Micheal Mwotil, the father of 13 year old Joshua Emmanuel Sukuku, who was tragically killed by UWA game rangers last Friday has voiced his deep discontent over the circumstances of his son’s death, which he believes lacks any justifiable reason.
According to Michael, Joshua had ventured into the permitted firewood collection area within Mt. Elgon National Park and was not engaging in any illegal activities like grazing animals at the time. He recounts that Joshua encountered the UWA rangers who appeared to be in pursuit of someone else.
Seeking shelter from the rain, Joshua briefly took cover and upon emerging, he was fatally shot without warning. Furthermore, Joshua’s brother Isaac sustained injuries during the incident and is currently under medical care while Joshua’s body is being held at Bukwo mortuary.
Micheal is now calling upon the government to intervene and ensure the agreed upon regulations concerning activities like firewood collection in the forest are upheld emphasizing the importance of avoiding such tragic outcomes involving innocent individuals.
Samuel Amanya, the Chief Warden at Mt. Elgon National Park, confirmed the incident, saying investigations are ongoing. For over a decade, the community living next to the national park has always conflicted with UWA following the boundary conflicts, which has resulted into killings and displacements.
