The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) arrested an Anglican clergy man with Ivory worthy 40 kilograms in the western district of Kabarole.
Rev. Ben Baguma from Rwabisengo archdeacon in Ntoroko Rwenzori Diocese becomes the second reverend to be arrested in just two months after another reverend was arrested in Bundibugyo by the authority in possession of illegal ivory.
Rev. Ben Baguma who was this arrested on Friday had gone to Rwimi to buy this illegal ivory from the poachers, an allegation the Reverend denies.
Rev. Baguma said he was only found at the scene with the poachers who he claimed some were his relatives and he had visited the area to bury a relative.
He however admits that the person he shared a room with, one Mwesigwa had told him about the deal. According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority enforcement officer Moses Olinga, they tracked the Reverend through his phone and meet him in Rwimi town with Mwesigwa after they pretended as buyers.
Each kilo was to be bought at a cost of 300.000 Uganda shillings. The Reverend and Mwesigwa then led them to the scene of the ivory in Rubalika village before they arrested them. During the conversation, the criminals told them that they had more ivory which they said was not yet dry.
The Wildlife enforcement officer said that Muhereza Kamuhangire who the ivory was found at his home is a known poacher in the village, who they suspect could be owning a gun. He explained that different methods of trapping elephants are being used including the use of guns.
