Elephant poaching in park worries officials
Elephants in Murchison Falls National Park. Increased cases of poaching the animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park have been attributed to high demand of ivory on the world market. PHOTO BY FRANCIS MUGERWA
What you need to know:
At least 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with poaching. Park authorities are planning to set up an intelligence unit to fight the illegal practice.
Kasese
Uganda Wildlife Authority officials in Queen Elizabeth National Park are worried about the increased poaching of elephants in the area.
The animals are said to be increasingly targeted by poachers due to the high demand of ivory on the world market. “Many of our animals are killed by guns. We have not recovered all the guns used and we are worried that many more will be killed,” Mr Haruna Kulu Kirya, the law enforcement warden in Queen Elizabeth park, said on Wednesday.
Mr Kirya said 14 suspects in connection with poaching have been arrested, three taken to court, released on bail and four taken to Bushenyi Court where the case is still ongoing.
He said law enforcement wardens are working closely with intelligence networks to curb the rampant poaching of animals in the park.
Mr Kirya said the recent case took place last week when poachers killed three elephants.
He said seven people were arrested after police intercepted them at Ishasha junction aboard a vehicle from Kihihi District.
The regional police commander, Mr Hillary Kulayige, confirmed the arrest, saying they were detained at Rubirizi District Police Station as investigations continue. “On police search, six ivory pieces were recovered from the vehicle. It weighed 26 kilogrammes valued at Shs31 million,” Mr Kulayige said. He said police was more concerned about the whereabouts of the guns which were used to kill the animals.
The regional police commander appealed to the general public to avail them with the necessary information which could lead to arresting the suspects.
Police said the suspects will be charged with being in possession of animal trophy contrary to UWA Act Section 75(b) cap 200 of 2000. “The law is very weak to make culprits desist from the act but police will try its best to bring them to book,” Mr Kulayige said.
Queen Elizabeth National Park area conservation manager Nelson Guma said the wildlife authority is yet to establish an intelligence unit to strengthen intelligence and manage the situation because they are overwhelmed by the upsurge of the poachers.
