Suspected poacher killed in Mgahinga National Park

A 38-year-old suspected poacher has been killed in Mgahinga National Park in Kisoro district.

The deceased has been identified by Police as Jonath Habingoma, a resident of Nyakakyege village Muramba Sub-County.  He was reportedly shot by rangers Monday at about 4:00pm, while in the park and his body was taken to Kisoro Hospital mortuary.

Habingoma's demise forced residents of his village and the the Muramba LC3 Vice chairperson, James Nzikatira to storm Kisoro Central Police Station demanding for his body and a Police investigation into the incident.

Nzitatira on Tuesday morning told media that the park rangers used excessive force and didn't consider the fact that deceased was a disabled man who was not even armed. He asked Police to investigate the matter and charge the perpetrators.

Christopher Masaba, the Bwindi -Mgahinga Chief Warden, however, denied that the suspect was shot by game rangers. He said the national park was being guarded by both Uganda wildlife authority rangers and the Uganda people defence forces.

He warned communities surrounding the park against engaging in poaching, saying the act is against the laws of Uganda and perpetuators will face the long arm of law.

Charles Okoto, the Kisoro district Police commander said they had opened investigations into the matter.