Buganda Road Grade One Magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu has ordered two UPDF officers who were convicted a week back of ivory trafficking, to pay a fine of Shs 2m each or serve two years in jail.
Major Allan Rutagira who is attached to CMI Mbuya army headquarters and his junior Corporal Collins Kamugisha from Entebbe Guard Brigade were convicted by the same court after prosecution proved they were found in illegal possession of 12 pieces of ivory estimated to cost Shs 120m.
The magistrate handed out the sentence on grounds that the army officers abused their duty of protecting the nation with all its resources.
“The offence against which the accused persons were convicted is on high increase in the country. Therefore the accused persons need a serious punishment to send a message to all other people intending to participate in such an act,” ruled the magistrate
The magistrate also ordered the 12 pieces of ivory which were exhibited in court to be handed over to the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
She however, declined to grant permission to the prosecution to auction Audi brand car registration number UAQ 100Q which is said to have been used by the convicts in moving the ivory.