Seven arrested for burning bee hives in Mt. Elgon national park

Mbale, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Seven people accused of burning beehives in Mt. Elgon National Park are in custody at Mbale Central police station.

The suspects are Charles Matasanga also known as ranger, Michael Natsambwa, Amon Manyali, Julius Nakhwashe, Rashid Majeme, Yefsa Matsanga and Richard Kamana, all residents of Nalwanza Sub County in Bududa district.

The suspects reportedly torched more than 20 beehives belonging to 74-year-Lawrence Wetala who had set up the hives in the forest last year with permission from Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Rogers Taitika, the Elgon Region Spokesperson, says that the suspects will appear before the Utilities, Wildlife and Standards court in Kampala on charges of malicious damage.  He, however, said that they are hunting for more suspects, who are still on the run.

Peter Nangoli, a resident of Nalwanza has asked police to prosecute the suspects, saying they have been fueling crime in the sub-county.

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