Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit

June 16, 2025 | Uganda In a decisive move against illegal wildlife trade, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) successfully carried out Operation Fortune on June 16, 2025—an intelligence-led investigation targeting a suspected ivory trafficking network operating within the country. The operation, initiated after intelligence gathering, focused on individuals believed to be active in the […]

Kampala, Uganda | May 24, 2025 — A coordinated law enforcement operation near Uganda’s capital city has resulted in the arrest of a ranking officer from a government agency found trafficking elephant ivory. The operation, a joint effort by Focused Conservation and the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU), highlights both the persistence of wildlife trafficking

Kampala, Uganda | May 21, 2025 — A covert law enforcement operation led by the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) has resulted in the arrest of two suspected wildlife traffickers and the seizure of illegal elephant ivory in Kampala. Dubbed Operation Eros, the investigation was launched after UWCU received actionable intelligence indicating that traffickers were

At Focused Conservation, supporting and strengthening the wildlife crime units such as the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) remains at the core of our mission. These dedicated officers work tirelessly to combat wildlife trafficking across the country, often operating in high-risk, unpredictable environments. Their courage is unmatched—but even the best need tools and training to

March 26, 2025 – In a major victory against wildlife trafficking, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) successfully intercepted and seized 41.7 kilograms of elephant ivory during a covert operation on March 26, 2025. Dubbed Operation Coach, the intelligence-led operation resulted in the arrest of four suspected traffickers and the recovery of two full tusks,

On March 19, 2025, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) led a multi-agency law enforcement operation in Kampala following intelligence that a resident of Kanungu, Western Uganda, was attempting to sell elephant ivory in the capital. Dubbed Operation Chair, the investigation culminated in the successful interception of the trafficker at a bus station in Kampala.

Gulu, Uganda – January 28, 2025 A covert multi-agency operation led by the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) has resulted in the rescue of a live pangolin, the arrest of a wildlife trafficker, and the seizure of a motorbike used in the illegal trade. UWCU received intelligence that a ground pangolin was being offered for

Masindi, Uganda – January 27, 2025 A critical multi-agency wildlife rescue operation, Operation Attitude, led by the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) in collaboration with Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP) investigators, successfully resulted in the seizure of two live pangolins—a mother and her pup—and the arrest of two suspects involved in illegal wildlife trafficking. UWCU