Philemon
Asasira (in featured photo), a Uganda Wild Life Authority (UWA) game ranger has
been shot dead in an operation to crack down against illegal ivory trade.
Asasira attached to Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area was killed on Friday
night in Bwambara Sub County, Rukungiri District, reports URN.
Hangi Bashil, the UWA Public Relations Officer said that Asasira together with
three other game rangers had gone to Bwambara Sub County in an operation to
crack down against ivory dealers.
They, however, met resistance with the armed dealers which resulted into an
exchange of fire. Hangi says that Asasira was shot in the abdomen. He
says that Asasira died while being rushed to Nyakibare Hospital for
treatment.
Hangi also says one of the suspected ivory dealers was arrested during the
operation.
“We mourn our own SergeantAsasira Philemon who was shot last night during an operation to arrest dealers of ivory in Rukungiri District. Asasira has paid the ultimate price of conserving our wildlife resources. Investigations are underway and details will be given once all facts have been established. May his soul rest in peace,” UWA posted on its official facebook page on Saturday.
Edwin Atukunda, the Officer-in-Charge of Rukungiri Police Station says that
police are still gathering more information and will comment on the matter
later.
Asasira, a resident of Murwere village, Rubanda District was recently
transferred from Rushaga and Nkuringo in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to
Queen Elizabeth National Park.
