Uganda police has in custody Lubega Frederick, a 24-year-old student from Makerere University, who was arrested trafficking monkeys to neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
Lubega was arrested together with Isborn Ankunda a suspected wildlife trafficker from Ndejje ward, Makindye Division. The arrest of the duo was confirmed by police spokesperson Fred Enanga.
These were found in possession of 22 black and white callabus monkeys, 9 purely black moneys and 7 Gabon Vipers.
Enanga said a total of 31 monkeys and 7 Gabon vipers were handed over to Uganda Wildlife Authority.
“A total of 31 monkeys, 7 Gabon vipers were handed over to UWA officers so as to set free the live ones to their natural habitats, and dispose off the dead,” he said.
He added that: “The wildlife species were intercepted while packed in 15 boxes, in a white and green super custom, under registration number UBA 617A, on the 9.06.2024 at around 9:45pm, at Kikorongo fisheries checkpoint.”
Enanga said as police they ‘strongly condemn the illicit movement of wildlife species, due to its negative impact of financing organized crime gangs, biodiversity loss, public health concerns and violation of our laws.’
The arrest of the duo will ‘serve as a deterrent and help widen public awareness, that poaching and illegal trade of species, are punishable crimes’.
The duo will be arraigned before court to face charges of unlawful possession of wildlife species. Upon conviction, they could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
