On July 1, 2023, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) led a multi-agency operation that resulted in the arrest of 2 suspects and the seizure of a live Giant Pangolin near Mbale, Eastern Uganda. The traffickers met with operatives to sell the Giant pangolin who was tethered by a rope. After being cared for, the pangolin was later released at the Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve in East Uganda. After a short rest, the pangolin fed on a termite hill and then walked away into the bush.