Animal Rights Group Calls for Tougher Enforcement, Responsible Pet Ownership

What the report says

Nile Post reports that the Mityana Chief Magistrate’s Court has pushed a closely watched animal cruelty case involving Owen Godfrey Membe to September 16, 2026, while prosecutors continue examining forensic material. The case concerns allegations of animal cruelty and claims that an online animal shelter was used to solicit donations by exploiting public concern for animals. Membe was arrested in Mityana District on May 10, 2026, following a warrant under Criminal Case No. MIT: 328 of 2025, and was later granted bail on May 28 after about three weeks on remand.

According to the report, the complaint was brought jointly by the Animal Justice Centre, Animal Welfare Alliance Uganda, the Uganda Veterinary Council and We Won’t Be Scammed. Meg Jaquay of Animal Welfare Alliance Uganda said prosecutors and law enforcement are still reviewing evidence, and that any further charges would depend on what that review supports. The matter returned before Chief Magistrate Amon Mugezi before being adjourned to allow more preparation by the prosecution.

Animal welfare advocates used the case to call for stronger enforcement of Uganda’s animal protection laws, more responsible pet ownership and closer checks on online fundraising for animal shelters. They urged donors, including international supporters, to verify organisations before contributing money online.

The article also cited Faye Thomas of Animal Welfare Alliance Uganda and the Uganda Animal Welfare Coalition, who defended sterilisation as a humane way to manage dog and cat populations. Nile Post further reported her reference to Uganda’s 2022 ban on strychnine poisoning of dogs, presented as part of a shift toward more humane animal population control. The case is expected back in court on September 16, 2026.