Kampala — THE Police in Nakaseke district and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) have arrested 11 residents of Mukono district over poaching in a forest reserve in Wakyato sub-county.

The residents were arrested on Saturday after they were found in possession of 17 carcasses of antelopes. Those arrested included Tony Kasule, Salongo Sifuna, Vincent Ocen, Benard Kazibwe and Ambrose Kibuuka.

Others were Jamda Kitunzi, Robert Mboni, Richard Fuarwinyu, John Wangoda, Dickson Mutyaba and Patrick Mubiru. The Nakaseke district criminal investigation chief, Julius Nkurunziza, on Monday said the suspects were part of a bigger group of about 45 who had travelled from Mukono the previous day.

He said most of the group members escaped when the Police raided their hunting ground. They left behind trapping nets, spears and hunting dogs.

UWA officers on Saturday transported the impounded carcasses to Kampala for disposal.

Nkurunziza said the Police were tipped off by villagers, who initially mistook the armed strangers for rebels. During the operation, the Police also impounded a truck, which the group had travelled in from Mukono.

Nkurunziza said the suspects will be charged with violating the Wildlife Act. If convicted, they face imprisonment of not less than one year or a fine of sh1m each.