Chinese Embassy in Uganda denies reports that its diplomats were involved in illegal ivory trade

By Watchdog reporter

The Chinese Embassy in Uganda has denied media reports that its diplomats deal in illegal ivory trade.

According to the statement dated 1 June, 2017, the embassy alleges that the reports stated that officials from Uganda Wildlife Authority were suspected of colluding with two diplomats from the Chinese Embassy in Uganda to export ivory from the DR Congo, Central African Republic and South Sudan.

“The Chinese Embassy in Uganda has noticed that some Ugandan media reported on 31^st May that officials of Uganda Wildlife Authority were suspected of colluding with two diplomats from the Chinese Embassy in Uganda to export ivory from the DR Congo, Central African Republic and South Sudan,” statement partly read.

However, the Embassy terms the reports as groundless citing that none of its diplomats has ever been involved in any kind of ivory trade.

“As a signatory to the convention on International Trade in Endangered species of wild fauna and flora, China has been exercising strict control over import and export as well as domestic trade in ivory , since February 2015, the Chinese side has successfully ceased the import of ivory sculptures, ivory souvenirs for hunting and ivory products made before the signing of the convention , demonstrating China’s responsible attitude in protecting elephants,”

Recently President Yoweri Museveni wrote a letter ordering the Inspector General of Government (IGG) to probe UWA over numerous numerous crimes related to corruption, bribery and illicit trade, pointing out the wildlife conservation body boss for specific investigation on a number of things.

The president also accuses UWA officials of collaborating with Chinese diplomats in the Chinese embassy of exporting ivory from DR Congo, CAR and South Sudan. The diplomats mentioned are Li Wejin and Yinzhi.

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