Authorities found Yowasi in possession of two buffalo horns, four buffalo hooves, three kilogrammes of buffalo meat, two kilogrammes of warthog meat, and a spear.
Mulengya Yowasi, a resident of Kasese District, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty of killing several protected wildlife species, including buffalo and warthog.
The sentence was delivered on October 4 by the Kasese Chief Magistrate Betty Ojok.
Yowasi was arrested on June 26 in Iboga village, Kitswamba sub-county, following a tip-off from local community members.
His arrest was carried out by the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), in collaboration with the Uganda Police and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Authorities found Yowasi in possession of two buffalo horns, four buffalo hooves, three kilogrammes of buffalo meat, two kilogrammes of warthog meat, and a spear.
During the court proceedings, UWA prosecutor Reuben Ngene highlighted the harmful impact of Yowasi's actions on Uganda's conservation efforts and economy.
Ngene pointed out that the animals Yowasi killed were critical prey for predators such as lions and leopards.
"Depleting their prey forces these predators to attack livestock, increasing human-wildlife conflict and adding to government compensation costs," Ngene stated.
Chief Magistrate Ojok underscored the importance of wildlife protection, stressing that wildlife crimes will not be tolerated.
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She noted that Uganda's rich biodiversity, including being ranked second richest in the world for mammals, makes conservation efforts crucial.
"Uganda's wildlife is integral to the country's ecological balance and tourism industry. Wildlife crimes such as these will not be tolerated," she said.
Despite Yowasi's plea for leniency, represented by his lawyer Luke Kanyonyi, the court maintained its firm stance, handing down the nine-year sentence.
UWA spokesperson Bashir Hangi commended the judiciary, UPDF, police, and local communities for their collaborative efforts in the fight against wildlife crime.
UWA's conservation efforts are multifaceted, combining community engagement, research, and law enforcement to protect endangered species.
The authority also shares 20% of park revenue with local communities, promoting positive relationships between park managers and neighboring residents.
Yowasi's sentencing serves as a stern warning to potential offenders, highlighting UWA's unwavering commitment to preserving Uganda's wildlife and natural heritage.
