Man arrested over poaching, cattle theft in Masindi
Police also recovered several exhibits from Ogeng’s home, including suspected cow meat, smoked wild animal meat, animal skins, hunting tools, and opium.
Masindi: Police in partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) have arrested a suspect in connection with cattle theft and poaching in Masindi District.
The suspect, identified as Malik Ogeng, 28, a resident of Kibbanja Village in Kimengo Sub-county, was arrested from his home during a joint security operation conducted on Sunday morning.
ASP Solomon Mugisa, the Albertine North Regional Community Liaison Officer and acting regional police spokesperson, said Ogeng is suspected to be part of a criminal gang involved in stealing cattle in Kimengo Sub-county and illegally hunting wild animals using a firearm before selling the meat at Kafu Junction and Kibbanja Trading Centre.
According to Mugisa, the suspect is currently detained at Masindi Central Police Station as security agencies intensify the hunt for his accomplices, who are reportedly hiding with the gun allegedly used in poaching activities.
Police also recovered several exhibits from Ogeng’s home, including suspected cow meat, smoked wild animal meat, animal skins, hunting tools, and opium.
“The suspect is currently detained at Masindi Police Station as police continue with the hunt for his colleagues believed to be hiding with the gun they have been using in killing wild animals,” Mugisa said.
He appealed to residents who may have lost cattle through theft to cooperate with investigators and testify against the suspect to help secure a conviction in court.
Meanwhile, Wilson Kagoro, a Conservation Officer with the Uganda Wildlife Authority attached to Murchison Falls National Park, recently warned residents against engaging in illegal activities such as poaching and unauthorized fishing within protected areas.
Kagoro noted that such activities threaten the conservation of the Ramsar site and undermine efforts to preserve wildlife for future generations.
“We don’t allow illegal activities including hunting and fishing in the protected area so that the Ramsar site is not degraded,” he said.
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