Pangolin scales dealer petitions over rights

By Andante Okanya

A pangolin scales dealer, Smith Ewa Maku, has petitioned court, lamenting that he is fearful that his economic rights are under threat because a court case filed against Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) excludes him as a defendant.

In his miscellaneous application filed on February 23, Maku contends that his exclusion could adversely affect his business.

The contention stems from the case filed this year on January 23, when environmental lobby group Greenwatch sued UWA over purported illegal trade in endangered wildlife.

Through Kaweesi and Partners Advocates, Maku asserts that for justice to be seen, it is only fair that he is given the opportunity to defend his business interests.

"I am in the process of exporting  some of the trophies collected and accordingly, the aforementioned suit and applications directly impact on the legality of my transactions, my economic rights, and other constitutional rights such as the right to a fair hearing," Maku states in an affidavit.

He notes that his lawyers, whose advice he believes to be true, have guided him and informed him that his inclusion as a defendant will not negatively affect both UWA and Greenwatch.
 

Business in pangolin scales is lucrative. (Photo credit: Wikimedia)

According to documents contained in the main case, Maku's company Smico Skin Craft Industries Limited was on July 4 last year granted license to export the scales.

The 7,310 kilogrammes (about seven tonnes) of pangolin scales is valued at $4.2m (sh11b).

On the black market, a kilogramme of pangolin scales is worth $600 (sh1.6m). They are most-sought for making medicines and bangles.

The biggest market in Asia is found in China. Occasionally, they are used as a substitute for ivory.

The case file is with Justice Elizabeth Musoke.

On March 2, court is scheduled to hear an application for temporary injunction filed by Greenwatch to stop Maku from exporting the scales, pending determination of the main case.


Also related to this story

UWA clears export of sh11b pangolin scales