Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit

In a major breakthrough for wildlife conservation, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) spearheaded a significant multi-agency law enforcement operation that successfully culminated in the seizure of a white rhino horn weighing approximately 1.25 kilograms in Kampala. The operation not only resulted in the confiscation of the illicit horn but also led to the apprehension of three traffickers who had conspired to sell the rhino horn to the UWCU team. Among those arrested were two South Sudanese males and one Ugandan female. Investigations indicated that the rhino horn had been smuggled into Uganda from South Sudan, highlighting the cross-border nature of the illegal wildlife trade.

This operation, aptly named Operation Adelong, underscores the tireless efforts of the UWCU and its multi-agency partners in combating wildlife crimes. The arrest of individuals involved in the trafficking of a white rhino horn sends a clear message that illegal activities threatening endangered species will not be tolerated. The collaborative approach showcased in this operation reflects the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protect Uganda’s rich biodiversity and preserve the iconic white rhino population.

In a determined effort to combat illegal wildlife trafficking, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) orchestrated Operation Freshwater, a multi-agency law enforcement initiative that led to the apprehension of three suspects attempting to sell elephant ivory. The operation reached its climax in Kanungu, where the UWCU team, after engaging in negotiations with the traffickers, successfully intercepted the illegal sale of elephant ivory, transported to the scene by motorcycle. However, the significance of this operation extends beyond the arrests, as one of the detainees includes a government official, shedding light on the troubling involvement of individuals in positions of authority in the illicit wildlife trade.

The aftermath of the arrests took an unexpected turn as the UWCU team faced threats, necessitating their secure relocation to a protected location. This unsettling development underscores the challenges faced by those on the front lines of wildlife conservation, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to address corruption within the illegal wildlife trade in Uganda.

In a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU), Operation Hatfield has once again demonstrated its effectiveness by successfully apprehending two individuals attempting to sell 15.5 kilograms of elephant ivory. The UWCU team engaged with the traffickers near Kawempe, skillfully negotiating a resolution that culminated in the arrest of the suspects. While the quantity seized may be modest, the significance lies in the capture of one individual, a broker who had managed to evade arrest in previous investigations.

This operation stands as a testament to the dedication and proficiency of the UWCU team, showcasing their ability to swiftly respond to wildlife crimes. By intercepting and disrupting the illegal trade in elephant ivory, Operation Hatfield not only safeguards the majestic species but also upholds the integrity of previous investigations.

The Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) led an operation in Lungujja called Operation Goole where a group of 5 suspects were offering elephant ivory for sale. After a brief coverrt meeting, the arrest team mobilized however 2 males fought the officers and escaped. Three suspects were arrested and 17 kgs of ivory was seized from the traffickers.

A significant multi-agency operation led by the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) dubbed Operation Dawlish resulted in the seizure of a live White-bellied pangolin, along with 10 kgs. of pangolin scales from the residence of a prominent subject living in Kampala. Two subjects were arrested for attempting to sell the pangolin to the covert officers.

The Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) continued to arrest wildlife traffickers operating in Uganda by leading a multi-agency operation called Operation Ampthill. This operation was the third in 2 days, resulting in another seiure of elephant ivory (12 kgs) in addition to 15 kgs. of pangolin scales. Two more traffickers were arrested by the Unit.

A multi-agency operation, led by the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU), resulted in the arrest of 2 suspects who attempted to sell 30 kilos of elephant ivory. One of the suspects had been previously arrested by the UWCU in 2021 in Operation Brazil.

Operation Mario, led by the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit, resulted in the arrest of 3 suspects and seizure of 60 kilos of cut elephant ivory tusks. The ivory being offered for sale was hidden in bags of potatoes in the Kisoro region of Uganda.

The Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) successfully executed Operation Dotham, resulting in the arrest of a wildlife trafficker and seizure of approximately 58.45 kilos of pangolin scales near Hoima in Uganda.

The Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) successfully executed Operation Culman, resulting in the arrest of 3 suspects who were attempting to sell 45 kgs. of elephant ivory.