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UWA hails URA for bursting tortoise smuggling ring

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The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has hailed the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) for bursting a tortoise smuggling ring.

URA today announced they had impounded 153 tortoises, wrapped in sack, being smuggled out of the country in a public taxi.

A tip from the public about the tortoises’ transit route and time enabled URA impound the species.

“The tortoises were coming from Nakapiripit.The suspects were carrying forged permits. It is our mandate to protect endangered species,” tweeted the Uganda revenue authority @URAuganda.

“Protecting wild game from smugglers strengthens our tourism sector directly”, said URA Assistant Enforcement Commissioner Agnes Nabwire.

 

“The suspects face charges.The tortoises have been handed over to UWA to return them to Karamoja, their natural home,” Nabwire said.

“We celebrate our sister organisation URA for this operation. URA and UWA call upon the public to report wild game smugglers,” UWA Spokesperson Jossy Muhangi said.

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URA Agnes Nabwire flanked by UWA’s Muhangi talk to the press today. COURTESY PHOTOS

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