Ivory dealers arrested, to be charged
Police in Kampala have arrested three suspects on allegations of unlawfully dealing in protected species particularly ivory valued at Shs 30 million.
The suspects are Akello Agnes Ojok, Derrick Ssejjombwe and Ssegawa Sulaiman. They are currently detained at CPS Kampala. The trio was arrested from KK gardens in Bweyogerere, Kira Municipality, Wakiso district after a tip off.
This was after an NGO called the Natural Resources Conservation Network got information that there were people who are selling elephant tusks. They informed intelligence and a trap was laid for them. The suspects came and they were arrested in possession of the ivory.
Statements of the suspects were recorded. They are being charged with unlawful possession of protected species contrary to Section 36 (1) and 71 (1) (b) of the Uganda Wildlife Act, 2019.
“We want to thank the Natural Resources Conservation Network for their efforts in fighting crimes related to wildlife. We want to caution members of the public against dealing in illegal wildlife products,” SP Patrick Onyango PRO KMP said.