Combating wildlife crime calls for participation of all of us. Our Ms. Gladys Kamasanyu was on April 28th and 29th speaking to Magistrates of Northern Uganda on the role of the Judiciary in combating wildlife crime.

We have been saddened by the loss of three lionesses in Uganda. The three were found dead on an electric fence of a safari lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park on April 25th 2022. This loss is so disturbing. Such fences should have no place in a protected area.

Our founder Ms. Gladys Kamasanyu was honored to present at a judges training. The presentation on the topic about the link between wildlife and the climate, and the role of the judges was timely. We are committed to influencing the human mindset towards wildlife protection.

The shy and harmless pangolin is currently believed to be the most trafficked mammal globally. Pangolins are killed for their scales which are used in traditional Chinese medicine and for their meat, a delicacy in China and Vietnam. Four of the eight species of pangolins are found in Africa. On this day, it is important to know that there is need to conserve pangolins not only because of their uses in the ecosystem but also the fact that they have interest in their own lives. To some communities in Africa, Uganda in particular, a pangolin is a totem for some tribes. Pangolins should be conserved.

The legal status of animals is that “animals are property.” However, animals are not “things” like a chair. They feel pain and have interest in their own lives. They also get tired. They shouldn’t be put in the same category as inanimate property. Animals should not continue to suffer for humans to be happy.

We have started with the Uganda Wildlife Court where most of the wildlife related cases are filed. Our first day was a success.

Wetlands are lungs and kidneys of our environment. They are homes to wild animals including Uganda’s national bird, the Uganda crane. The health of wetlands is crucial to our own existence and that of wildlife. However, Uganda loses about 293sqkm of wetlands every year which puts the survival of wetlands and therefore, our own survival in jeopardy. Under Section 54 of the National Environment Act, wetlands must be conserved for the common good of the people of Uganda. We all have a role to play to conserve wetlands. At Help African Animals, we are committed to raising awareness about wetland conservation.

The Uganda Fish Exporters propose to parliament a ban on Nile Perch local consumption. They are moving a proposal to leave Nile Perch for export purposes only on ground that by so doing Nile Perch depletion will be stopped. The proposed ban if passed into law will instead increase illegal fishing of Nile Perch and hence its further extinction.

Humans have an obligation to act responsibly towards animals and their habitats. It is only if we become friends with animals and nature at large that we will be able to discharge this obligation.

A good law that clearly provides for all the dos and don’ts, and which is clearly communicated to those it is made to deter from offending, plays a great role in protecting wildlife. Suspects must not be taken by surprise. People should be sensitized about the laws protecting wildlife and penalties for violation of the laws.