UWA Hunts Down, Arrests Three Suspects After Seven Hyenas Are Poisoned in Mburo Park

Three people have been arrested in connection with the suspected poisoning of seven hyenas in Lake Mburo National Park, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has announced.

The suspects were arrested during a joint operation conducted by UWA and the Uganda Police Force on June 21, following reports that seven hyenas had been found dead in the Kaburabutembero area of the park in Kiruhura District.

The suspects have been identified as Steven Kayomberera, 55, Dickens Nayamuba, 40, and Joseph Lotee, 30. According to authorities, Kayomberera and Lotee are residents of Rwekishwaga Village, while Nayamuba is from neighboring Rwakobo Village in Akayanja Sub-county.

The trio is currently being held at Kiruhura Central Police Station as investigations into the incident continue.

UWA said the arrests were made following an intelligence-led operation involving wildlife law enforcement officers and police detectives.

The suspected poisoning has sparked concern among conservation authorities, who say hyenas play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by scavenging carcasses and helping prevent the spread of disease among wildlife populations.

In a statement, UWA reiterated its commitment to fighting wildlife crime and warned that poisoning wildlife remains a serious offence under Uganda’s conservation laws.

“Uganda Wildlife Authority remains fully committed to combating wildlife crime and ensuring that those responsible for harming wildlife are brought to justice,” the agency said.

Authorities have urged members of the public to report activities that threaten wildlife and protected ecosystems as investigations into the deaths continue.

Lake Mburo National Park, located in western Uganda, is home to a wide range of wildlife species and remains one of the country’s most important conservation and tourism destinations.