eggs from Kenyan bus

Apr 23, 2014

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has recovered over 300 quail eggs from a Kenyan registered bus.

By Gerald Tenywa

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has recovered over 300 quail eggs from a Kenyan registered bus, KBU 417U, according to a source.


The eggs, which were packed in a box weighing 6kgs, were intercepted at the Owen Falls Dam, Jinja where a team of URA officials had mounted an operation. The bus from Nairobi was heading to Kampala. The owner who is suspected to have been travelling on the same bus opted to keep quiet as the eggs were removed from the bus.

“Anybody in possession of wildlife and their products such as eggs should have a permit,” the source told New Vision, adding that the eggs were handed over to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for further management.

Jossy Muhangi, UWA Public Relations Manager said the eggs being imported into the country could spread diseases to the indigenous birds.

“We are going to destroy the eggs once the investigations become conclusive,” said Muhangi, pointing out that many people are getting interested in keeping quails.

The quails locally known as enkwale are savanna birds, which are believed to be highly nutritious and that they are medicinal, according to Muhangi.

Previously, the youth and local hunters were the most interested group in the quails, but now they are increasingly getting on the menu of middle income families in many capitals including Kampala.

Muhangi said intending breeders should apply for permits from the UWA and that anybody found in possession of the quails or their products such as eggs will be prosecuted under the Wildlife Act.
 

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