Story by Aaron Ainomugisha. The Territorial Police in Rwenzori East and Katwe Kabatoro Central Police Station in Kasese district have arrested Frederick Lubega, also known as Rick, a 24-year-old Makerere University student, and Isborn Ankunda, a 28-year-old suspected wildlife trafficker from Ndejje Ward, Makindye Division Kampala.
They were found in illegal possession of 22 black and white colobus monkeys (15 alive and seven dead), nine purely black monkeys (four alive and five dead), and seven Gabon vipers (four dead and three alive).
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The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) officers have taken custody of the 31 monkeys and seven Gabon vipers, with plans to release the live animals back into their natural habitats and properly dispose of the deceased ones.
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The wildlife was discovered packed in 15 boxes inside a white and green super custom vehicle, registration number UBA 617A, on June 9 at around 9:45 pm at the Kikorongo Fisheries checkpoint.
LOCAL COMMUNITY VIGILANCE. Security sources and community leaders in Kasese have confirmed that this arrest was also enabled by timely information from members of the local community. Enforcement teams have been working closely with community members who feed them with information as efforts to combat wildlife trafficking continue.
Police Spokesperson, SCP Fred Enanga reported that the animals were being transported to the Democratic Republic of Congo- (DRC) for eventual export to Europe and Asia for financial gain. Police commended the local communities and joint enforcement teams in the Rwenzori Region and Kasese for their efforts in preventing wildlife trafficking.
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