By Kerry Howard Mwesigwa.
The High Court in Kampala has ordered a retrial of Bob Kabongo, a Congolese national who was previously convicted of illegally importing 122 African grey parrots into Uganda. On May 12, the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court Chief Magistrate Her Worship Gladys Kamasanyu sentenced Bob Mbaya Kabongo to a seven year jail term for smuggling 122 African grey parrots into the country from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Bob Kabongo had pleaded guilty to the charges before being sentenced after entering into a plea bargain deal. However, in February 2023, he filed an application in the Criminal Division of the High Court, seeking a review of the case arguing that he did not fully comprehend the consequences of the sentence imposed.
African grey parrots, also known as Congo grey parrots, play a critical role in forest ecosystems. They contribute to the propagation of forests by aiding in seed dispersal, as they ingest seeds and excrete them in their guano (fertilizer containing the accumulated excrement of most especially birds), facilitating the growth of new areas within forests.
Following a retrial ordered by Justice Micheal Elubu, the Buganda road based wildlife court Chief Magistrate has now set June 7th 2023 for the re-trial of the case.
Prosecution’s asserts that Kabongo illegally imported the parrots on April 14, 2022, in Kibalya village, Bunagana town council, Kisoro district, without proper authorization. The Uganda Wildlife Act 2019, stipulates severe penalties for the offenses relating to wildlife specimen smuggling, including life imprisonment or a fine of up to UGX 200 million or both.
