African Prosecutors Benchmark from Uganda's Wildlife Court
KAMPALA: Wildlife prosecutors and consultants from Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are in the country for a bench-marking visit at the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court at Buganda Road in Kampala.
The team on Tuesday March 19, 2019 attended Court sessions that was presided over by HW Gladys Kamasanyu as part of their two-day exercise to understudy the operations of the specialized court. Prosecutors from the visiting African countries are looking to establish similar courts back home to handle cases pertaining illegal wildlife trade.
According to HW Kamasanyu, Uganda is the first country in Africa the pioneer country to have a court with a wildlife specialized court.
"From our work since the Court was launched, reports have been going about the sentences we give which are deterrent in nature, the conviction rate and our expeditious hearings, so these countries are here to learn," she said.
Buganda Road Chief Magistrate, HW Mariam Eddy Ayo Okello also praised the court's achievements in fighting illegal activities against wildlife. She said the Court helps in the fight against the illegalities in the wildlife industry, as well as promoting conservation and boosting tourism.
The court session handled a number of cases involving a number of accused persons charged with wildlife offenses.
The second interaction at the court is expected later today between the prosecutors and the judicial officers.
Posted 20th, March 2019
