'Poachers kill four animals' in Murchison

Aug 16, 2016

Earlier in the month, a hippopotamus was killed at River Ayago and another at River Pipa.

As many as four animals were killed in July this year as a result of poaching in Murchison Falls National Park, Police authorities have revealed.

According to police, on July 30, unknown poachers used a gun to kill two buffalos at River Coti, near Olwiyo area.

Earlier in the month, a hippopotamus was killed at River Ayago and another at River Pipa.

The deputy police spokesperson, Polly Namaye said the situation was worrying but police has ramped up efforts to curb the crime.

Police have registered an increase in reported cases of poaching in Murchison Falls National Park.

"The poachers are suspected to be both from the neighboring areas and far off places, using both rudimentary tools [spears, bows and arrows] and firearms to kill the animals," said Namaye.

It's now a combined effort of police and Uganda Wild Life Authority (UWA) to hunt down the poachers.

Meanwhile, Namaye also talked of reports that wild animals continue to destroy crops belonging to residents in the neighbouring villages in Nwoya district.

Sensitisation is going on in the villages neighbouring the national parks so as to promote co-existence. The tourism police is partnering with UWA to achieve this.

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