The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kasese has sentenced Yowasi Mulengya to nine years in prison for killing protected wildlife species.
Chief Magistrate Betty Ojok delivered the sentence, which can also be fulfilled through a fine of Shs 8 million, after Mulengya pleaded guilty to the charges.
Mulengya was apprehended by the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) in June in Ibuga village, Kitswamba sub-county, following a tip-off from local community members.
During his arrest, authorities found him in possession of two buffalo horns, four buffalo hooves, three kilograms of buffalo meat, two kilograms of warthog meat, and a spear.
Following his arrest, the UPDF handed Mulengya over to the Uganda Police, which coordinated with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to manage the case. UWA prosecutor Reuben Ngene presented compelling evidence, arguing that Mulengya’s actions posed a significant threat to Uganda’s conservation efforts and the economy. He stressed the vital role wildlife plays in the country’s tourism sector, which generates substantial revenue.
Ngene further noted that the animals killed by Mulengya serve as prey for carnivores such as lions and leopards. The depletion of their prey forces these predators to encroach on livestock, leading to increased human-wildlife conflict and escalating government compensation costs.
In court, Mulengya’s lawyer, Luke Kanyonyi, pleaded for leniency; however, Chief Magistrate Ojok emphasized the importance of protecting Uganda’s wildlife and maintaining ecological balance. She asserted that wildlife crimes would not be tolerated, highlighting the court’s commitment to deterring future offenses.
In response to the sentence, the Uganda Wildlife Authority commended the judiciary, police, UPDF, and local communities for their support in wildlife conservation efforts. UWA expressed hope that this case would serve as a significant step in deterring similar offenses. “Through ongoing campaigns and enhanced enforcement efforts, we remain steadfast in our mission to protect endangered species and preserve the country’s rich biodiversity,” a UWA spokesperson stated.
