UGANDA WILDLIFE
CRIME UNIT
The establishment of the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) in 2018 by Focused Conservation in collaboration with the Uganda Wildlife Authority has made significant strides in addressing wildlife trafficking issues in Uganda.
The UWCU serves as a specialized unit dedicated to combatting wildlife crime and dismantling trafficking networks within the country.
Since its establishment, the UWCU has conducted over 665 law enforcement operations, reflecting the unit’s active efforts in combating wildlife trafficking. These operations have resulted in the arrest of nearly 300 wildlife traffickers, highlighting the unit’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws and bringing offenders to justice.
Furthermore, the UWCU has been successful in seizing various protected species of wildlife. These seizures have included items such as elephant ivory, pangolin scales, eggs, and hippo teeth. These confiscations underscore the unit’s effectiveness in intercepting and preventing the illegal trade of endangered species and their derivatives.
By collaborating with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Focused Conservation aims to strengthen law enforcement capacity, enhance investigations, and support the prosecution of wildlife traffickers in Uganda. The UWCU likely works closely with other government agencies, conservation organizations, and international partners to gather intelligence, conduct operations, and ensure the protection of Uganda’s wildlife heritage
Latest News
Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit’s Operation Adelong: Arrests Made in Seizure of White Rhino Horn
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
Operation Freshwater: UWCU Strikes Against Ivory Traffickers Reveals Corruption in Uganda’s Wildlife Trade
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
Operation Hatfield Triumph: UWCU’s Swift Action Leads to Arrest of Elephant Ivory Traffickers
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
Uganda continues to arrest ivory traffickers
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
Op Dawlish rescues live Pangolin from 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
Third successful operation in 2 days by Uganda Wildlife Task Force
The Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) continued to arrest wildlife traffickers operating in Uganda by leading a multi-agency operation called Operation Ampthill. This
Two arrested in Uganda, including repeat trafficker
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
Operation Marion – Uganda seizes 60 kilos of ivory
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
Pangolin scales seized in 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
3 Arrested in Uganda – 45 kgs. of ivory seized
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
Multi-agency Operation results in arrest of trafficker with pangolin scales
On September 18, 2023, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) working in a multi-agency operation called Operation Clanton, arrested one suspect who was attempting to
4 live Pangolins rescued in Operation Casio – Uganda
The Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) successfully rescued 4 live Tree pangolins near Bundibugyo, Uganda. Two suspects were arrested for attempting to sell the