The effective enforcement of wildlife laws and other laws protecting animals requires a functional criminal justice system. Each of the stakeholders in the protection of animals must be well equipped. In Uganda, there is a general lack of interest in animal-related cases among the key stakeholders. This is mainly because of the general lack of awareness among the key stakeholders about the impact of wildlife crimes and other crimes against animals. In addition, animals cannot go to the police stations to report crimes committed against them neither can they appear in the courtroom and seek justice in their cases. Animals have no chance of following up their own cases as interested parties to show interest in having their cases expeditiously concluded. They aren’t called as witnesses in their cases. They aren’t seen crying out loud for mercy to attract people’s attention.
All the above factors make it difficult to have wildlife crimes and other crimes against animals accorded the priority that they deserve. Some cases die off before they reach courts while others die in courts. Some that go on to the end don’t get deserving penalties. This makes wildlife crime and other crimes against animals to thrive well in Uganda. The same has also contributed to turning Uganda into a transit route for illicit wildlife species like ivory and pangolin scales.
Through trainings of judges, magistrates, prosecutors, advocates and law enforcement officers capacity to handle crimes relating to animals is improved. This leads to better prosecution results and deterrent punishments.
Each Animal Law workshop for a day with 30 participants costs about $5000. This is covers hotel bills (food and refreshments), allowances for the participants, fuel and miscellaneous expenses.
Take this opportunity today. Contribute to increasing awareness about animal protection among the key stakeholders in the fight against wildlife crime and other crimes against animals in Uganda. A donation of $5000 will enable us to hold a workshop and educate up to 30 participants.
“Humans have a lot to learn about animals”
