Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit

A multi-agency operation led by the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) culminated in the arrest of a suspect and the rescue of a live Black and White Colobus Monkey. Under Operation Alamosa, operatives successfully concluded an investigation into the illegal sale of the protected animal.

On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, the UWCU team traveled to Lira, central Uganda, posing as buyers to negotiate with a trafficker offering the live Black and White Colobus Monkey. The meeting took place on Thursday, June 13, at a lodge in Lira City, supported by colleagues from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Uganda Police Force (UPF). The female suspect was arrested after producing the monkey from a small bag.

The rescued animal, identified as a Black and White Colobus Monkey (Colobus Guereza), is a protected species in Uganda. Despite not being endangered, these monkeys are becoming increasingly scarce due to habitat loss and human-animal conflict. The young female monkey, less than a year old, was found dehydrated and hungry but in otherwise good condition. It was transported to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe for rehabilitation and assessment of its suitability for release.

The UWCU’s decisive action, based on intelligence, saved the monkey from further mistreatment. The suspect will face charges in the Special Wildlife Crime Court in the coming days.

Focused Conservation is proud to highlight the success of Operation Anaheim, a multi-agency operation led by the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU). This significant investigation culminated in the seizure of 50 kg of elephant ivory and the arrest of three suspects involved in wildlife trafficking.

Acting on intelligence that traffickers in western Uganda were actively selling ivory, operatives from the UWCU traveled to Kyegegwa. Disguised as potential buyers, the dedicated team spent 36 hours negotiating with the traffickers. Their patience and strategic approach paid off when three suspects arrived on motorcycles, carrying eight large pieces of ivory. When assembled, these pieces constituted three large tusks and two smaller tusks, a tragic reminder of the impact of illegal poaching on Africa’s majestic elephants.

The successful arrests and seizure were made possible with the invaluable assistance of the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Uganda Police Force. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of multi-agency cooperation in tackling wildlife crime.

Operation Anaheim is a testament to the commitment and expertise of the UWCU and its partners in combating wildlife trafficking. It represents a significant step forward in protecting Uganda’s wildlife and ensuring that those who engage in illegal poaching and trafficking are brought to justice.

Focused Conservation commends the UWCU, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and the Uganda Police Force for their relentless efforts in this successful operation.

A recent operation led by the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) successfully culminated in the arrest of two suspects involved in the unlawful ownership and attempted trafficking of a live Ground Pangolin in the Nakasese region of northwestern Uganda. This investigation was dubbed Operation Batesville.

On Saturday, May 25, 2024, UWCU operatives concluded a complex investigation into a wildlife trafficker offering a live Tree Pangolin for sale. Through a series of negotiations, the suspects arranged to meet with UWCU investigators posing as buyers. Upon confirming the presence of the animal, an arrest team consisting of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Uganda Police Force colleagues swiftly moved in to make the arrests and rescue the animal.

The rescued animal, a Tree Pangolin identified specifically as a White-Bellied Pangolin, was found concealed in a large cardboard box by the suspects. Expert handlers from UWA promptly treated the Pangolin, ensuring its well-being before releasing it at a secure and appropriate location. This operation marks a significant victory in the ongoing fight against wildlife trafficking, highlighting the effectiveness of multi-agency collaboration in protecting endangered species.

On May 16, 2024, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) conducted a successful law enforcement operation known as Operation Cordova, which led to the seizure and rescue of a live Ground Pangolin. During the operation in the Abim region of Uganda, UWCU operatives negotiated with a wildlife trafficker for the purchase of the pangolin, which was found concealed inside a backpack.

The collaborative team, comprising officers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Uganda Police Force, arrested the suspect and transported him to Kampala, where he will face charges. The rescued pangolin received immediate care from UWA experts and was subsequently released into the forest of a wildlife preserve. This operation highlights the ongoing efforts and dedication of Ugandan authorities to combat wildlife trafficking and protect wildlife species.

The Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) remains steadfast in its mission to combat illegal wildlife trafficking, with recent success in Operation Forster marking a significant victory. This multi-agency investigation saw UWCU operatives infiltrate a group of wildlife traffickers attempting to sell elephant ivory.

Pretending to be potential buyers, the UWCU team engaged with the traffickers near Fort Portal in Uganda and successfully purchased six large pieces of ivory that were hidden inside sacks of bananas. Upon examination, the cut pieces of ivory were revealed to be a pair of tusks from a single large African Forest elephant, weighing a total of 84 kgs.

The operation resulted in the swift arrest of three traffickers involved in the illicit trade. Subsequent investigation revealed that the elephant was killed within the confines of the Kibale Forest National Park, located in western Uganda.

Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its vast tropical forests, is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the critically endangered African Forest elephant, as listed by the IUCN Red List.

Investigators are now intensifying efforts to return to the crime scene to gather additional evidence, shedding light on the tragic consequences of senseless poaching.

This successful operation underscores the UWCU’s unwavering commitment to protecting Uganda’s precious wildlife.

In a daring and high-stakes operation called Operation Dromana, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) successfully rescued a live Ground pangolin from the clutches of traffickers near Soroti, Uganda. The operation, conducted in collaboration with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Uganda Police Force, resulted in the apprehension of four traffickers, including two prominent businessmen.

The traffickers, aware of the risks involved, employed sophisticated counter-surveillance measures in an attempt to evade detection. Despite their efforts, the investigative prowess of the UWCU team ultimately led to their arrest.

During the operation, the live pangolin was discovered dehydrated and injured inside a backpack, a victim of the illegal wildlife trade. Thanks to prompt action and medical treatment provided by wildlife authorities, the pangolin was nursed back to health and released back into its natural habitat.

This successful rescue operation underscores the critical role of dedicated wildlife protection units in combating wildlife crime and safeguarding vulnerable species like the Ground pangolin. The UWCU’s unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation continues to make a tangible difference in the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking in Uganda.

In Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) recently executed Operation Bungonia, a highly successful law enforcement initiative targeting wildlife traffickers. The operation centered on intercepting the trafficking of a live pangolin and pangolin skin, a testament to the ongoing efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade.

Three wildlife traffickers were apprehended during the operation. They had traveled to Moroto in northeast Uganda, where they met with UWCU investigators posing as potential buyers. The live pangolin, concealed in a metal box on the back of a motorcycle, was intercepted before it could be traded illegally.

Despite being dehydrated and sustaining minor injuries, the Ground pangolin received prompt medical attention from UWA rangers and was eventually released back into its natural habitat. This swift action by the wildlife crime unit not only saved the pangolin’s life but also prevented another protected species from falling victim to illegal trafficking.

Operation Bungonia underscores the dedication of UWCU and its partners in safeguarding Uganda’s wildlife heritage. Such proactive enforcement efforts are crucial in combating the illicit wildlife trade and ensuring the conservation of endangered species.

In a commendable effort led by the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU), Operation Chewton achieved a significant breakthrough in the fight against wildlife trafficking. Acting on intelligence, the multi-agency team, comprising members from the UWCU, Uganda Wildlife Authority, and Uganda Police Force, swiftly responded to the identified ivory trafficker in Kyambogo, near Kampala. Through coordinated efforts, the team successfully apprehended the suspect and seized a total of 24.1 kilograms of elephant ivory intended for illegal sale. This operation underscores the unwavering commitment of Uganda’s law enforcement agencies to combat wildlife crime and protect endangered species.

n a law enforcement operation on February 15, 2024, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) executed a successful takedown of a notorious wildlife trafficking ring, rescuing a live white-bellied pangolin from the clutches of traffickers. Undercover operatives, posing as buyers, orchestrated the rescue, leading to the arrest of four individuals involved in the illicit pangolin trade. The joint effort, spearheaded by officers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Uganda Police Force, marks a significant victory in the fight against wildlife crime.

The rescued pangolin, found severely dehydrated after being wrapped in a sack, is now under the care of experts from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Biodiversity Alliance. Intensive treatment is underway, with the ultimate goal of releasing the pangolin back into its natural habitat. Additionally, authorities seized a sack containing 7 kilograms of pangolin scales, further disrupting the illegal trade network and safeguarding these critically endangered creatures.

In Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) showcased their unwavering commitment to combatting wildlife crime with a daring operation named Bodalla. This multi-agency effort resulted in the apprehension of three wildlife traffickers who were caught red-handed attempting to sell two substantial ivory tusks weighing nearly 75 kilograms. However, the operation was not without its perils, as the arrest team faced fierce resistance from both the suspects and a hostile crowd of bystanders, highlighting the dangers Wildlife Crime Units confront in their daily efforts to protect endangered species. Despite sustaining injuries, the courageous UWCU operatives and law enforcement personnel successfully carried out the arrests, underscoring the dedication and bravery required in the fight against wildlife trafficking.