The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has engaged boda boda riders and local leaders in Mahyoro Town Council, Kitagwenda District, in an effort to curb the illegal transportation of game meat from Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The stakeholder meeting was convened following an increase in cases involving boda boda riders allegedly caught transporting game meat, an activity prohibited under Uganda’s wildlife laws.
Opening the meeting, Mahyoro Town Council LC3 Chairperson Joshua Atumanya said the dialogue was organised to address the growing problem and seek a lasting solution.
“Numerous boda boda riders have been arrested with game meat, which is against the Wildlife Act. That is why we called this meeting to find a lasting solution,” Atumanya said.
Muhindo Godfrey, a Conservation Education Assistant at Queen Elizabeth National Park, warned residents against engaging in poaching or facilitating the illegal transportation of wildlife products.
He said individuals involved in such activities risk arrest, prosecution and imprisonment, urging communities to comply with wildlife laws.
Mike Birungi, the Assistant Wildlife Human Conflicts Officer at Queen Elizabeth National Park, encouraged boda boda riders to pursue lawful livelihood opportunities rather than engaging in activities that could expose them to arrest and other legal consequences.
Birungi urged the riders to form groups and take advantage of government livelihood programmes and conservation-related initiatives as alternative sources of income.
Robert Mbagaya, the Senior Warden Law Enforcement Officer at Queen Elizabeth National Park, called on residents to recognise the importance of wildlife to both national and local development.
He cautioned boda boda riders and other community members against violating wildlife laws and urged them to support efforts aimed at protecting wildlife and combating illegal wildlife trade.
At the end of the meeting, local leaders and boda boda riders pledged to cooperate with UWA in the fight against poaching and the illegal transportation and trade of wildlife products in the area.