David Kisitu, a suspect that has been on the run since December 2020, has been arrested on charges of possession of prohibited wildlife species.The arrest follows a police search mounted in December 2020 after intelligence reports indicated that the car in which he was travelling-UAG 419W, (Toyota Premio), from Bundibujjo had pieces of Ivory.
The suspect had abandoned the vehicle at the home of a one-Kasaija Moses in Kabarole following a pursue by the Police. At the time, four (04) elephant trunks, as well as the photocopy of a driving permit in the names of Kisitu David Kisakye were recovered upon search.On 11th Feb,2021, the suspect-David Kisitu handed himself in and will be charged before the Utility Court at Buganda Road, with unlawful Possession of Protected Species Contrary to Section 36(1) &71(1)(b) of Uganda Wild Life Authority Act 2019.
Authorities from the Wildlife Centre equate the trunks to 22 kgs of Ivory.Wildlife trafficking has over the years become a lucrative transnational crime and Uganda Police has since joined global efforts in ensuring that this illegal wildlife trade is curtailed.
Research indicates that thousands of wild animals are poached, farmed or sold into global multi-billion dollar trade for food, pets, raw materials, traditional medicine and sometimes for entertainment.
ASP CHARLES TWINE
SPOKESPERSON, CID
