Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit

In a powerful example of international cooperation, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) led a successful multi-agency operation that resulted in the arrest of two Sudanese traffickers attempting to sell a live pangolin. This groundbreaking operation, dubbed Operation Dunn, was made possible through unprecedented collaboration between Ugandan authorities and their counterparts in South Sudan. The […]

In August 2024, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) led a successful multi-agency operation, codenamed Operation Teddington, that culminated in the arrest of two wildlife traffickers involved in the illegal ivory trade. The operation unfolded throughout the month, showcasing the dedication and expertise of the UWCU team and their commitment to disrupting wildlife crime networks.

On July 25, 2024, a strategic multi-agency operation called Operation Yazoo, driven by the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU), culminated in the arrest of a suspect found in possession of 60 kilograms of elephant ivory in Rukungiri, southwestern Uganda. The operation began when intelligence gathered by the UWCU indicated that there was an imminent movement

In a significant victory for wildlife conservation, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) led a successful multi-agency operation in Kampala, resulting in the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of 22 kilograms of elephant ivory. The operation, dubbed Operation Biloxi, was a coordinated effort involving UWCU operatives, the Uganda police force, and a contingent

In a significant victory for wildlife conservation, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) successfully carried out Operation Hazard, leading to the rescue of a pangolin and the arrest of two suspects involved in trafficking the protected animal. On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, following a tip-off, UWCU operatives were deployed to the Iganga District of Uganda,

In a commendable display of coordination and commitment to wildlife conservation, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) led a successful multi-agency operation known as Operation Harlan. This effort culminated in the rescue of a tree pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) and the arrest of an individual involved in the attempted trafficking of the protected animal. The tree

On Thursday, July 4th, 2024, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) successfully led a multi-agency operation known as Operation Ames, resulting in the arrest of two suspects involved in the illegal trade of elephant ivory.

Acting on intelligence developed over several days, UWCU operatives deployed to the Wakiso District, posing as potential buyers to engage with the suspects. The suspects, who agreed to supply a quantity of ivory believed to be sourced from the Gulu Region in Northern Uganda.

During the negotiations, the ivory was verified at a business premises. Upon confirmation, the UWCU operatives initiated the arrest phase. The location was swiftly surrounded by a support team consisting of colleagues from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Uganda Police Force (UPF), ensuring a successful and safe operation.

The suspects and the 11.4 kilograms of ivory were transported to Kira Police Station in Kampala, where the ivory was examined by a UWA expert.

Operation Ames highlights the UWCU’s ability to react swiftly and decisively to intelligence, demonstrating the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in combating wildlife trafficking.

On Monday, July 1st, 2024, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU), in collaboration with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Uganda Police Force (UPF), executed a high-risk, multi-agency operation known as Operation Delray. This operation led to the arrest of two suspects involved in the illegal trade of 30.65 kilograms of elephant ivory.

Acting on intelligence developed over several days, UWCU operatives, posing as potential buyers, engaged with two suspects in Kampala. The traffickers, who appeared cautious and were believed to be members of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). The operatives managed the situation with contingency measures to ensure their safety.

The operatives were taken to a hotel near a major UPDF barracks, where the ivory was verified and weighed after nearly two hours. While traveling to the agreed location for the money exchange, the traffickers suddenly stopped at a petrol station and insisted on completing the transaction there. The UWCU operative quickly called in the arresting officers, and the location was surrounded by a support team. One suspect was arrested on the spot, while the other attempted to escape by scaling a barbed wire fence and jumping onto a nearby roof. He was eventually detained by the arrest team, assisted by brave members of the public.

The suspects and the ivory were transported to a local police station. During the crime scene examination, a Jericho SLP pistol and a magazine containing 14 rounds was recovered. The suspects were confirmed as UPDF soldiers attached to the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JAT). One 9mm round was initially missing from the recovered magazine but was later found during a thorough search.

The ivory, consisting of four pieces, was examined by a UWA expert, who concluded it likely came from the same elephant. The suspects remain in custody at a Kampala police station, with one already pleading guilty as the main offender.

Operation Delray underscores the UWCU’s ability to react decisively to intelligence and conduct successful, challenging, and safe operations in collaboration with partner law enforcement agencies.

On Thursday, June 27, 2024, a successful multi-agency operation, known as Operation Goshen, led by the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU), culminated in the arrest of a suspect involved in the illegal trade of elephant ivory. The operation resulted in the seizure of 24.6 kilograms of ivory, marking a significant victory in the fight against wildlife trafficking.

Acting on real-time intelligence, operatives from the UWCU, stationed in Kampala, swiftly responded to a tip indicating a male attempting to sell a quantity of ivory. Posing as potential buyers, the operatives engaged the suspect, who supplied 12 cut pieces of ivory at a hotel rendezvous. The location was promptly surrounded by a support team consisting of colleagues from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Uganda Police Force (UPF), leading to the successful arrest of the suspect.

The seized ivory, meticulously examined by a UWA expert, revealed that it originated from at least six different elephants. Although considered a modest seizure, this finding underscores the severe impact of poaching on wildlife populations.

This operational conclusion once again demonstrates the UWCU’s ability, in collaboration with partner law enforcement agencies, to react decisively to intelligence and mount a successful, swift, and safe operation.

Operation Bartow reflects a successful multi-agency operation led by the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) that culminated in the arrest of two suspects who unlawfully supplied a live Ground Pangolin.

On Thursday, June 20, 2024, operatives attached to the UWCU concluded an investigation into a group of traffickers offering a live Pangolin for sale. The team traveled to Soroti, central Uganda, posing as potential buyers to meet with the traffickers. Upon confirming the presence of the animal, an arrest team, including colleagues from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Uganda Police Force (UPF), moved in to make the arrests and seize the animal. Additionally, a motorcycle used to transport the suspects and the Pangolin was confiscated.

The rescued animal is an adult male Ground Pangolin, found in a backpack with significant injuries to its head and body inflicted by the traffickers. The SWCU team administered emergency first aid, and the Pangolin, now mobile, is currently en route to Kampala for further treatment by UWA veterinary experts.

The UWCU’s prompt response to intelligence has once again highlighted their capability to rescue live animals and apprehend those who exploit wildlife for personal gain. This swift action undoubtedly saved the Pangolin from further mistreatment.

The suspects are in custody in Soroti, pending the completion of the investigation. They will be transferred to Kampala Central Police Station and will appear before the Special Wildlife Crime Court in Kampala.