By Bondry Kilenga
The Uganda Wildlife Authority -UWA has intensified a crackdown on poaching in Karamoja, following a surge in illegal wildlife trade.
Game meat is evidently being sold openly in markets across Napumpum, Nakapelimoru, Kacheri sub counties in Kotido District; Alerek and Angorom in Abim District and Lolelia in Kaabong district with locals viewing it as a means to support their families and overcome financial challenges.
Richard Rugyenda Muhabwe, the Kidepo National Game park Chief Warden, says that UWA is collaborating with security agencies to combat poaching.
Muhabwe revealed that the most hunted animals are guinea fowls, ostriches, antelopes, Uganda Kob, buffaloes, and warthogs, which he notes are flooding the markets within Karamoja.
Muhabwe told Radio Etoil A Karamoja that in their operation on Monday, they arrested two suspects in Kotido and Alerek in Abim district.
Without disclosing the identities of the suspects for fear of jeopardizing the investigations, Muhabwe says that the operations also impounded a motorcycle transporting game meat.
According to Muhabwe, a woman was also arrested in Lira city in possession of ivory and pangolin scales and all the suspects are in custody pending court.
Muhabwe says that UWA has also embarked on conducting sensitization programs to educate locals about the dangers of poaching and the importance of wildlife conservation.
