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Yasin Jerwa, a 25-year-old Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) officer, has pleaded guilty to charges of illegal possession of a pangolin. According to the Wildlife Act of 2019, Jerwa faces the possibility of life imprisonment or a fine of up to shillings 200 million, or both, for his offenses.
Legal Proceedings
Appearing before Chief Magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu at the Standard, Utilities Wildlife Court at Buganda Road Court, Jerwa admitted to four counts related to the possession of a pangolin and pangolin scale. The charges stem from an incident in October 2023 at the UPDF office in Coral Crescent Kololo IV, Kampala.
Jerwa’s legal journey began on November 8, 2023, but he absconded his trial, leading to the arrest and remand of one of his sureties, Michael Kolulye. Subsequently, Jerwa was apprehended and brought back to court, where he expressed his willingness to change his plea.
Charges and Conviction
Jerwa faced multiple charges, including possession of a live pangolin without the necessary wildlife user’s right, possession of a protected specimen, and possession of pangolin scales. He also admitted to possessing the skin of a baby white-bellied pangolin. These offenses contravene section 71(1)(a) of the Wildlife Act of 2019.
Legal Proceedings and Remand
Despite Jerwa’s guilty plea, the prosecution requested more time to prepare the case’s brief facts. As a result, the court remanded Jerwa to Luzira prison until June 12, 2024, to allow the prosecution to present their case adequately.
Meanwhile, Michael Kolulye, who was previously remanded due to Jerwa’s absence, was released from Luzira prison upon Jerwa’s appearance in court.
Pangolin Smuggling and Conservation Concerns
Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals globally, with Africa being a hotspot for their illegal trade. Despite being protected under various national and international laws, pangolins continue to be poached and smuggled for their scales, which are believed to have medicinal properties, and their meat, considered a delicacy in some cultures.
The persistence of pangolin smuggling and poaching in Africa can be attributed to various factors, including high demand in Asian markets, limited enforcement of wildlife protection laws, corruption, and poverty driving individuals to engage in illegal activities for financial gain.
Efforts to combat pangolin trafficking include strengthening law enforcement, raising public awareness about the importance of pangolin conservation, and enhancing international cooperation to disrupt transnational wildlife crime networks.