Citizen runs to UWA over student selling tortoise on internet

A man who only identified himself as citizen has blown the whistle over a student allegedly marketing a tortoise on the internet.

Citizen, who goes by the twitter handle @JansvilleCity ran to social media to alert authorities over a Makerere University student allegedly selling a tortoise to save himself from brokenness.

A one Nicholas Omase posted an advert to OLX Uganda, a Facebook group that he is selling a tortoise for Shs200,000, also including his contact in case there are any willing buyers.

Omase’s reason for selling the tortoise as indicated by himself is; “I need money.”

But the citizen ran to UWA concerned; “One of your very own is being sold on OLX, #SavetheTortoise,” he tweeted.

@UWEC_EntebbeZoo @UgTourismBoard@nilepostnews@thetimeline256

one of your very own is being sold on OLX... #savethetortoise pic.twitter.com/myRHZ5ExAJ

— a citizen (@JansvilleCity) May 21, 2018

According to the Uganda Wild Life Act 1996 (3); The ownership of every wild animal and wild plant existing in its wild habitat in Uganda is vested in the Government on behalf of, and for the benefit of, the people of Uganda. Where any wild plant or wild animal is lawfully taken by any person, the ownership of that plant or animal shall, subject to this Act, vest in that person.

The section continues; If any protected species is lawfully taken under a permit or a licence issued or wildlife use right granted or issued under this Act, the ownership of that animal or plant shall, subject to this Act and to the terms and conditions of the licence, vest in the licensee or right holder.

Article 30 on the same Act states that: No person may engage in any of the activities under section 29 or any other activities of a like nature which involve the utilisation of wildlife and wildlife products without first obtaining a grant of a wildlife use right.