Two remanded for encroaching on a wildlife-protected area
The duo denied the charges, and a plea of not guilty was entered on the court record against them.
One of the spots in Queen Elizabeth National Park without an electric fence, situated in Railway ward of Kasese Municipality which is commonly used as a route by people to encroach on the protected area. (Photo by Samuel Amanyire)
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The Kasese Grade I Magistrate’s Court has remanded two men to Mubuku Government Prison until March 27, 2026, on charges of entering a Wildlife Protected Area without permission.
Court sitting yesterday March 19, 2026 at Rukoki within Kasese Municipality and presided over by His Worship Faishal Mbale Ngamije, the Kasese Grade I Magistrate, heard that on March 16, 2026, Aaron Muchunguzi (26) and Gerald Masereka (25) both residents of Kyalanga in Kasese Municipality were found in the Queen Elizabeth National Park without permission contrary to the Uganda Wildlife Authority Act.
The duo denied the charges, and a plea of not guilty was entered on the court record against them. The Magistrate then remanded them to Mubuku Government Prison for further mention of their charges.
The same court further remanded Samson Muhindo Kabutusi until April 09, 2026. Kabutusi is facing three counts of theft, burglary and entering a Wildlife Protected Area without permission.
It is alleged that on August 15, 2025, while at Mihunga Cell, Nyakalengigyo Ward of Ibanda - Kyanya Town Council, Kabutusi vandalised Nyabitaba Tourist Camp in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park and stole 12 mattresses belonging to the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Court also heard that three of the stolen mattresses were recovered at Summit Guest House, where Kabutusi was previously working as a security guard.
He was subsequently arrested by officers from the UPDF, who immediately handed him over to the police and was detained at Ibanda Police Station.
Kabutusi denied the charges, and the State Attorney produced witnesses. In due course, a prima facie case was established against him, and he was required to submit his defence.
When he reappeared before the court today (March 20), Kabutusi asked the Magistrate to grant him a plea bargain that the court accepted and further remanded him until April, 09 2026, to hear and determine his fate.