Four men have been arrested in connection with the death of the six lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park. These are Ampurire Brain aged 26 years, Tumuhire Vincent aged 49 years, Aliyo Robert aged 40 years and Miliango Davi aged 68 years.

According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the four were arrested last night at Kyenyabutongo village, Rusoroza parish, Kihihi sub-county, Kanungu district during a joint operation mounted by UWA, Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), and police.

Upon arrest, the suspects led the security team to a location where three (3) heads of lions were found hidden in a tree while the fourth one had been buried with fifteen (15) legs of lions under the same tree. Three bottles containing a chemical commonly known as Furadan and a two little jerry can of lion fat oil were recovered in a banana plantation. Two spears, one pang, and one hunting net were found hidden in a garden at the home of one of the suspects.

The carcasses of the six lions were discovered at Ishasha sector on the evening of Friday, March 19th, 2021 upon which discovery investigations were commenced.

Help African Animals applauds UWA and all security agencies that participated in the investigations that led to the arrest of the suspects. Whereas we are well aware that the lives of the lost lions cannot be brought back, we believe that if the culprits are strongly punished, other offenders will be deterred from committing similar offenses hence leading to better protection of the lions and all other wildlife.