June 21, 2025 | Anaka, Uganda
On June 21, 2025, officers from the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU), with support from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) at Murchison Falls National Park, carried out a successful enforcement operation in Anaka, located in the Nwoya District of Northern Uganda. The operation targeted an individual suspected of illegally trading in one of the world’s most trafficked mammals—the pangolin.
The operation was launched following credible intelligence that a live pangolin was being offered for sale in the area. An operation plan was immediately developed in coordination with UWA personnel and executed by UWCU officers.
Upon initiating contact with the suspect, the team was informed that the pangolin had died before the transaction could be completed. The trafficker then attempted to sell the pangolin’s skin with scales still intact, along with its meat, to the UWCU officer posing as a buyer.
Recognizing the risk that the suspect might attempt to capture and sell another live pangolin, the UWCU swiftly deployed to the Anaka area to intervene. After successfully negotiating with the suspect, the team made the arrest and seized the pangolin skin and bushmeat, preventing further exploitation of this protected species.
Pangolins, often referred to as “scaly anteaters,” are critically endangered and are protected under both Ugandan law and international conventions. All eight pangolin species are listed on Appendix I of CITES, banning their commercial trade. In Uganda, pangolins are targeted for their meat and highly valued scales, which are falsely believed to have medicinal properties. Despite growing awareness, Uganda remains a source and transit point in the illegal pangolin trade across Africa and Asia.
Pangolins play an important role in their ecosystems by controlling insect populations, and their continued exploitation poses a serious conservation threat. Focused Conservation commends the professionalism and dedication of the UWCU and UWA teams for their swift action in this case.
Through the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, park authorities, and conservation NGOs, critical steps continue to be taken to disrupt wildlife trafficking networks and safeguard Uganda’s natural heritage.
