Suspected tortoise smugglers granted bail

Two people suspected to have smuggled 153 tortoises have been released on bail by the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala. 

Abdu Kyabalongo and Ali Ssemambo were each granted a cash bail of sh5m by Grade One Magistrate, Peter Luchomia after producing five substantial sureties who were each bonded for a non-cash bail of sh25m. 

Kyabalongo, 50, who is a wildlife professional trapper, is a resident of Massajja Zone, Busabala in Wakiso district while taxi driver Ssemambo, 40, is a resident of Bugema in Mbale district. 

The accused's bail was prompted by defence lawyer James Muhumuza, who told court that the charges preferred against the duo were bailable. 

"I pray that you grant the accused persons bail according to terms and conditions of court," Muhumuza requested. 

Meanwhile, state prosecutor Peter Muliisa did not object Muhumuza's request for bail, but asked court to award the accused stringent terms so that they do not abscond court when hearing of their case starts. 

Muliisa also told court that the offences the accused stand charged are very significant in the fight to protectthe endangered species. 

"Your worship if the accused are given bond it should be above sh70m and they should also deposit their passports in court so that they can understand the weight of the case," Muliisa proposed. 

Kyabalongo and Ssemambo leave the Anti-Corruption Court. Photo Meddie Musisi

There were dramatic scenes in court as friends and relatives of the accused resorted to prayer as they waited for court's ruling. 

The accused were charged with acquisition and carrying coastwise of restricted goods contrary to section 200 (a) of the East African Community Customs Management Act. 

They are also battling charges of attempting to export without a valid permit and utilization of wildlife without a wildlife use right contrary to sections 30, 66, 74 and 75 of the Wildife Act. 

Prosecution alleges that the accused and others still at large on May 16 this year in Mbale district carried coastwise 153 live tortoises and attempted to export without a valid customs permit. 

It is further alleged that the accused in the same period, engaged in activities of nature which involves the utilization of wild Life and its products without obtaining a grant of  a wild life use right. 

The tortoises are currently kept at Kidepo National Park and the vehicle which was used to ferry is under the custody of Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). 

The duo were on Monday, last week arrested by URA as they attempted to smuggle the animals, wrapped in a sack out of the country using a public taxi. 

A tipoff from a member of the public about the tortoises' transit route and time enabled URA to intercept the suspects. URA later handed over the tortoises to Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). 

The case was adjourned to June 8, 2016 for mention.