Kampala-Uganda. In a recent interaction between the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the debate took an unexpected turn as Members of Parliament (MPs) clashed over the presence of illegal game meat on restaurant menus.
The New Vision reported that the dialogue, steered by Medard Ssegona of the National Unity Platform (NUP), centred on the Auditor General’s 2022/23 financial year report.
However, the atmosphere became charged when Eddie Kwizera from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) raised concerns about the sale of game meat in hotels in Kampala.
Kwizera questioned whether this was a source of revenue for UWA, leading to a witty exchange with Ssegona, who pointed out that some animals like crocodiles were domesticated.
Concerns and Queries
Kwizera continued to express his concerns by questioning the number of poachers tried, confiscating wildlife artefacts, and the alleged connivance between staff and poachers.
Ssegona overruled the issue, considering it prejudicial and asked for evidence at the next meeting.
As tensions eased, Gerald Nangoli attempted to support Ssegona’s ruling but inadvertently found himself in controversy.
He claimed that those selling game meat were businesspeople, leading Kwizera to wonder if Nangoli was a poacher humorously. The unexpected assertion sent the room into laughter.
Amidst the drama, Ssegona shared a bizarre encounter where someone sought to sell him antelope meat, coincidentally intercepted by another individual with the same name, adding a humorous touch to the proceedings.
UWA’s Response
UWA Executive Director Sam Mwandha responded to the allegations, confirming that about five licensed hotels in the country are allowed to sell wild meat.
Mwandha clarified that the meat is imported from Southern Africa, and UWA strictly monitors and inspects these establishments. He further refuted rumours of restaurants serving snake meat.
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