Women arrested over poaching

A bicycle carrying antelope carcasses which were abandoned by a poacher in Moroto recently after he sighted game rangers. Photo by Steven Ariong

What you need to know:

They were found in possession of antelope carcasses, ostrich eggs and hunting equipment.

Moroto- Nine Karimojong women have been arrested on accusation of poaching in Bokara-Matheniko Game Reserve.

The women were arrested this week by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) officials in Rupa Sub-county with 14 carcasses of small antelopes (dik-dik).

Mr James Okware, the senior warden officer in charge of Bokara-Matheniko Game Reserve, said the poachers were arrested during a routine patrol by the game rangers.

He said they also recovered five ostrich eggs from the suspects. Mr Okware said the suspects would be handed over to police.

“We got them with hunting tools when they had already killed 14 dik-dik and they were skinning them in the bush,”Mr Okware said.

He said UWA is facing a big challenge in protecting wildlife from Karimojong, who hunt the animals for food.
Mr Okware said since the beginning of year, UWA team has arrested many poachers.

He appealed to the community to spare the wildlife, saying they would benefit from income brought by tourists who visit game parks.

Moroto District police commander George Obia confirmed the arrest of the women.
“We have them. We shall take them to court anytime,” he said.

During Youth Day celebrations in Moroto last year, President Museveni warned the Karimojong against poaching, saying wildlife is a major component of tourism, a main source of income for the country.