A man named Mulengya Yowasi has been sentenced to nine years in prison or a fine of UGX 8 million for the killing of protected wildlife species in Kasese. The ruling was delivered by Chief Magistrate Ojok Betty on October 4, 2024, following Yowasi’s guilty plea.
Yowasi was arrested by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) on June 26, 2024, in Ibuga village, Kitswamba sub-county, Kasese district, after a tip-off from local community members. He was found in possession of two buffalo horns, four buffalo hooves, three kilograms of buffalo meat, two kilograms of warthog meat, and a spear, indicating his involvement in illegal wildlife hunting. Upon his arrest, the UPDF handed Yowasi over to the Uganda Police, who worked with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to build the case against him.
UWA prosecutor Ngene Reuben presented compelling evidence in court, stressing that Yowasi’s actions not only undermined Uganda’s conservation efforts but also posed a threat to the country’s economy. Ngene argued that wildlife plays a critical role in Uganda’s tourism sector, which generates significant revenue. Depleting prey for carnivores such as lions and leopards forces these predators to attack livestock, leading to increased human-wildlife conflict and a burden on government resources for compensation. He called for a strict sentence to deter future offenders from engaging in wildlife crimes.
In defence, Yowasi’s lawyer, Counsel Kanyonyi Luke, pleaded for leniency, citing his client’s cooperation. However, the court maintained that the gravity of the offence required a firm sentence. Chief Magistrate Ojok Betty highlighted the importance of safeguarding Uganda’s ecological balance and made it clear that crimes against wildlife would not be tolerated. Yowasi was sentenced to nine years imprisonment or a fine of UGX 8 million, with sentences running concurrently.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority welcomed the ruling, commending the judiciary, the UPDF, the Uganda Police, and the local community for their continued support in protecting the country’s wildlife. A UWA spokesperson stated that this case is a significant step in deterring future offences and reaffirms Uganda’s commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism.
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