Businesswoman admits to illegal possession of lion skins

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A city businesswoman has pleaded guilty to charges of illegal possession of lion skins, classified as an endangered species.

On March 3, 2025, Sharifah Najjemba, 36, a resident of Nabisasiro zone in Busega, Rubaga Division, Kampala, pleaded guilty to two charges: possession of prohibited goods, contrary to Section 200(d)(i) of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004, and possession of a protected species, contrary to Section 71(1)(b) of the Uganda Wildlife Act, 2019.

On August 19, 2024, Najjemba initially denied the charges and pleaded not guilty when she was first arraigned in court. She remained on remand since last year after failing to secure bail. The court declined to grant her bail due to a lack of substantial sureties.

When Najjemba appeared before the Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court on March 3, 2025, presided over by Chief Magistrate Rachael Nakyazze for a pre-trial, her lawyer, Samuel Kakande, informed the court of her decision to change her plea.

"Your Worship, after careful consideration, the accused wishes to change her plea. I request that the charges be read to her again," Kakande said.

Subsequently, the charges were read to her in court, and she admitted to them, stating that it was true she was found in possession of lion skins. She was convicted and sentenced to one and a half years in prison.

The case is being jointly prosecuted by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). URA is represented by litigation officer Davis Thomas Lomuria and legal officer Donald Bakashaba, while state attorney Annet Tuheisomwe represents UWA.

The prosecution alleges that on June 29, 2024, Najjemba and others at large were found in possession of three suspected female lion skins, weighing approximately 12 kilogrammes, at Kabz Hotel in Maganjo, Wakiso district.

In the second court prosecution, it is alleged that on June 29, 2024, Najjemba and others at large were found in possession of three suspected female lion skins, weighing 12 kilogrammes, at Kabz Hotel in Maganjo, Wakiso district, without a permit.

The prosecution asserts that Najjemba knew or should have known that these goods were prohibited.

Being in possession of prohibited goods, contrary to Section 200(d)(i) of the East African Community Customs Act, 2004, attracts a fine of sh10 million or five years in jail.

Under Section 71(1)(a), a person found in possession of, selling, buying, transferring, or accepting the transfer of protected specimens commits an offence and, upon conviction, may face a fine not exceeding sh200 million, life imprisonment, or both.