Police has described as false the allegations circulating on social media claiming that the 15 Marabou storks intercepted recently were intended to be sold at Namugongo during the Uganda Martyrs day celebration.
Four people were arrested for for unlawfully possessing the birds in Lusanja Zone, Kiteezi Parish, Kasangati Town Council, Wakiso District.
The suspects were identified as Herbert Masika, Dick Mwinguzi, Dickson Kato, and Peter Tumukunde.
Fred Enanga the Police spokesperson stated that the allegations suggesting the birds were meant for sale at Namugongo were fabricated to tarnish the activities of the Martyrs day celebrations.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the birds were actually being prepared for transportation to Congo.
The main suspect, Innocent Banaras, a Congolese national, is still at large and believed to be responsible for transporting the birds.
Enanga further mentioned that the four individuals involved in the unlawful possession of the protected bird species will be presented before a court of law to be charged.
The Marabou stork is a massive bird with large specimens thought to reach a height of 142 centimetres and a weight of nine Kilograms
In Kampala these towering birds can be sited at Makerere University,the Constitutional square also known as City Square, and Kiteezi dumping ground which are literally their breeding grounds.
They are also found in Kalerwe Market, Uganda Meet Parkers, Busega fish Market and along Parliament avenue.
