Elephant dies days after falling in poachers' trap in Murchison Falls park

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has revealed that an elephant which was recently found dead by tourists in Murchison Falls National Park died days after being injured by a snare.

Pictures of a dead elephant went viral, with tourists wondering what could have happened to the wild game.

But in a brief message from UWA to New Vision, it was clarified that the animal fell into a trap in the park two weeks ago.

"That elephant was found with a snare two weeks ago and it was removed and treated but the legs kept rotting away due to a deep wound," Bashir Hangi, UWA spokesperson said in a message.

"Yesterday it was found dead and our team removed its tusks for safe storage. The carcass has been buried," he added.

Hangi also warned people who enter the parks and kill animals.

"We are warning those who stealthily enter the park and lay snares. Once arrested they will face the wrath of the law," he said.

"They should instead join us in conservation of wildlife so that we can have a thriving tourism and they benefit."

President Yoweri Museveni last month announced that the tourism sector was free to operate but under the ministry of health directives, especially the standard operating procedures (SOPs).

UWA then opened parks to tourists with strict adherence to SOPs set by the institution and guidelines by the Ministry of Health.

"Please note that for now Primate tourism is still suspended," Hangi said.

Tourism contributes $1.6b in foreign exchange per year and the plan is, by the year 2025, the sector should contribute $3b per year, according to tourism minister Tom Butime.