URA impounds 152 tortoises

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has impounded 152 tortoises that were being smuggled out of the country.

The tortoises were wrapped up in sacks. The smugglers with forged permits got the animals from Nakapiripirit District.

URA Assistant Commissioner Enforcement, Agnes Nabwire, said they got a tip off from the public.

"Protecting wild game from smugglers strengthens our tourism sector directly," Nabwire said.

The tortoises have been handed over to Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to return them to Karamoja, their home. URA and UWA have called upon the public to report wild game smugglers.