The territorial Police in Ssezibwa Region are holding four suspects including a UPDF officer over alleged illegal possession and dealing in forestry products.
The four suspects are held in custody at Lugazi Central Police Station in Lugazi Municipality, Buikwe district.
Fred Enanga, the Police spokesperson have reported that the suspects are scheduled to appear in court soon after the investigations into their case.
The four suspects include; Warrant Officer Ntumwisho Temteo, a 51 year old military driver and resident of Mbuya Army barracks, Serunja Jordan, a 23 year old, resident of Lugazi Kitenga, Serwadda Steven, a 20 year old, resident of Kayanja village in Mukono district and Kyomugisha Robina, a 38 year old, resident of Kinyoro zone in Lugazi Municipality.
Enanga said that the suspects were arrested on the July 31, 2023, while loading timber in Mabira forest, in a UPDF truck registration number H4DF 334.
“The truck was impounded and parked at Lugazi CPS together with the timber,” he said.
He added: “The illegal possession and dealing in forestry products, is a very serious offence and we are going to ensure strict action is taken against the suspects.
The operations are ongoing to help protect our biodiversity and preserve the livelihoods to those who are reliant on regulated forest resources.”