Two charged over illegal possession of Wildlife species worth sh41m

Apr 12, 2019

The duo was charged with four counts of unlawful possession of protected species contrary to section 30 and 75 (b) of the Uganda Wildlife Act Cap 200.

CRIME 

KAMPALA - The Standard Utilities and Wildlife Court at Buganda Road in Kampala has charged and remanded two men to Luzira prisons over unlawful possession of protected species estimated at over sh41m.

The accused that included Sunday Obuojah, 40, and Tairi Arobako, 47, were on Wednesday arraigned before Grade One Magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu who read the charges to them.

Obuojah, who denied the charges is a resident of Jurumani East village, Ajugop parish, Dzaipi sub-county in Adjumani district.

Arobako, a fisherman who accepted the charges, resides at Manji Central village, Okusijoni sub-county in the same district.

"Obuojah, court has recorded that you have denied all the four counts against you and has noted that you, Arobako accepted all the charges." Kamasanyu stated.

The duo was charged with four counts of unlawful possession of protected species contrary to section 30 and 75 (b) of the Uganda Wildlife Act Cap 200.

If convicted, the accused will face not more than 5 years' imprisonment or a fine of up to half the worth of the protected species illegally possessed.

The state prosecutor, Dolly Gladys Akello informed court that she needed an adjournment to enable her bring the exhibits in court because the investigating officer who had them was on official duties by the time she had reported to court.

Prosecution contends that on March 27, 2019, at Marji central village in Adjumani, Obuojah and Arobako had in their possession, one leopard skin valued at approximately sh37.2m without a valid wildlife use right.

It is further alleged that the duo was found with the skin of Uganda Kob valued at over sh3m without a valid use of right.

Prosecution also alleged that during the same time and place, the accused were found in possession of one skin genet cat valued at sh744, 000, an act contrary to the Wildlife act.

It was further alleged that the accused were found in possession of the skin of ground squirrel valued at sh186, 000 without a valid wildlife use right.

The magistrate informed the accused that they have a right to apply for bail if they present substantial sureties.

 

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