European Firm Plans Illegal Hunting



New Vision (Kampala)

December 9, 2004



Gerald Tenywa

Kampala



A European private firm is organising illegal hunting expeditions in Uganda's protected wildlife areas, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has said.



UWA said Uganda Savannah Hunting Safaris has booked out next year to international hunters, in some reserves that house the world's rare and endangered animals.



Christian Weth is the director and Anette Dreibhalz is the country representative of the company, whose operating name is Uganda Wildlife Safaris.



A statement issued by UWA spokesperson Lillian Nsubuga on Monday warned the intending hunters.



The hunter's publication on the internet showed that Uganda savannah hunting charges ranged between $750 (sh1.3m) and $1200 (sh2m).



Nsubuga said the firm was targeting Kyambura, Toro, Semliki, Acholi and East Madi game reserves, and Kidepo Valley West game-controlled area.



Others include Ssese islands comprising kalangala district on Lake Victoria, where the rare antelope species, the sitatunga, lives.



UWA chief Dr. Arthur Mugisha said, "We have never issued a hunting licence to the company." He said the only legal hunting activity was on the ranches outside Lake Mburo National Park, under a pilot programme.



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This is all I could find on the internet:



Sportsmen on Film



Uganda Wildlife Authority



Jagdkontor

BTW when are Uganda gonna make up their minds and start issuing permits?!? Once or twice a year, we hear that a new 'pilot scheme' is coming out and the future is bright for hunting in Uganda, then nothing...
There, I've said my piece.

Thanks Tcarr,

I just informed Jagdkontor. We have to wait for their answer.
I think it's stinking but it's fair to ask them prior to beat them up.
JB

I have had a couple of emails with Ken Wilson. It seems that they are only offering hunting on the ranches around Lake Mburo at this time. Chris Weth has previously been in contact with the Ugandan Wildlife Authority and has been granted several new concessions to hunt. They expect the permits to issued in a couple of months. Chris Weth has left Germany to set up his full time office in Uganda.



If this all works out as Ken has stated, we could see hunting in Uganda this season.



Great news if it all comes together.



Regards,



Terry